I can’t think of anyone to call when I’m sick.
When Jiyeon can’t stop coughing on the subway to work, she suddenly wonders who she could contact.
When Jiyeon can’t stop coughing on the subway to work, she tries to think of someone she could contact if she got sick, but in the counseling room, she can’t bring herself to say that person’s name.
As Jiyeon keeps coughing on her way to work, she thinks of someone she could call when she’s sick. She opens her contacts, but closes the screen without choosing a name. In the counseling room, Dalbit stays with her where her words trail off. Instead of saying the name, Jiyeon talks about their last conversation, but she can’t quite get all the words out.
When there’s no one to call when you’re sick
Who comes to mind when you’re sick can offer a clue to the relationships around you right now.
Who comes to mind first when you’re sick, and what do you think of saying?
That moment when you scrolled through your contacts, unsure who to think of, can linger with you even today. Choosing someone to call when you’re sick can bring up things you and that person still haven’t said to each other. If you’re carrying a similar moment, you can share that story here, too.
Scenes
- 01 · I can’t stop coughing I can’t stop coughing — When Jiyeon can’t stop coughing on the subway to work, she stands by the door and hunches slightly.
- 02 · Looking for a name Who should I call? — Jiyeon opens her contacts, trying to think of someone she could call when she’s sick. She scans the screen but can’t bring herself to tap a name.
- 03 · Dark screen I turned off the screen — Jiyeon says she turned off the screen after she couldn’t choose a name from her contacts. Jiyeon: I just turned off the screen. Dalbit: You paused for a long time in front of those names. What was the first scene that came to mind?
- 04 · Words left unsaid After those words — As Jiyeon thinks of someone to lean on when she’s sick, she recalls something from their last conversation. The next words stop at her lips. Jiyeon: Last time I told my friend I was sick, they said, “Then take the day off.” But I can’t remember what they said after that… Dalbit: There were words that stayed with you after that. Does anything else come to mind around that moment?
Stories by Dalbit
- Dalbit
- I go to ask for a favor, then swallow my words in the elevator
- It’s a day off, but evening comes and I haven’t done a thing.
- Even after the interview, I can’t find the words with Mom.
- My partner’s judgment follows me into lunch
- On payday, it feels like I got less than my fair share.
- When dinner with my coworkers ends, I think of the path my parents chose for me.
- When I close the door after work, I can’t think of anyone to reach out to.
- When a notification comes in, my shoulders tense up first.