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of you . . .”
    Her mother was speaking clearly, which comforted Sonbi. But it was a scary thing to watch anyone dying, thought Sonbi, especially when it was your own parent.
    Just then, Sonbi heard the sound of the brush gate opening, and she quickly looked over to the front door. As the door opened she saw Tokho step into the room. Alarmed, Sonbi rose to her feet.
    â€œShe’s still sick, is she? Well now, that’s too bad.”
    Tokho spoke with concern in his voice, standing just inside the door and looking over at Sonbi’s mother. When Sonbi’s mother realized it was Tokho, she made an effort to sit up.
    â€œLie back down. Lie down,” Tokho said. “Did she have anything to eat today?”
    He looked over at Sonbi, who lifted her head slightly, but then hung it again.
    â€œShe hasn’t been able to eat anything.”
    â€œNow, that won’t do, will it? We should have some honey over at the house. You come on over and get some, mix it up with water and give it to her, you hear? She won’t get any better if she doesn’t eat.”
    Tokho lit his pipe, stuck it into his mouth, then looked as though he were about to sit down.
    â€œWhat do you call that? How are you supposed to live here with that for a lamp?”

    Tokho took out his wallet, pulled out a five-won note, and tossed it in front of Sonbi. Sonbi was shocked. Then, once again, the front door rattled open.

13
    They looked toward the door in surprise. It was Tokho’s younger wife, Kannan, who had joined the family after Tokho had driven Sinch’on Taek out of his house. After opening the door, Kannan hesitated, unable to bring herself to come inside. Tokho was glaring at her.
    â€œWhat are you doing here? How dare you barge into someone’s home like that . . . like some sort of commoner! Where the hell did you learn to call on people like that?”
    Witnessing this spectacle, Sonbi and her mother did not know what to say to relieve their own embarrassment. After staring at the two for some time, Sonbi’s mother finally broke the silence.
    â€œPlease come inside.”
    â€œWhat does she need to come inside for? Get out of here, you little bitch. Who ever taught you to barge in on people like that? I said, get out!”
    His hand clenched into a fist, Tokho glared at the young woman.
    â€œOh, no. Please don’t be upset with her,” said Sonbi, standing up in the confusion of the moment.
    Kannan’s face turned bright red and she ran outside. Tokho slammed the door shut and came back into the room. He noticed the five-won bill still on the floor.
    â€œThe nerve of that little bitch . . . Now, here, just take this and put it away somewhere. And you be sure to get a new lamp tomorrow and call the doctor. You hear?”
    Sonbi’s mother poked her daughter sharply in the side. Only then did Sonbi reply,
    â€œYes, Sir.”
    Sonbi still found it hard to pick up the money. And yet, she couldn’t just give it back to him. As she hesitated, her mother picked up the money and thrust it into her hand. Sonbi accepted it reluctantly and shoved it beneath the bedding.
    Tokho, standing there awkwardly, turned to leave.
    â€œDon’t forget to come by tomorrow for the honey.”

    â€œShe won’t,” replied her mother. She poked her daughter in the side again and gestured for her to follow Tokho out the door.
    Sonbi slowly got up and followed Tokho out to the gate.
    â€œGoodbye, Sir.”
    â€œStop by the house tomorrow, okay?”
    â€œYes, Sir.”
    Sonbi gently closed the gate behind Tokho and went back inside. She felt her heart racing for fear that Kannan might for some reason barge in again. She came to her mother’s side and sat down.
    â€œMom, why do you suppose Kannan came by?”
    Her mother had been trying to figure this out as well.
    â€œWell, I . . . Oh, no, it’s coming back again.”
    Her face contorted and she fell into a