“Another time. I’m kind of busy today.”

Sangyun walked her to the gate, and said, “Please don’t be offended. The snake is our patron saint. You haven’t seen it before because it was hiding. When my baby was born, it got bolder and started living under the cradle.”

“It’s a good sign,” said Mrs. Yi excitedly. “Your baby has been psychic from birth.”

“You must come back for dumplings.”

“I will.”

Recalling the experience of delivering the baby, and thinking of the snake, Mrs. Yi sighed emotionally.

On the traditional memorial day, most villagers visited their family graves in the morning, and so the village was quiet. Worried about Aunt Yossi’s condition, Mrs. Yi went to her house. Aunt Yossi’s second daughter-in-law, Ginger, greeted her.

“My mother-in-law just fell asleep. She had a rough time last night. I gave her the medicine you prescribed, and she went to sleep. This medicine really works. Please prescribe some for me, too. I don’t sleep well, either.”

“Nonsense. How can I give you the same medicine? You’re young and healthy—why can’t you sleep at night?”

“I worry all the time. My mother-in-law doesn’t notice anything going on in the house. Everything is going to be stolen.”

“I don’t think there’s anything valuable in your home,” Mrs. Yi laughed.

“A penny is money to us folks.” Ginger blushed.

“You don’t need any medicine. Just relax and you’ll be fine.”

“Perhaps. But I’m always tense. Someone’s trying to hurt me.”

“What makes you think so?”

“Just because—Oh, I can’t explain. I don’t have much education. I’m all mixed up.”

“Why don’t you learn to read and write? You’re clever and kind. If you could read and write, you’d have a wonderful life.”

“Are you making fun of my stupidity?”

“Of course not. I have to be on my way now to see Aunt Lian. Don’t forget to tell your mother-in-law to take the medicine, and don’t forget what I said—learn to read and write.”

When Mrs. Yi turned and looked from a distance, she saw Ginger complaining tearfully to another young woman. Her weeping was audible from far away. Mrs. Yi got goose bumps. The young woman must have been in great pain to cry so brokenheartedly. Ginger is a complicated person, Mrs. Yi thought. Perhaps I hurt her feelings just now. How thoughtless I am! Most villagers here couldn’t read and write. She should have known that Ginger wasn’t likely to learn, either (unless she had some special motivation), but she gave her the unwelcome advice anyway. No wonder she felt despair. Mrs. Yi felt bad and sped up to get away. She sensed that the two women were staring at her and inwardly cursing her. Her sunny mood was gone, and her footsteps became a little sluggish. She felt that Yun Village was dismal. “Ginger, I know you’re in pain, but why didn’t you tell me? Did you think I couldn’t understand you? No, you’re wrong. Completely wrong.” She conversed silently with Ginger. In a moment she was off on a side path, in front of Niulan Mountain.