Jiyoung's First House

The house Jiyoung is born into in Seoul is old and small. The house is a mix of traditional and modern aspects because of constant renovations throughout the years. A courtyard had been turned into a dining room, but there was no floor heating. The bathroom was tiled but there was no sink, tub, or toilet in the bathroom, just a tap where the family would get water to splash on themselves. There were only two bedrooms. Jiyoung and Eunyoung slept with their paternal grandmother, while Oh Misook slept with her husband and baby son.

Elementary School

Jiyoung starts elementary school in Seoul and is immediately overwhelmed with its scope and size. The elementary school is a 20 minute walk from Jiyoung's house. There are between 11 to 15 classes in each grade, and each class has 50 students. Jiyoung is seated with a desk partner who constantly bullies and...