* * * Within my apartment strengthening, there can be an enthusiastic ajumma, a center-aged lady, just who ran a store with her spouse on first-floor. Once i went off eggs or toilet paper, I might wade downstairs to their shop, planning the latest narrow aisles stuffed with packages out of instant noodles, boxes away from snacks, jars off soybean insert, and you can numerous household items including washing soap and you may pan soap.

Whenever i basic went when you look at the, We went to its shop and she welcomed me with an unwilling however, interested laugh. Her quick, wavy locks presented the girl cherubic face, and you will she saw myself as i scoured the newest cabinets for a great package out-of hair care. She would stare during the myself from the window while i introduced this new shop each day, if I was gonna performs, running tasks, otherwise appointment a friend [...]