Summary

Across the border, Hyeonseo knocks on the door of Mr. and Mrs. Ahn. They are shocked to see her but agree to take her on the eight-hour journey to Shenyang to visit her relatives. Hyeonseo gets her first view of North Korea from the outside, across the river, and watches Hyesan disappear as a taxi carries her and Mr. Ahn to Shenyang.

Hyeonseo experience culture-shock from the huge portions of food in China and the dazzling individualism and prosperity in Shenyang. Her aunt and uncle are astonished to see her, but welcome her into their prosperous home with open arms. After learning that Hyeonseo's father died after being arrested, her uncle launches into a tirade against the country. He dispels much of the propaganda Hyeonseo was taught in school. She refuses to believe him, but at the same time, some of...