Embrace Your Vulnerability

     To ensure confidentiality, the name of the person in the real-life story.

     A recalls that the second time he came close to death was when he drowned at the age of five. He could already swim 50 meters in the breaststroke, and the drowning was simply a result of an angry jump into the water and forgetting to take off his swimming ring. Strangely enough, his fear of water didn't grow after that, nor did he have nightmares about drowning, but he did have a lifelong desire to struggle desperately for breath without being able to call for help. Whenever A wanted to give up on himself, he remembered that feeling and pulled himself together. After that, B would hire the most expensive coach for A every summer vacation so that he could take swimming lessons almost every day. B also accompanied A to the pool, swimming alongside him and shouting cautions, helping him become proficient in all three strokes.

     After ensuring A had learned how to swim, B took A to the beach to try surfing, despite A still being in elementary school and family members disagreeing. B reassured A, holding him tight while ensuring he had fun and stayed safe. Afterward, A traveled to new places to surf on his own, though B would watch from afar as A faced the waves independently. A struggled at first but eventually overcame his fear of water, climbing back onto the surfboard after falling into the sea. On the way home, B silently praised A’s courage.

     One rainy night, A, still learning to ride a bike, heard a motorcycle approaching and was terrified. The fear of death caused A to break down, declaring he would never ride again, but B simply kept riding ahead, urging A to keep up or be left behind. This painful incident left A with a psychological shadow, but it also taught him not to give up when facing difficulties in life. Later, A rode a bike alone through a city village and once again encountered a speeding motorcycle. This time, A realized that B would no longer be there, but he faced his fear and reached his destination safely.

     B also helped A develop his thinking skills, frequently taking A to movies and discussing the profound meanings late into the night. Though B made some painful mistakes, like forcing A to study chess instead of Go, A later realized that these experiences, both good and bad, helped him grow.

     These real-life stories remind us that everyone has hidden wounds. It’s essential to reduce prejudice, be more encouraging, and allow people to find a better tomorrow.