Visitation

Time flows differently at Halmoni’s place. Here, everything feels slow and forgiving. For a moment I forget the little chaos inside me — all the doubts and concerns about the past and the future.

During my short stays, she always pushes her pale white Cornell plates at me, filled with fruits and snacks. I smile politely and say I’m already full.

When I had cancer many years ago, she came to see me at the hospital. After putting down her small bag on the chair, she said, “Your illness should have been mine.” And I thought: how glad I am to have it — instead of her.

Isn't it interesting that life goes on no matter what and you get to smile again despite all that? All that. Yes, all of that.