Free From Wonso Pond by Kang Kyong-ae

cat’s in the dark.

21
    The approaching footsteps stopped short, and he could hear the rustling sound of someone standing up closely against the reed fence. The way she caught her breath gave him the assurance that this was a woman.
    He grew more curious, and his heart began to race: Could this be Sonbi? He inched backward slowly, so as not to let her know he was there.
    The sound of the footsteps moved even closer toward him, then stopped. Whoever it was heaved a deep sigh, and stood still for a while as though she were lost in thought. Ch’otchae was finally able to make out clearly the height and shape of her body in the darkness, and his hunch that this girl was in fact Sonbi gradually deepened. When the thought struck him that he was almost face to face with his beloved Sonbi—with only a few footsteps separating them—he took several steps forward. But having heard him move, she ran off in fright. Ch’otchae chased after her. He would finish what he’d already started.
    Knowing that she was no match for her pursuer, however, the girl slipped inside one of the houses in the village. Ch’otchae had no choice but to hide beside a woodpile and suffer an agonizing wait for her to come back outside. After some time had passed, the girl still hadn’t emerged. He started doubting himself: Maybe it wasn’t Sonbi after all. But then who else was it? Who could have been standing outside, peeking into Tokho’s house at this time of night? He closed his eyes and thought about it for a while, but no one in particular came to mind. He wanted so badly to believe it was Sonbi. He’d stay up all night if only he
could meet her and share even one or two of the feelings that he’d kept locked in his heart over the years.
    What would he say to Sonbi now if he met her? he asked himself. He couldn’t seem to find a reply. Though his heart seemed ready to explode with everything he wanted to tell her, now that he tried to put it into words, he drew a complete blank. How about: Will you live with me? No, that wouldn’t work. What about: Do you know who I am? “No, no,” he said, shaking his head and cracking a smile. As he came up with different things to say, he never once took his eyes off the door.
    He heard more footsteps coming toward him, and it seemed as though someone was passing in front of the house. He held his breath and squatted to the ground. Out of the blue, just as the footsteps came to a stop, he heard the sound of squirting and a stream of liquid shot down onto his face. Only as he moved out of the way, did he realize what it was—urine. Instantly, he jumped to his feet and came forward.
    â€œHey, you idiot. Where the hell do you think you’re taking a piss?”
    At the unexpected sound of someone’s voice, the stranger jumped back in surprise, pulled up his pants, and backed out of the way.
    â€œWho’s that?”
    Ch’otchae knew exactly who it was from the sound of his voice.
    â€œWatch where you take a piss, will you!”
    Only now did Kaettong figure out it was Ch’otchae.
    â€œWell, what the hell were you standing there for?”
    Ch’otchae had nothing to say for himself. He fumbled for the right words. Kaettong moved toward him.
    â€œI was just at your house.”
    â€œWhat for?”
    â€œI wanted to see if you’d help weed our fields tomorrow.”
    â€œWell, I already promised Myonggu I’d help him.”
    â€œMyonggu? Damn it. I really need one more guy to help me . . .”
    Just then the door rattled open, and out came a hand-held lantern. The two of them stared at it in silence.
    â€œBe careful. It’s dark out there,” said Kaettong’s mother.
    â€œI will,” came a young woman’s reply.
    Ch’otchae wondered if this might be Sonbi’s voice. If it hadn’t been for Kaettong, he’d have chased right after the girl. But that option being out of the