EXAMPLE PAGE - EBOOKS - THE PROMISE OF THE TEA GODS - Flipbook - Page 12
2
H. K. O'HARA
in the open, right in front of my eyes . . . If I could just see it. Even for
a few seconds—if I could just see it.
A star fell from the sky, passing by his window on its way to the city
where life never stopped for anyone—where even the sleeping kept
moving forward so as not to interrupt the quick-paced national struggle
of not-so-ancient times. A song peered out from the corner of his
heart—a silent song that had no name and nowhere special to go. And
so, it stayed—quietly—where it was.
What to do? A game, maybe? The game Binnie told me about—the
game where you mentally run through all the things you know are absolutely true about yourself which, if you play the game right, is supposed to help you discover what you don’t know about yourself.
Let’s see, what do I know for sure about myself? . . . I’m well-educated. A responsible South Korean man. I like living in Seoul. My life
is good, although it could use a few minor tweaks here and there . . . I’m
reasonably patient. I get along easily with other people; well, most of
the time. I learn quickly. I like to think . . . Correction: I like to reflect;
it sounds more philosophical. But, then again, thinking sounds more intellectual. Okay, let’s go with: I like to think and reflect.
I like figuring things out—except for Binnie’s riddles; those usually
make me crazy. But not always . . . I’m logical. Practical. But I’m also
imaginative. I love music. I love to sing. I’m not easily influenced by
other people—I would rather lead than follow. I like being the peaceful
one in the crowd. I don’t like confrontation. Actually, that should be, I
hate confrontation—of any kind.
What else? . . . Binnie said you have to be really honest when you’re
playing this game, or it won’t get you anywhere . . . I’m trying, Binnie,
I really am . . . I’m more open-minded than most people I know. I don’t
like drama. I like peace. Sometimes I’m sensitive. Okay, another correction: I’m extremely sensitive. I feel things deeply. Sometimes I wish
I didn’t, but mostly I’m okay with it . . . I hate deception. I like a good
challenge. But I don’t like danger—I mean, really, the whole point of
life is to stay alive, isn’t it? . . . I’m confident. Honest. Sometimes too
honest—if there is such a thing. I like people who speak with their
