Deen-What Did I Do?

Hong ahjumma gave me a look. It wasn't the looks of anger and pity which I had been receiving. It was concern.

'Deen ah,' she said softly. 'You're in for a very rough time in this country. Not only in this school, but everywhere you will go, you will meet worse people. They will call you names and insult you. But you have to ensure it all and not let it bring you down. Not only for your own sake but for your mother's as well.'

'But why?' I asked. 'Why me? What did I do?'

Hong ahjumma patted my chin.

'I wish I could answer that question,' she said gently. 'But if we knew the answer, the world would have been a peaceful place. For now, just enjoy your meal. Your plate is almost empty. I'll bring you more food.'

She went off to bring another tray, leaving me and Hae-Ra alone. Hong ahjumma's words only left me more confused.

'It's because you don't have a dad,' Hae-Ra said, reading my thoughts. 'People here are not friendly to kids who don't have dads.'

'But why?'

'I don't know,' she replied. 'I've been facing all this since I was a child. My parents divorced and my dad left us. People said all those things to me too.'

I blinked.

'My dad?' I asked incredulously. 'They hate me because I don't have a dad?'

Hae-Ra nodded.

'Don't worry,' she said. 'It'll bother you for a while. But after a few days, you'll be used to it. Just keep your head down and mind your own work. They'll stop talking after a few days.'

Hong ahjumma arrived with another tray. I could hardly taste the food this time. My head was buzzing with what Hae-Ra said.

The rest of the day was a blur. I was too occupied with what Hae-Ra said. When the final bell rang, the kids hurriedly packed their bags and scurried out. I was in a daze, walking slowly towards the school exit.

'Deen!' I turned to see Mee standing outside. I ran up to her.

'How was your day?' she asked.

I bit my lip, debating whether to tell her or not.

'I made a new friend,' I said, smiling widely. 'Her name is Hae-Ra. She is really nice.'

'Hae-Ra,' Mee smiled, holding my hand as we walked home. 'Tell me all about your new girlfriend.'

'She is not my girlfriend!' I exclaimed.

'She is,' Mee joked.

'She isn't!'

'She is!'

We bantered on like that till we reached home. Mee changed into cleaner clothes. I put my bag on the table and turned on the laptop.

'Okay,' she said after changing her clothes. 'I will be leaving for work again as soon as the babysitter comes. She will be taking care of you every weekday after you return from school. The food is in the fridge. Just tell her to reheat it.'

The doorbell rang. A woman in her fifties was standing there.