I looked at an old photo again
When I opened an old photo again, a question I’d never asked appeared on the screen. What happens next if I don’t answer it?
After Jiwoo looks at an old photo again, a message asking about their routine arrives. In the counseling room, Suho helps Jiwoo consider how much of that question to answer instead of drafting a reply.
Jiwoo looks again at a group photo on their phone, taken with someone they used to work with. Soon, that person messages to ask what time Jiwoo usually gets off work. When Jiwoo doesn’t reply, they follow up, asking to meet briefly on the way home. In the counseling room, Jiwoo opens the photo again, and Suho helps separate the question in the message from the memories in the picture. Jiwoo hasn’t decided what to say yet, and what the question stirred up remains.
When they keep asking about your life
When questions about your routine keep coming, you can first consider how far they reach before choosing whether to answer.
When someone asks about your routine, what kind of question makes you pause before answering?
Jiwoo didn’t answer the question about what time they get off work, but the conversation went as far as a suggestion to meet. That moment lingers. The more someone asks about your day-to-day life, the more I’m reminded that it’s up to the person being asked how much to share. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on a similar question, you’re welcome to tell me what first came to mind.
Scenes
- 01 · The night Jiwoo looked at the photo again Opening the old photo again — Around ten that night, Jiwoo looks again at a photo on their phone with former coworkers.
- 02 · Asked what time they get off work Asked what time they get off work — Just after Jiwoo looks at the photo again, a former coworker messages to ask what time they get off work. Former coworker: What time do you usually get off work these days?
- 03 · The questions keep coming Then comes a message asking to meet — When Jiwoo doesn’t reply, the coworker messages again, asking to meet briefly on the way home. Former coworker: Want to meet for a bit on your way home?
- 04 · Looking at where the questions lead A question left unanswered — The next day in the counseling room, Jiwoo shows Suho the messages asking what time they get off work and suggesting they meet. Suho: Jiwoo, the question moved from what time you get off work to meeting up. Which words on the screen are catching you most right now? Jiwoo: If I tell him when I get off work, I’m afraid he’ll be waiting for me next time.
Stories by Suho
- Suho
- I open the group chat I want to leave, even at the café
- The Night After the Rumor Spread, Waiting for a Reply
- I filed a report, but I don’t know what to keep track of after I shower.
- Whenever tastes come up, I feel like I’m the one who’s wrong.
- I’m out for a walk when someone I don’t know starts a video call.
- On the way to work, I wonder who to tell.
- A gift comes every payday
- Someone I’d seen online was standing outside my home.