INT: GAMJU HOUSE – DR. HAN BOOHYUN’S OFFICE – MORNING

Soekjin is sitting on the chair across from the doctor, on the other side of his table as the doctor looks back at him. His hand is in pocket as he fidgets with something in there and the doctor’s eyes follow the movement.

DR. HAN

Are we going to talk today, Soekjin?

Soekjin ignores him as he continues moving whatever is in pocket.

DR. HAN

Would you mind telling me what’s in your hand?

Soekjin removes his hand from his pocket as he pulls out a string with buttons connected through their holes and lays it on the doctor’s table. The doctor looks down at it as he counts it and then looks back at Soekjin.

DR. HAN

Six buttons. You seem to like that number. Does it hold any significance?

Soekjin shrugs.

DR. HAN

Your painting assignment last week… (Pulls out a rolled up cardboard) I was rather impressed. You showed such detail. 

He lays it out on the table between the two of them as he put books on each side to hold it down. The painting has seven boys sitting on top of a large blue shipping container.

DR. HAN

I chose to talk about this one today because it’s the first time you’ve drawn something that didn’t have six subjects. Care to tell me why this picture has seven boys instead of the usual six?

Soekjin pulls his string off the table as he continues to run them through his fingers.

DR. HAN

I can’t help but notice that boy on the edge, (Points at the painting) looks a lot like you. Same hair color and build: same slouch on the shoulders. Why would you finally paint yourself in, only to put yourself on the edge?

SOEKJIN

Because that’s how it happened.

DR. HAN

How what happened?

SOEKJIN

The day I painted… that’s how we sat. That’s how it happened.

DR. HAN

And the other six boys, I’m assuming they are the root of your continued representation of six?

Soekjin stops fiddling with the string as he finally looks up at the doctor.

SOEKJIN

Do you know what six stands for?

DR. HAN

In what context?

SOEKJIN

(Shrugs)

Any one.

DR. HAN

I’m afraid I’m not an expert on the subject.

SOEKJIN

Six represents a complete three dimensional covering.

As Soekjin speaks he cups both his hands together.

SOEKJIN

If we are talking angles and straight sheets. A covering…

He trails off as the doctor opens his mouth to speak.

SOEKJIN

Do you agree that coverings are important?

DR. HAN

Again, depends on the context.

SOEKJIN

Covering from the cold.

Soekjin is back to fiddling with his string again.

SOEKJIN

A cube has six sides. Do you know what a kissing number is in geometry?

DR. HAN

(Shakes his head)

I do not.

SOEKJIN

Something to do with circles touching each other. Each and every one of them. Six can do it. If all the circles are of similar size and thickness.

DR. HAN

You’ve lost me.

Soekjin looks at him pointedly as his features harden.

SOEKJIN

Six can do it.

DR. HAN

Six can do what?

Soekjin remains quiet.

DR. HAN

Is that why everything you have is in sixes?

Soekjin refuses to say anything.

DR. HAN

Care to tell me the significance of the six yellow petals you collect every week and lay at the centre of your room?

Soekjin continues to be quiet.

DR. HAN

(Sighs)

I hope you understand that I’m here to help you. If you don’t talk to me, there’s nothing I can do for you. I can’t help you.

Soekjin smiles at the doctor sadly.

SOEKJIN

But six can do it. Six can help me. (Holds up the string) I can tell you what happened. But six will help.