March 10, 1899Seoul, Korean Empire — Veterans' Rehabilitation Center
The air was still cool and crisp in Seoul, the city waking up slowly under the soft rays of the morning sun. Despite the growing bustle of everyday life—markets opening, children running through the streets, and the steady rhythm of horses' hooves on cobblestones—Matthew Hesh walked with purpose through the gates of the Veterans' Rehabilitation Center.
The center was newly established, and it felt almost like a symbol of the post-war recovery—physically, mentally, and emotionally—for both Amerathian and Korean soldiers who had fought alongside each other during the long months of conflict. Inside, the center was a mix of medical clinics, therapy rooms, and common areas where veterans gathered, some to talk, others simply to rest.
