Free Gathering of Pearls by Sook Nyul Choi Page A

china figurine of a little girl holding flowers. Sarah might like that. But I didn't have much money saved up, and what would I give to Marci and Ellen? I thought of the soft leather handbag I had wanted to buy for Mother, and the anatomy book I had intended to give Inchun. Perhaps over Christmas vacation I could earn enough money to buy these things and could mail them off in January. But how? I would be with Marci the whole time.
    I opened Mother's letter.
My dear Sookan,
    I am comforted to know that you are adjusting well to your new home and have already made some good friends. Young people learn everything so quickly. Since I am so far away from you and cannot understand all that you are facing, I feel that I can provide you with little advice. Hyunchun told me there is an English expression about doing things like a Roman when you are in Rome. I thought that expression was very wise. My main concern is that you always want to do everything so perfectly all the time. Give yourself some time. Struggling to do everything perfectly according to Korean and American tradition all at the same time will be too much for you. Now, you are a student in America, and you should enjoy your life there. Do not worry about things at home. I know how you fret about your brothers and me. You are such a worrywart. You always were. But all is well here.
    Mrs. Na, the go-between, was over at the house earlier today. She brought several more pictures of potential brides for Hanchun. She insisted that I pick one, but I told her that Hanchun is not interested in marriage yet, nor are my second and third sons, and she must wait a little longer. She said she would be back in a few weeks. She is not likely to give up on me as I have three sons of marriageable age. I know you don't like her much, but she has made some very good matches. Of course, your aunts and uncles are also busy recommending girls from good families. So far, I am not pursuing any of this, and all is pretty much the same.
    Hyunchun is now busier than ever. He was elected student body president and he also took on an extra job at the American Embassy as a clerk. He comes home at midnight most of the week.
    Oh, a bit of news about Bokhi. She used to come by and chat with me, hoping to get a glimpse of Hyunchun. I always enjoyed her visits. She used to read all your letters and we would speak of you. She told me that she thinks of you every day, but finds it hard to write. She misses you too much and she said words are hardly adequate to express her feelings. But I am sure she will write one of these days.
    We have not seen much of her lately. She has a lot of responsibilities at home. Her old aunt and many nephews keep her frightfully busy. Also, her family did not think it was proper for Bokhi to come to our house so often, and I can certainly understand that. Bokhi's aunt is looking for a suitable husband for her. I know she is in love with Hyunchun, but it would not work. Hyunchun has two elder brothers who need to be married first. His turn will not come for quite some time. My heart aches for Bokhi and I know Hyunchun feels bad about it, too. But time is not on their side. There is nothing for you to do and please do not worry. These things take their own course, and all will work out in the end. Marriages are complex family matters. I will do all I can to comfort Bokhi as you would. I thought you would like to know.
    Promise me that you will look after yourself. Your brothers send their best. I saw Hyunchun writing you a letter, but I doubt he will ever finish it and mail it. That is just the way he is. None of them is a good correspondent, I'm afraid. I know Inchun thinks of you often, though he hardly ever says a thing. When we read your letters aloud, he acts like he is not even paying attention, but later, he wanders around whistling, picks the letter up, and goes to his room. Whenever I visit Theresa, I first have to go into his drawer and get your letters out. But I