theGirI

War, it is a painful subject for me. I did not cry, yet this story twisted my heart. The Horizon, written by Jeong Ji-hoon, masterfully depicts the emotional toll of war and conflict. Each chapter took me by surprise, shattering me into a hundred pieces, only to rebuild me in a new shape. The story follows 2 children, a boy and a girl, who became friends in the midst of an almost apocalyptic warzone. The story building revolves around a collection of simple dialogue, yet I found lots of meaningful discussion behind the minimalistic words. While it is short, I conclude that it is worth reading.

I saw most of the author's message from the boy's thoughts in the last chapter. Life is unfair. Humans are always in conflict, not just in war but also in simpler arguments among friends and family. Humans all die in the end, they will cease to exist; so what is the point in being born at all? Why experience such hardship for nothing?

The answer---or my interpretation to it, is simply "Love". The happiness that humans experience when they are with their loved ones. Despite all the bloodshed throughout humanity, some humans will always find a way to make peace with one another. These emotions, whether big or small, are the reasons why we continue to live despite the hardships. These emotions made life a bit more bearable, and somehow pushed us forward even if our lives are ultimately meaningless. Death will come, but for now it is simply better to live life with love and happiness.

I noticed the Christian reference, the hand with a hole reaching out to the boy, symbolizing Jesus saving him. A common saying among Christians, "Jesus is Love." To live, is to love. So let it be just that, the answer, is Love.