The Beloved Daughter by Terry Alana

Author:Terry, Alana [Terry, Alana]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2013-04-08T04:00:00+00:00

The Gift

“So is the word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

“Where is everybody?” I asked So-Young when I got out of bed the middle of the next day. Still in my nightgown, I entered the main living room and found my teenage hostess alone washing dishes at the basin sink.

“Good morning.” So-Young turned her face away and hid her smile.

“Where is everybody?” I repeated. So-Young stared at the pan she was scrubbing, blushing until the red crept all the way down her neck.

“Nowhere.” So-Young closed her lips together. As she focused on scouring the pot, a giggle crept up her throat. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed, perhaps some time with Mee-Kyong before her pregnancy.

I didn’t ask So-Young any more questions. I took the cup of tea she handed me and warmed my face in the steam. “Are you hungry?” So-Young asked.

“Yes, very.” I sat down at the table. So-Young stopped washing dishes and cracked a few eggs into her wok. A few minutes later, she placed a full plate on the table then sat down across from me. “My father keeps some chickens out back.” So-Young’s explanation wasn’t necessary; if the chickens hadn’t been clucking all morning long I would still be in bed.

“Did you sleep well?” I nodded with my mouth full, feeling boorish. My experience in labor camp didn’t prepare me for polite mealtime conversations. Although I filled myself on rice and broth the night before, I was famished.

“My father should be returning soon.” It seemed clear that So-Young was the woman of the house. I wondered what became of her mother, and how this beautiful girl managed to remain so joyful and radiant with the burden of running a home on her shoulders.

“And the young man?” I inquired. “Is he your brother?”

“Kwan?” So-Young’s dark eyes grew large. “My brother?” So-Young stifled another giggle and turned away, hiding her flushed cheeks. She didn’t offer any further explanation.

“How long have you lived here?”

“I’ve forgotten.” So-Young poured me another cup of tea. “I was very young when my father and I moved to Sanhe.”

I had more questions, but the front door opened. So-Young jumped up. She raised her eyebrow at her father. Mr. Kim nodded his head almost imperceptibly, although he didn’t return her smile. So-Young looked at Kwan and blushed once more. “So then you were able to find it?” she asked him.

Mr. Kim cleared his throat. “Come with me, Daughter. I need your help with the chickens.” So-Young looked at her father, then at me, then at Kwan. Her wide and expectant eyes lowered, and her thin shoulders fell toward the floor. She didn’t argue with her father, but So-Young bit her lip as she followed Mr. Kim to the chicken coop out back. Before she closed the door behind her, she glanced back at Kwan with a pout.

Kwan stood staring at me, scratching his elbow and drooping his head.

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