*Chapter 2* Korea

“Alright, kids, now I know that Korea is really safe, but I want you to stay together today- no leaving your brother behind. Cereal is in the cupboard. If Max goes to the PC Room, you all have to go. And for lunch, I want you to try the Korean food downstairs. It’s a lot cheaper and healthier for you,” said their mom. The Mathews family had come to South Korea less than a week ago. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews taught English during summer vacation weekdays and were letting their children- Daisy, Max and Leo- explore the local area.

“Now remember there are loads of things that you can do outside!” reminded their mother. There’s a mountain behind the school that you can hike, a skating park near the subway station, and a library by the bus stop.”

Suspiciously, Daisy, Max and Leo nodded their heads together. They rarely agreed on anything. Their mom looked at them knowing that there was something up, but not having enough time to interrogate them.

“There’s money on the counter,” reminded their mom. “I love you! Have a good day!”
“Bye, mom!” the three said in unison as they watched the door close.

“Alright, Leo, last night you chose to take the challenge and now I have come up with the perfect plan,” Max said looking down to his innocent, little brother. Last night, Leo (or better known by his nickname “Beaver”) was supposed to wash and dry the dishes, but Max offered to help if Leo would play his game. Daisy had tried to tell Leo that it was a bad idea. The pranks Max had pulled on them, ran through her mind- sticking her tongue to a metal pole in the winter, hiding her pet cat in the mailbox, pouring salt on her in the middle of the night and so much more! But Leo was determined to take the challenge. The three of them had just come to Korea with their mom and dad for summer vacation and English TV was limited. Leo’s favorite TV show only came on once a week and he really didn’t want to miss it.

“Alright, then, what do I have to do?” asked Leo.

“I’ll tell you on the way. We are going down the road to the street market,” answered Max. “Daisy you’re coming too! Remember, mom said we have to do this together.”

Daisy really didn’t want to be a part of another one of her brother’s nasty pranks, but she couldn’t break the rules, anymore. She knew that the old Korean woman next door was always watching them. She was sure that same woman was the one that told their mom how she left her brothers home alone yesterday. Daisy had just gone downstairs to pick up their pizza for lunch, and when she returned, Leo was squealing like a pig because Max had cheated again on their video game. And she was sure that it was the same woman that called their mom to tell her that the three kids were fighting at the bus stop outside. That woman needed to mind her own business. But in their Korean apartment there was only a thin wall between them and their neighbor. And the bus stop was right outside, next to the old woman’s gardening spot.

When the three kids stepped outside of their apartment, the old woman’s door was already open. She seemed to be cooking something because there was a nasty odor coming out of her apartment. As they walked by her open door, the old woman turned and stared at them.

“How do you say “stop staring” in Korean?” asked Max.

“I don’t know, Max, but staring is rude, and you don’t need to stare back!” replied Daisy. They walked over to the elevator and Leo hit the down button.