There is a knock at the front door. I hear Hae-in’s voice and then Dong Jo’s voice. Dong Jo is the ice vendor at the fish market. Auntie Ji An rushes out of the bathroom leaving me with Gong Yoo. The little dog is so shaken up by all that has happened, he doesn’t even realize he has been left. I pick him up and head into the front room. Dong Jo is a sturdy man with thick arms. Hae-in is putting on his rain coat and boots. Neighbor Song hugs him and says, “Do be careful.”

Hae-in kisses her forehead and says, “I will.”

I ask, “What is going on?”

Dong Jo tells me, “The fish market was hit. Its a mess.” He asks Hae-in, “Ready?”

Hae-in nod and says, “Yes sir.”

I start to say I will help, but before I can, Hae-in asks me, “Could you make Granny some tea?” I glance in her direction. She and Auntie Ji An are huddled together.

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“Of course I will.”

There is gratitude in his smile. “Thanks.” He heads out into the night with Dong Jo.

After some milk tea, the three, well four of us counting Gong Yoo, lay down on Neighbor Song’s pallet. We are literally like sardines in a can. Honestly, I don’t like being so close to people, but here I am. Neighbor Song is between Auntie Ji An and I. Gong Yoo has curled himself up under the blanket beside me. He is softly snoring. I pick up my phone. We still don’t have service. This makes me uneasy. I pray for the village and for those helping the people whose homes and property are damaged. I pray for Hae-in and Dong Jo.

*

At some point in time my weary mind and body fell asleep. When I awaken I hear Auntie Ji An and Neighbor Song in the kitchen. I don’t hear Hae-in’s voice. Is he gone or sleeping? I stretch and look around. None of the lights are on, we still don’t have electricity and may not have it for awhile. I get up and head for the kitchen. Hae-in’s door is open. He’s not there. I walk into the kitchen. Both women are seated at the low table. They smile at me. In unison they say, “Good morning.”

Is it good? I respond, “Good Morning.”

Neighbor Song asks, “Hungry?”

“A little.”

“Juk?”

“Yes. I can get it.” I go to the gas stove and open a pot. The aroma of Juk fills the air. My stomach might want to eat after all. I spoon the rice porridge in my bowl and set down with the ladies. Gong Yoo is in the corner devouring his dog food. Slowly I eat the porridge. The warmth of it spreads through my body and makes me feel better.

The front door opens. A very weary Hae-in enters the kitchen.

*Juk - chicken rice porridge