Bedevilled 2016

She did not make the call.

“Call the police,” Hae-won said, the automatic, useless answer of a city woman. bedevilled 2016

But on the eighth day, Bok-nam appeared at her window at dawn. “Hae-won-ah,” she whispered, tears carving clean lines through the grime on her cheeks. “You saw. Last night. You saw what he did.” She did not make the call

Hae-won had seen. Jong-sik had dragged Bok-nam by her hair across the yard for burning the fish stew. She’d heard the thud of a boot against ribs. You saw what he did

2016 was a year that saw the passing of many beloved celebrities. In January, music legend David Bowie died at the age of 69, shocking fans around the world. In February, pop star Prince was found dead at his home in Minnesota, sparking an outpouring of tributes and condolences.

Bok-nam laughed, a dry, broken sound. “The police boat comes once a month. The officer drinks with Jong-sik. He calls me ‘crazy Bok-nam.’ Please. You have a satellite phone. For your work.”