Neighbor Song quickly stands and crosses the distance between them. She puts her arms around her grandson and he hugs her tight. She releases him and asks, “Are you hungry?”
“No, just tired.” He looks exhausted. For a brief moment his eyes meet mine. He gives Auntie Ji An and I a slight bow and goes to his room. He is home, he is safe and that is all that matters.
Suddenly the wall phone rings. I forgot Neighbor Song still has land line. She answers the phone, “Oh Gigi, its so good to hear your voice. We are all safe and sound, Ye-Seoul is right here.” She motions for me to take the phone.
I put the phone to my ear. “Hey Mom.”
My mother immediately starts crying. I don’t try to shush her or comfort her. I tell her, “I am okay. We are okay. Three windows blew out of the house.” Mom says nothing just continues to cry, so I keep talking. Auntie Ji An comes over and whispers, “Give me the phone.” I do. I can never handle my mother’s tears. Someday I hope I can, but today is not the day.
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As soon as Auntie Ji An hangs up we get another call. This time it is Hae-in’s parents. Neighbor Song tells the story of the storm calmly. There are not any tears. The call is brief and ends with, “I love you too.”
*
Since the electricity is not on, and the water pump isn’t working, we must make do with boiling barreled rainwater. My weary mind and body are longing for a warm shower. Instead, I bathe the old fashioned way, with a basin of water, wash cloth and a bar of soap. The half bath refreshes me. Just being clean helps. I put on Neighbor Song’s wrinkled flower pants and one of Auntie Ji-an’s floral T-shirts. I look like a walking sofa as I make my way down the hall. Due to our lack of electricity, the door to Hae-in’s room is open for air circulation from the windows. Unable to help myself, I stop and look in. He is shirtless and sprawled out on his pallet.
A memory comes to me. I am thirteen. It is early morning. Auntie Ji An sent me to Neighbor Song’s to borrow some cucumbers to make Oi Bokkeum. I knock on her door. Mr. Song calls me inside. When I enter I see Hae-in sound asleep on the floor in front of the TV. A game controller is still in his hand. He is shirtless. Since I have an older brother I have seen many of his friends without shirts, but I find myself fascinated by the muscles on Hae-in’s chest. The urge to touch them comes over me. I am confused. I have never wanted to touch a boy’s muscles before. I feel peculiar.
I return to the present. I am still fascinated by Hae-in’s muscles. I still want to touch them.
A hand is placed on my shoulder. In my absorption I didn’t hear Neighbor Song come down the hall. Embarrassed I turn to her. Her smile is gentle. She whispers, “He is beautiful when he sleeps.”
I nod.