A mass crowd of people are all scattered around like the dots on the ceiling. The brightest rays of the sun are illuminating onto the transparent windows as it is cascading a shadow throughout the city. In the bustling heart of Seoul there lays a leading marketplace that contains thousands of small retail shops ranging from clothes to ancient herbal remedies. This place famously noted for its constant liveliness and diversity is known as the Namdaemun Market. From a distant one can hear the effervescent yells heard from those advertising their latest product, to the faint wind chimes moving impassively in the subtle wind making a harmonious melody. One particular shop completely devoid of the vigor within the surrounding area was a prominent place for the diverse range of insects that were taking shelter in the cracks within the walls, but no people were willing to take a look inside the store. This shop had an overwhelming sense of sadness that was ruminating throughout the place. By observing the inactivity, the shop’s chances of succeeding was fading away like the shadows of the night.

It was June of 2000; the peak of summer and hurricane season heading its way. A suffocating layer of humidity was blanketing the air. Droplets of sticky sweat were forming onto the perspirated bodies. The half chipped handle on the white creamy surface turns to eight, which was the cue to close the store. The man releases a discontent sigh as he locks the place shut. He shuffles his feet home in the silent night. The door unlatches nimbly and the man greets his children with a forced smile; the wife automatically senses his façade expression. He looks into
his daughter’s curious eyes and feels dismayed for not being able to earn enough money to sustain his wife and two children. Some families who have limited job opportunities migrate to America known as the “Land of Opportunities” to fulfill the glorious “American Dream”.

As the mother came across an old picture of her and her parents, a tear ran down her
cheek and sprawled onto the photograph leaving a clear less stain. The mother wiped her tears as she heard small delicate footsteps of her daughter walking in.
The daughter’s face was flushed with watery eyes as she asked her mother, “Are we never going to see grandma and grandpa anymore?”
The mother gave her daughter a hug as she responded, “No honey. Of course we are going to see them. It may take some time, but we will be able to visit them.”
The young girl returned to the living room staring into the open expanse that once held some of the most precious moments in her life. The girl decides to lie down on the irritating yet comfortable sticky wooden floor and dozes off into a deep sleep.

Once the plane tickets are purchased a feeling of fear and trepidation begins to form. Morose thoughts begin to appear as the families realize they are leaving their homeland and family members behind for a prolonged period of time. People begin to question the success of this risky journey and some fail to continue. There are other families who are willing to cross this mountain believing that God will always be lighting their way. This odyssey embarks a new chapter in these people’s lives.

The planes flying above became increasingly more evident as the airport was getting near. The luggage maneuvered its way briskly onto the slippery glossy tile. As the man approached the gate and said farewell to his parents, a sorrowful pain developed in his heart.
The mother swiftly handed her son a crinkled envelope with discernible sweat markings and said, “Please accept this. It is not much, but it may have some use for you and your family.
Make sure to stay healthy and happy my son.”

The man fights back his tears and smiles and says, “Thanks mom. I will make you proud.”

The family sets foot on American soil at the busy Los Angeles Airport, where they are confined by an unfamiliar environment. The airport was abounded with people of various races, along with intercoms relaying numerous notices in an unknown language. All these unfamiliar information charging at them at once roused anxiety. The family firmly holds onto their luggage for comfort desperately seeking a way to escape this strange setting.

Luckily, among the crowds of people the man was able to locate his friend who was waiting for his arrival. The friend took the family to his home state, Arizona. The scorching sun was very uninviting as it pierced the summer air. As the girl stepped out of the car, a surge of arid wind charged at her unmarred face. As the family begins to realize the time, they notice their stomach’s agonizing plea for food. They are craving Korean food but because they do not know the surrounding area, they reluctantly eat at a nearby hamburger shop. The family eats in front of a clear glass window, staring above at the vast blue arena desiring the comfort of their native land.

The mother prepares the stroller as her daughter unwillingly puts on the white floral dress. The dreaded day has come, for today was the first day the young girl was attending pre-school. The girl plods her way to school behind her mother filled with apprehensive feelings. Upon entering the classroom and seeing unknown faces, an affliction of uneasiness was felt. The young girl immediately firmly gripped on her mother’s soft silk pants with her small knuckles turning
white as a dove. The girl let out a wail of agonizing grief that would inflict heartache at any mother’s heart. However, the mother hesitantly leaves her daughter to fulfill her other responsibilities. The daughter immediately darts to the corner, allowing the tears to fall like a
waterfall. She then wakes up with her swollen eyes filled with dry tears. Then two young children cautiously approach the young girl and greet her. Although there was a language barrier, they still could comprehend one another through universal actions. Once it came time to go home they each said their farewells looking forward to the next day.

The endless raindrops pounded on the concrete as if they were dueling one another. Another day has been wasted. Continuous walking and finding a place to start their business for ongoing weeks has internally and physically undermined the parents. As they arrive home rather than worrying about their feet which are overflowing in pain, they are more concerned regarding their grim future. As soon as they enter a contracting agency their minds are racing with agitation. They encounter people who have their eyebrows arched in an unamused manner with deep frowns that are burrowed in their faces. Although the parents are unable to understand English, by the lack of sincerity and disgruntled tone, they are aware that they are being disparaged. The man unable to hide his mental distress clenches his fists with his face turning red as fire, but the woman holds his hand gently, holding him back.

The sun beamed its rays on the windows with the sound of birds happily chirping in the air. A rather stiff knock was heard on the door. Curious as to whom the unexpected visitor could be, the man opens the door startled to see that it was his friend. The friend had walked in with a heavy sigh and a troubled expression. He had come to discuss some important matter; instantly the man felt a deep burden on him but tried to resist pessimistic thoughts. The friend
had clutched his hands together and suggested if he wanted to start a dollar store partnership with him. The man’s distressed look was soon replaced by a relieved smile.

The truck was unloading the merchandise as the two men were piling the boxes inside the
compacted warehouse. The men worked ardently day and night for three months assembling the store. Despite the sweltering conditions the man did not get discouraged whenever the thought of his family came across his mind. The man adjusted the final finishes of the store by setting up the ornamented grand opening banner that had a multitude of radiant colors. Although the store did not acquire many customers the two considered today’s opening a success. The man realized that the store needed time to grow like a tree, and today’s opening were the roots for a prosperous enterprise.