How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Her lips pinch tight, then she hides with Uhmma and me. Because when Apa is too quiet with the squinty eye, it is better to hide until he falls asleep or else there will be breaking everywhere. Halmoni always says, That Apa of yours needs a good spanking. If only your Harabugi had not passed away. (2.4)
Apa hasn't even done anything violent yet and already we know he's someone even his mother (Halmoni) fears. What she tells Young Ju though, has to make you wonder: does Apa just need "a good spanking" from his father (Harabugi), or is Apa way beyond that?
Quote #2
Apa turns and faces Uhmma. He points to her stomach. Look at us now. This is all your fault. You hear me? Your fault I had to take a second job picking up those lawyers' trash like some beggar. In Korea at least I had my own boat. What was so bad about that life? (9.12)
Pro tip: if anyone ever says that something is "all your fault"—run. Other things to note: Apa may not come out and say that Uhmma's pregnancy is her fault too, but there's definitely that feeling since he's pointing to her stomach when he says the words "This is all your fault." Apa is also not the kind of guy who likes to take responsibility for decisions he's made… kind of like a big kid, only with more muscle.
Quote #3
I do not see Apa's hand. It is too fast. I only hear the slap, loud as breaking glass. I bite my bottom lip. Hard. I cannot cry. It will only make it worse. I close my eyes and start to pray, Please, God, please make everything better. What did I say, Apa yells. Slap. I open my eyes and look at Uhmma. She covers her lips with her hand. A little blood comes out from between her fingers. My tears are falling onto my knees. I hold my breath so I will not cry out. (9.22-25)
Are you confused about who's getting hit? Good, because we think that's kind of the point of this passage. Young Ju acts as if she's the one getting hit, not Uhmma, which just goes to show how much Young Ju absorbs when she witnesses her mom getting hit. It's like she can't detach herself from the scene.