A halmoni who was winding thread came out from a room next to the living room. She was Ms. Park, Doori. Ms. Park continued to unwind the thread with other halmonis in front of the television. I watched them for about ten minutes.

I felt calm after a while. Ms. Lee, Yongnyon helped Ms. Park. I began to take some shots of them together. Ms. Park laughed and her mouth was wide opened. She had no teeth left. Ms. Ii did not seem to be annoyed by my conduct but later asked me "What are you here for? Did you come to hear our story? You have come too late. So many people visit us during the last decade and we have been telling our stories every day and I am sick of it. You should have come sixty years ago".
I could not ask any questions, nor utter a word.

An advertisement was aired on the television. Ms. Ii opened the door slightly about ten centimeters and lit a cigarette. I heard that she was also fond of drinking.

"Halmoni, I hear you like drinking. Do you drink a lot? You know smoking is bad for your health." I spoke to her to show that I care. "I could not face my life if I didn't drink or smoke because it was very hard. It was the Japanese soldiers who taught me how to drink and smoke,you know!" Again I could not continue another word.

It was time for supper at 5.30 where all the former-comfort women got together. I was not sure how I could start a conversation and the language barrier was not the only problem. I quietly had a bite. Other than me, at the table there were all women, including the cook and two nuns. It was obvious that a stranger was disturbing the atmosphere. "Did you have enough? How about another plate? Have some more." Ms. Kim, Sundeok, who was seated on my left side tried to make me relaxed, although I was quite stiff. She offered me a cup of coffee after the supper.

<I'm the living evidence>