Summary

This chapter begins with a general recollection of Sunam’s childhood. The family meal in his household was breakfast, served by either his mother or a maid. The reason for this was in part because of his father’s career as a businessman, which often involved late nights of dinner and drinks. Regardless, his father would appear prompt at the breakfast table the next morning, as sober and put together as a naval officer. At a more recent breakfast, Sunam’s father asked him to bring “her” over for dinner.

Sunam tells Namin about the invitation and it surprises her. She tries to figure out if Namin is upset about the invitation; he assures her he is not. He recognizes that she is concerned about opening up about her life in front of his family. She tells him not to expect her to...