Bitter Root

Chapter 8

            True to his prediction, Woosung's mother produced a large spread of food merely minutes after their arrival. There were marinated quail's eggs, kimchi stew, and vegetable pancakes. Still, Woosung's mother was apologetic for what she perceived as deficiencies in the meal.

"If uri Woosung had told me he was bringing someone, I would have made short ribs," she fussed.

"Umma," Woosung gently scolded, "stop worrying about the food. It's fine."

"Your cooking is amazing!" Dolores gushed. From her experience with her abuelita, she knew that cooking was an expression of love and honor. So, she always tried to thank people for making food.

"I just wish I could have made more dishes. Had I known you were coming, I would have made some japchae," she continued to fret.

"Please, Umma, it's fine," Woosung said, hoping that would be the last word on it.

Ignoring his statement, Woosung's mother continued. "Do you know that uri Woosung has never brought a girl home? I always ask him when he is going to settle down, but this is the first sign of seen of it," she said. "He always dated so many girls, but he never brought them home."

"Umma!" Woosung said emphatically, "please, stop." "I didn't date that many girls," he said uncomfortably.

"There were a lot," his mom replied, meeting Woosung's stare with one of her own.

"Well, on that note," Woosung said, getting up from the table, "let's take some food to AJ."

His mom got up quickly. "Wait, I made him bone broth and ginseng tea," she said. "Don't give him all this heavy food. He's recovering. He needs something light."

Woosung grabbed the tray and headed to his brother's room. "Why don't you come along?" he invited Dolores. The thought of her alone with his mother was too much for him. Dolores got up from the table, giving Woosung's mother a solemn bow, and then following Woosung to AJ's room.

When they entered, they found AJ absently scrolling on his phone.

"Umma sent us in with broth and ginseng tea," Woosung said.

AJ made a face. "The broth is fine, but tell her I don't want the tea," AJ replied.

"No, man, you tell her," Woosung corrected. "I'm not telling her a damn thing. If you don't want the tea, you'll have to be the one to tell her."

"Why are you always like this?" AJ groused. "You're freaking terrified to get into a fight with Umma," he observed. "I mean, what's the worst that can happen? She could gripe at you or smack you upside the head, but her slaps don't even hurt," he added.

"Look, can you just drink the tea, already, and stop being difficult," Woosung complained.

At this, Dolores jumped in. "Woosung, why don't you go take a rest. I'll stay with AJ. It will give us a chance to get acquainted," she reasoned.

"Alright," Woosung conceded. "But don't be telling her weird shit about me," he warned his little brother.

AJ laughed but made no promises. When Woosung left, Dolores held the broth to AJ's lips. He was still unable to feed himself as he had broken his right arm in the accident. Dolores was careful not to feed him too quickly.

"So, now that he's gone, you can tell me all about Woosung," Dolores said with a sly smile. "Your mom mentioned that there had been a lot of girlfriends," she prompted.