To believe hearing that hearing about the passing of someone dear over and over hardens the heart, would be a mistake. Everyone's heart is too accustomed to beating for life. Death is a heavy notion to grasp, especially when it involves someone dear. Her heart never got accustomed to tragedy. She only got better at putting on facades.
Soo-Ah was good for nothing that day, nor was she able to eat much, though her face did not betray much of what she had going on inside. When she asked permission to leave for a funeral the matrons understood it was linked with the gossip they heard and decided to give the young woman some respite the ensuing days.
*
