"Yun's father died when she was four years old, leaving her mother, whose family name was Chin, and her younger brother, Ko-Chang. At first they had virtually nothing, but as Yun grew older she became very adept at needlework, and the labor of her ten fingers came to provide for all three of them. Thanks to her work, they were always able to afford to pay for the tuition for her brother's teachers." Part I, page 25

"Once I was on the boat each quarter of an hour seemed to pass as slowly as a year. After I got home and paid my respects to my mother, I went into our room and Yun rose to greet me. She held my hands without saying a word. Our souls became smoke and mist. I thought I heard something, but it was as if my body had ceased to exist." Part...