We have finished our Tteobokki. Hae-in stands and stretches. He says, “We best get those prawns home before the ice melts.” In reality there is no danger of the ice melting in the cooler anytime soon. I am not ready to leave, not ready to let go of these peaceful moments. I have known so little peace over the last few months Regardless, I stand too and we head for the house. Hae-in seems to have gone from being quiet, to being withdrawn. Not sure why, don’t want to know.

When we arrive back at Auntie Ji An’s, she, Neighbor Song and Gong Yoo are on the porch swing. The women are both smiling brightly. Gong Yoo hops off the swing and goes to Hae-in. I watch Hae-in scoop the dog up. Gong Yoo gives him a gentle lick on the cheek. As he cuddles the dog, I see the tension in Hae-in’s body relax. Neighbor Song asks, “How did it go?”

Hae-in shrugs. “I think okay. They said they’d call me.”

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With confidence, Auntie Ji An says, “They will call.”

So everyone on the porch knows the job he was interviewed for except me. The way those ladies are beaming at him, it must be a good job, but I don’t ask. I take the groceries inside and put the squid and prawns in the fridge. The front door opens. Auntie Ji An enters the kitchen. A smile twists on her lips. She comes to me and touches a red spot of Tteobokki sauce on my overall strap . She says “Hae-in is wearing the same sauce. Where’d you eat?”

“The park.”

She asks, “The one you ran away to?”

I don’t answer. I can tell by her expression what she is thinking. While I know her intentions are loving, I am not ready to start anything with anyone.The question is not repeated. I leave her and go to my room. On the dresser I see Emily’s card. The imperfect sea gulls catch my attention. My thoughts return to the recent past. Hae-in tosses a bit of rice cake into the air. Sea gulls descend. Only one catches the scrap That one soars away as the others cry in protest.