Chapter 1
In the heart of rural South Korea, where rolling hills embraced golden fields, a spirited young boy by the name of Si-Woo gasped for breath, his voice echoing through the serene countryside. “*Noona! Wait up!” he cried out, his words carried by the gentle breeze that swept across the tranquil landscape. Born into a humble family of countryside farmers, Si-Woo’s life had been deeply intertwined with the land, ever since he took his first steps.
It was February 21st, 1908, when the Kim family welcomed a new life into their home. Si-Woo’s arrival brought joy not only to his parents but also to his sister, who had long yearned for a companion in her playful acts, instead of mere straw dolls. Together, a now ten-year-old Si-Woo and his sister ran across the valleys and hills, their youthful laughter intertwining with the sweet melodies of nature. As the morning sun bathed the fertile fields in a warm, golden glow, Si-Woo’s imaginative mind brimmed with game ideas and tales to share with his sister. He had earned a reputation as the “storyteller” of their town, weaving captivating narratives that brought joy and entertainment to audiences during festive gatherings at the town hall. His creative imagination drew inspiration from books, old wives tales, myths, and any snippet of knowledge he could grasp. Now, standing atop the grassy field alongside his sister, Si-Woo eagerly awaited the perfect moment to unveil his latest discovery.
“Noona! I have something to tell you!” he exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement as he caught up to his sister.
“Is it the story you’ve been preparing for *Appa’s birthday?” his sister responded with curiosity.
*Noona: A respectful term used in Korea for younger brothers to address an older sister.
*Appa: A casual way of saying “father.”
“Yes! You won’t believe it,” Si-Woo replied breathlessly, a glimmer of awe dancing in his eyes. “While I was taking Lucky for a walk, Ha-Eun gave me a new book she had just bought. It was all about the United States, describing the beautiful scenery they have there. It felt like a dream! The land of possibilities, with hills stretching as far as the eye can see, adorned with emerald-green crops and countless flowers painting the land in rainbows! Just imagine the rustling cornstalks swaying in the wind and the earth beneath our feet, while a gentle breeze carries nature’s blessings all around us!”
As Si-Woo spun and danced, gesturing towards imagined fields that only he could see, a radiant grin spread across his youthful face. His head, it seemed, was forever immersed in the clouds, his imagination boundless and untamed. The hope of witnessing such sights firsthand filled his being with uncontainable eagerness. Kneeling down upon the hill, he clasped his hands together, offering a fervent prayer, his devout Protestant faith fueling his hopes and dreams. He yearned for his plea to resonate with the divine, blissfully unaware that his heartfelt wish was about to set him upon a perilous path, laden with challenges and sacrifices. It would unravel in an unexpected way soon enough.
