From Wonso Pond by Kang Kyong-ae Read Free Book Online Page B

clothes.” Turning to the kitchen she called, “Granny. Come do the floors.”
    Sonbi put her rag back into the basin and went to the kitchen. She
washed her hands and returned to the breezeway. Okchom’s mother then came from the inner room carrying everything Sonbi needed for measuring and cutting out her daughter’s clothes.
    â€œNow, Sonbi, from what I hear, it’s the fashion in Seoul nowadays to wear everything well-fitted, so I want you to make these quite tight.”
    Sonbi took the material and sat down in front of the sewing machine. She made a few adjustments to the machine, then set herself to work. She spun the wheel of the machine for a while, then suddenly brought it to a stop. Through the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of Granny, who had worn herself out scrubbing the floor. She was now sitting there out of breath, her eyes glazed over. Sonbi felt sorry for Granny whenever she saw her like this.
    â€œDon’t tell me it’s all that hard just to wipe the floor!”
    At Okchom’s mother’s shriek, Granny practically jumped out of her skin and quickly went back to her scrubbing. Okchom’s mother glared at the old woman as she scrubbed. The older ones are lazy, the younger ones don’t listen—maybe I should just get my hands on a kid, she wondered.
    Just then, Tokho came in. Okchom’s mother barely glanced at him. He had practically moved into the house where his concubine was living.
    â€œWell now, look who’s found his way back home!”
    Tokho’s face tightened, his eyes glaring at her.
    â€œYou’re the one causing all this trouble around here. And believe me, I’m sure as hell not here to see the likes of you.”
    Glancing over at Sonbi, who was working at the sewing machine with her back to him, Tokho stepped into the breezeway.
    â€œI just got a letter from Okchom. She says she’s sick . . . It’s no wonder things like this happen to us with all the evil tricks you’re up to.”
    He took the letter out of his pocket and tossed it to the floor. Okchom’s mother became very upset. She picked up the letter and stared at it.
    â€œRead it to me word for word. I can’t understand these cursive letters. What does she say is wrong with her?”
    Tokho took back the letter from his wife and read it out loud. Soon tears were rolling down her cheeks.
    â€œWell, what should we do? You know, I’ve been having nightmares recently and I’m sure this is why. Do you think I should go see her?”
    â€œAnd just what use would you be there? I’m the one who’s got to go. Now hurry up and get my things ready.”

    In no time at all the the couple’s anger toward each other had subsided. Okchom’s mother went into the inner room.
    â€œSonbi,” she cried, “stop what you’re doing and start working on this. Granny, heat up some charcoal for the iron.”
    Sonbi neatly folded the clothes she’d been working on and went into the inner room.
    â€œSew a collar onto this right away,” the woman barked. “When’s the next car leaving?” She looked to her husband, who was peering into the room.
    â€œCar? What car? I’ve got to ride a bicycle into town, then hop on a train.”
    As Sonbi stitched on the collar, she thought of Okchom’s big, round eyes. Though Sonbi didn’t know what was wrong with Okchom, she knew how lucky Okchom was to have a mother and father at home who worried so much about her.
    She felt sorry for herself and lonely, for she had no one in the world who cared about her, even when she was sick.
    â€œWhen I go to Seoul, I want you to have Sonbi sleep at the other house.”
    â€œWait, who’s going where? Why do you want Sonbi to . . . ?”
    Okchom’s mother stopped mid-sentence, her face growing long.
    â€œHere we go again. I’m trying to get ready to go, and all she wants to do is cause more