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A knock at the door redirects our attention.
“Mom, someone’s at the door,” I yell.
There’s no reply.
I groan as I set off toward the door, leaving Caleb behind. I open it to find Mrs. Park staring back at me with a grin. Her dark hair is gathered in a braid, and in her hands is a jar filled to the brim with red tinted cabbage.
“Hi,” I say.
She holds out the jar to me. “I promised your mom I’d bring her some kimchi the next time I made it.”
I take the jar, clutching it to my chest. “Thanks. I’ll make sure to let her know.”
“Eomma?” Caleb says behind me.
Her gaze drifts to him. “I thought you were home studying?”
He blushes, reaching up to rub the back of his neck. “I just brought Bec her homework.”
“Ah,” she says with an annoyed glint in her eye.
It’s no secret she blames me for getting Caleb in trouble throughout the years. She swears he’s the most well behaved boy until he steps onto my radar.
“Anne, is that what I think it is?” Mom says, appearing out of who knows where.
I take a step back, feeling claustrophobic from being caught in the center of everyone. I want to go upstairs.
Mrs. Park smiles. “Of course.”
Mom wraps her into a hug. “Thank you. I know you’re busy, so I really appreciate you taking the time to do this.”
“Oh, don’t mention it. I’m always happy to share.” She stares at Caleb again. “Ready to go?”
“I don’t have that much homework—”
“Then you can get a head start on your assignments for tomorrow. Stanford doesn’t accept just anyone. You need to show them you’re serious.”
Mom gasps. “Stanford?”
Mrs. Park beams. “It’s been his dream since he was little.”
Caleb’s eyes drop to the floor.
“Since when?” I ask, my eyebrow popping up as I cross my arms.
“He talks about it all the time, don’t you?”
“Mhmm,” he says, eyes glued to his shoes.
“Right . . . he’s definitely not being forced into it,” I mumble.
Mom nudges me with her elbow. Her glare is fierce. “Rebecca,” she whispers through clenched teeth.
I shrug.
Mrs. Park chuckles, even though I know my comment bothered her. “We better get going. I have to help Jordy with his homework before I head to work.”
Mom gives her another hug and sends them off. I escape to my room without bothering to say goodbye.
