The Golden Subway

Once upon a time in the bustling city of Daegu, where the sun glittered off the glass buildings and the laughter of children echoed in the streets, lived a boy named Ew Ew. He was not just any fifteen-year-old; he was a dreamer, a boy known for his kindness, and a firm believer in the magic hidden within the ordinary. The city was alive with stories, and Ew Ew longed to discover them all.

However, on a gloomy afternoon, the vibe of the city shifted. Ew Ew overheard a conversation among the taxi drivers in his neighborhood. A popular taxi driver named Kim Daehan had recently faced a terrible misfortune; he could no longer drive due to an accident. Overwhelmed by despair, he planned to set fire to a subway station, a place bustling with weary travelers, due to his shattered hopes.

Ew Ew was startled. The subway was a lifeline for many in the city, including his sister, Yuna, who traveled to work every day. "This can’t happen," he thought, his heart racing. He felt an urgent need to prevent Daehan from making a choice that could hurt so many.

Running through the city, desperate to reach the subway before tragedy struck, Ew Ew encountered an array of vibrant characters. First, he met Mrs. Hanjin, an elderly woman who sold delicious, golden-brown pastries from her small stand. “Oh dear! You look worried, young one. What is troubling your heart?” she asked, noticing his frantic pace.

“Mrs. Hanjin, I need to stop a man from hurting himself and others. He’s planning something terrible at the subway!” Ew Ew pleaded.

“Remember, every person carries their own burden, child. Speak to him with kindness, and you may help him find another way,” she advised, handing him a pastry for strength.

Ew Ew continued on, thankful for her words. He hurried towards the subway station, where the air was thick with the anticipation of commuters returning home. As he reached the entrance, he spotted Kim Daehan, clutching containers of gas and looking lost among the crowd.

“Mr. Daehan!” Ew Ew called out, but the man didn’t turn. With determination, he approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Please, don’t do this. There must be another way.”

Daehan stopped and turned, his eyes filled with despair. “You don’t understand! My life is over. I’ve lost everything!” His voice trembled, echoing down the tiled walls of the station.

Ew Ew took a deep breath, recalling Mrs. Hanjin’s wisdom. “Your life isn’t over, sir. It’s just a new chapter. Let me show you the stories that are waiting to be written. You have so much to offer!”

At that moment, the crowds moved, and the overhead lights flickered. Commuters hummed nervously, some glancing back at the unfolding scene. Yuna stood at the edge, her expression a mix of concern and confusion.

Close by, Ew Ew noticed the flickers of a message board, shining bright against the dimness of the subway. Letters danced across the screen, sharing moments of people’s lives: “Just arrived at the station! Can’t wait to see you!” and “I miss you guys! Stay safe!” It was a picture of hope nestled among the chaos.

“Look at all these messages, Mr. Daehan!” Ew Ew exclaimed, pointing. “Each of them tells a story filled with love and dreams. What about your story? Don’t you want to write it differently?”

As Daehan listened, the flames of despair in his eyes began to flicker. The weight of the gas containers felt heavier, while the weight of hope seemed lighter. A decision hung in the balance, and Ew Ew could feel it.

Just then, the subway’s intercom crackled, and a panicked voice echoed through the tunnels. “Emergency! There’s a fire at the Central Line! Evacuate immediately!”

The ambiance suddenly shifted into chaos. Commuters rushed toward the exits, and panic etched faces of fear. Ew Ew and Daehan shared a glance—they knew they had to act.

“Let’s evacuate everyone safely!” Ew Ew shouted, his heart pounding. With newfound determination, Daehan set the gas containers aside and joined Ew Ew, guiding people out of the station.

“Follow us, quickly!” they shouted, leading the way through the confusion. They helped carry the elderly and offered a hand to others stumbling in fear. Yuna spotted her brother and joined them, her heart swelling with pride.

As they led the last group of people out of the subway, they heard the sirens wailing in the distance. The fire was safely contained, and everyone was safe, thanks to their bravery and quick thinking. Daehan, exhausted yet relieved, looked at Ew Ew, tears glistening in his eyes.

“Thank you, my boy. You saved us,” he said, his voice breaking.

Ew Ew smiled with hope shining through. “You saved us, too. Together, we can write a new story worth telling.”

And so, the magic of the city enveloped them all, weaving tales of courage and friendship through the streets of Daegu. From that day on, even when the sun set, the warmth from the friendships formed turned the city’s heart bright, reminding everyone that within each dark moment lies an opportunity to rise and create anew.