The Soul of All Living Creatures by Vint Virga D.V.M

Author:Vint Virga, D.V.M. [Virga, Vint]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780307718884
Publisher: Crown
Published: 2013-07-09T05:00:00+00:00

An old folktale from Korea speaks to me deeply about adapting. When Yuk On’s husband first returned home from being away for many years at war, she was overjoyed that, at long last, he had returned home safe. After several weeks, however, her relief gave way to worry. Each morning as Tae Hyun woke, Yuk On met him with an adoring smile and a tender kiss to begin their day as she had always done. Where before, in turn, he would wrap her in his arms and hold her, now he stiffened and turned away without a word. During dinner, when they used to share stories and tales about their day, he now sat in stony silence as he picked and nibbled at his food. And at nighttime, if she snuggled close, he shrugged her off and faced the ceiling or rolled away to the edge of the bed, leaving Yuk On to lie alone. In most every way that she could tell, Tae Hyun seemed a different man from the husband who had left for war.

With the passing of each week, Tae Hyun’s manner appeared to worsen, and Yuk On’s worry gave way to a nagging sense of doubt and fear. Her heart ached in loneliness for the husband she knew had loved her so dearly and cherished their marriage as much as she, for Yuk On was certain this ghost did neither. She grieved for her soul mate who was lost in battle, and resented this shadow who took his place.

Late one night as Tae Hyun lay sweating and murmuring in his dreams, Yuk On felt she could not bear another night feeling so alone. She dressed in an overcoat, left their home, and wandered along the streets of the village. After a while, despite the late hour, she came across a small, dimly lit house. Yuk On recognized it at once as the home of Hyeja, a village elder.

“Of course,” she whispered to herself, as she dared to softly knock on the door, for Hyeja was known throughout the village for his special talent with potions and charms. Thinking she heard a faint reply, Yuk On carefully tried the latch and, when it clicked, edged the door open. In front of her, the old man sat wrapped in a blanket and huddled by a fire.

While tending the flames, the old wizard asked, “What brings you here at such an hour, my child?” Then, without turning, he waved for her to join him.

As soon as she sat with him on the floor, Yuk On burst out her entire story, along with her deepest worries and fears. Through it all, the old man listened and, every so often, silently nodded.

“Please help me bring back the dear Tae Hyun that I married,” Yuk On pleaded. Then, before he could respond, she added, “There must be something you could give me to help me fill his heart again—a charm, an amulet … a potion?”

At last, spent from exhaustion, she sat and faced the elder in silence.

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