Already it’s a distance from the shore, and moving farther still. It’s a small, hollowed-out vessel with a single mast, meant to carry eight or so men-and one Sea God’s bride. Through the torrent of rain, I catch sight of the boat, tossing and turning upon the waves. I take off my soggy sandals and fling them over my shoulder. The path ends where the dirt meets the sand. A half second later, a clap of thunder rumbles over the rice fields. Lightning streaks through the storm clouds, splintering across a blackened sky. It tugs me toward the open sea and to the one person I love beyond destiny. For though a large part of me longs for the safety of home, the pull of my heart is infinitely stronger. Which destiny belongs to me? Which destiny will I grasp on to with both hands?Įven if it were up to choice, it wouldn’t really be mine to make. If I turn around, the path will take me back to the village. If I follow this path, it’ll eventually lead me to the beach. There are many pathways destiny can take.įor instance, there’s my own path-the literal path before me, stretching narrowly through the waterlogged rice fields. If she’ll find comfort in it before the end. I can’t help wondering if Shim Cheong believes in the myth of the Sea God’s bride. Or sacrificed, depending on the measure of your faith.Įvery year the storms begin, and every year a girl is brought to the sea. When the otherworldly storms rise from the East Sea, lightning breaking the sky and waters ripping up the shore, a bride is chosen and given to the Sea God.

The myths of my people say only a true bride of the Sea God can bring an end to his insatiable wrath.

The Floating World by Axie Oh