White Mulberry: A Novel by Kwon Easton Rosa

Author:Kwon Easton, Rosa
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: 2024-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

June 1936

That night, Miyoko wrote to her mother and Taeyoung about the wedding and the baby, hoping it would raise her mother’s spirits. In case of censorship, Miyoko was careful not to say anything about the Japanese charging into her mother’s home. She didn’t tell her that Hojoon had been ill either, because she didn’t want to worry her.

Mother,

I hope you are doing better. Taeyoung has given me updates on your health, and I heard about your most recent difficulty. It’s been a while since I’ve written, and I wanted to share some wonderful news. I’m getting married, and I’m pregnant. You’re going to have a grandchild! I love my husband-to-be so much, and I’m very happy. I thought I would never find love and get married, but I can’t imagine my life any other way now.

My husband’s name is Kwon Hojoon, and he’s from Andong. He is the youngest of three boys. He is studying to be a lawyer and wants to fight for justice.

I’m getting bigger by the day, and the baby is due at the end of the year. I’m excited to be a mother. I wish you could be here for the birth, but I know your health is frail.

We will be living at Hojoon’s parents’ house along with his brothers and their wives. It will be hard to be the newest daughter-in-law, but I will learn. I wish you were here to teach me how to be a good wife to my husband and a good daughter to my in-laws, as I know you would want me to be. I want to continue my hospital job after the baby arrives too, if I can get help with childcare.

Bohbeh will be moving to Osaka, an hour’s train ride away, and I won’t be able to see her that much anymore. It’s not going to be easy without her.

I miss you. It’s been six years since I’ve seen you. Hojoon says we should return to Korea as soon as possible, and I hope that day will come before too long. Please take good care of yourself until then. I look forward to hearing how you’re doing again soon.

Your loving daughter,

Miyoung

Nostalgia surged as she signed her Korean name. She missed her family and longed to share the joy of her upcoming marriage. Miyoko addressed the envelope to Taeyoung, including a separate note to him.

Dear Taeyoung,

Thank you for sharing my letter with Mother. You have all my news there, but I want to tell you a little more.

I am in love with my new husband more than words can describe. I admit, though, I am nervous about getting married and entering a new household with all its rules. I assume Hojoon will still support my dream of continuing my education, as you have all these years. And I want to work after having the baby. I know it’s not what women typically do, but I am good at my job, and it gives me purpose.

I didn’t tell Mother this, but Hojoon was seriously ill with tuberculosis.

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