Chapter 1: First Floor Exploration
Chapter Goal
Continue searching the ground floor of Bernard's house. Your objectives are to find more pain medication and discover the letters that reveal Bernard's past.
This chapter introduces the weekly correspondence between Bernard and Min-young, the Korean nurse who became his wife. Reading these letters triggers memories and flashbacks.
Common Stuck Points
If you're stuck, click the situation that matches yours:
Stuck Point 1: Nothing New is Happening
Progression in this game often requires revisiting areas after finding certain items. The house changes based on what you've discovered.
Have you read any letters yet? Letters are the primary trigger for story progression. Check desks, tables, and shelves carefully. Some letters are partially hidden.
The first floor contains several letters from Bernard's correspondence with Min-young. Key locations: living room side table, kitchen counter, and hallway shelf. After reading letters, return to the area near the staircase — the path upstairs should become accessible once you've found enough medication and triggered the post-war flashback.
Stuck Point 2: Letter Won't Read / No Response
Not all papers are readable letters. Some are just environmental details. Interactable letters usually have a subtle visual cue or respond to your cursor.
Position Bernard close enough to the letter, then interact. If you're too far or at a bad angle, the interaction may not register. Try repositioning the wheelchair.
Letters that can be read will open in a readable view when interacted with. If pressing E/clicking does nothing, either: (1) you're not close enough, (2) it's decorative paper, or (3) it's a letter you've already read. Important letters are often placed prominently — not tucked into corners. The game won't let you miss critical ones.
Stuck Point 3: Can't Reach Objects
Bernard's right arm was injured in the war. His reach is limited. Some objects are intentionally out of reach — this is part of the narrative, not a bug.
If you can't reach something, it either isn't critical to progression, or you need to approach from a different angle. Try positioning the wheelchair as close as possible from multiple sides.
Objects critical to progression are always reachable, though sometimes barely. If something truly cannot be grabbed, it's intentional — the game is showing you Bernard's frustration and limitations. For pills on high shelves: position directly in front, look up, and try interacting. The animation may look awkward but it will work if it's meant to be collected.
Stuck Point 4: Obstacles and Doorways
The house is cluttered with Andrew's luggage and Bernard's belongings. Wheelchairs don't navigate clutter easily. Look for clear paths.
If stuck on an object, reverse and try a wider approach. Doorways require careful alignment. Don't fight the wheelchair — work with its momentum.
The wheelchair collision is deliberately finicky. If completely stuck: try reversing, then turning slowly, then approaching the doorway straight-on. Some boxes can be nudged slightly but not moved entirely. There is no "sprint" — patience is required. If a path seems completely blocked, it may not be the intended route yet.
Stuck Point 5: Ramp to Upstairs
The ramp upstairs may not be accessible until you've completed certain objectives on the first floor. Have you found medication and read letters?
The ramp requires sustained forward pressure. It's slow and feels like you're barely moving — this is normal. Don't let go of forward movement.
To access the second floor: (1) Collect enough pain pills scattered on the first floor, (2) Read at least one significant letter, (3) Trigger the post-war/hospital flashback about meeting Min-young. Once these conditions are met, approach the ramp near the staircase. Hold forward continuously — the ascent takes several seconds and looks almost stationary at first. You will make it.
The letters in this chapter reveal Bernard's time in a Korean military hospital after losing use of his arm. He was the only American patient, surrounded by Korean soldiers with far worse injuries. His survivor's guilt began here — "Why did I live when they suffered more?"
Min-young's letters (which you don't see directly) were his lifeline. Their weekly correspondence became a ritual of healing. By the time Bernard was discharged, he had proposed to her through letters alone.
Self-Check: Before Moving On
Before continuing to Chapter 2, confirm you have:
- Explored the living room, kitchen, and hallway
- Read at least one of Bernard's letters to Min-young
- Experienced the post-war hospital flashback
- Collected enough medication to ease the headache
- Gained access to the ramp leading upstairs