One-Sided Whatever

Her name was Kim Nayoung. I don’t think I ever met anyone whose name still sticks with me for this long — almost 20 years. Somehow in my foggy childhood memories, she is still somewhat so vivid. Not long after the previous neighbor, Mr. Kim, moved away from the house next door, a Korean family moved into that house. A family of four; a couple with two children, an older boy and a younger girl. My domestic helper (who was always very up to date to the happenings around my neighborhood, bless her) informed us about the new family just a few days after they settled in. “Good news for you, Ghea!” she said cheerfully, “They have a girl just around your age. I think you both will get along well.” Oh, neat! A new friend to play with! I hope she likes playing badminton and Barbie dolls as much as I do. I wonder what’s her name? “Nayoung Kim,” our domestic helper told me without me having to ask her that. Her network was astounding. I’ve always wanted to be able to do it like her. For some reas...