“Hold still,” Sang-Hee admonished as she brushed her little sister’s hair. Girls were scattered across the large dormitory like rags tossed haphazardly into an open bin. Some rested on flimsy cots. Others sat looking out of the only window, huddled together to share the tiny view. A few sat in a corner playing marbles, using earrings instead of balls. In the opposite corner, two girls argued over a doll made of rolled-up fabric.
When the door flung open, the chattering stopped and was replaced by the sound of rushing feet and rustling cloth. Sang-Hee picked up her sister and hurried her along with the others. “It’s all right,” she whispered. When she reached the line-up, she propped Min on her crooked feet and leaned her against the wall. The girls each stood in their proper places, their
