How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
When I wake up, I no more like to be with people, like before. Afraid of everyone, all the time. I don't leave apartment for two months. Neighbor buys food for me at store. I don't open door if someone knocks, even friends—only for food. Afraid to walk on sidewalk with people. I hire Korean man to run dry cleaning shop. I never go in. That happen two years ago. Very slowly, I get better. I go to store and buy my food, but very fast. Then not so fast. Very lonely, but still afraid. Then I pass by garden. (8.2)
After a man robs Sae Young's dry cleaning shop and beats her up, she becomes scared of everyone. And we can't blame her; she did have a traumatic experience. The way she deals with this is to withdraw from all community, which leaves her feeling totally alone. Did you notice how many times she says the word "afraid" in the first half of this quote? But keep an eye out because once she sees the garden, Sae Young's whole attitude towards community is going to change.
Quote #5
I want to be with people again. Next day I go back and dig small garden. Nobody talk to me that day. But just be near people, nice people, feel good, like next to fire in winter.
[…] Even if I don't talk to anyone, sound of people working almost like conversation, all around. People visit friends. I listen to voices. Feel very safe. Then man walk over and ask about peppers. I grow hot peppers, like in Korea. First time that someone talk to me. I was so glad, have trouble talking. (8.3-4)
Sae Young has gone from being super fearful of other people to super happy to be part of a community. Check out how she relishes hearing her neighbors talk together. What do you think makes Sae Young feel so safe here? What is it about the garden that changes Sae Young's mind about being afraid of people?
Quote #6
This old man with no teeth and a straw hat showed me how to tie the plants up to stakes. Then someone else told me all their diseases. (9.5)
Curtis is getting some know-how on tomato-growing from his garden neighbors. Did you notice how Curtis doesn't know the names of these helpful folks? Well, it doesn't seem to make their community any less important. In fact, these friendly neighbors help Curtis grow beautiful plants, even if they don't know each other's names. Now that's a pretty special community.