The Tiger’s Whisker
Once upon a time, a young wife named Yun Ok was at her wit’s end. Her husband had always been a tender and loving soul-mate before he had left for… Once upon a time, a young wife named Yun Ok was at her wit’s end. Her husband had always been a tender and loving soul-mate before he had left for the wars, but ever since he returned home, he was cross, angry, and unpredictable. She was almost afraid to live with her own husband. Only in glancing moments did she catch a shadow of the husband she used to know and love. When one ailment or another bothered people in her village, they would often rush for a cure to a hermit who lived deep in the mountains. Not Yun Ok. She always prided herself that she could heal her own troubles. But this time was different. She was desperate. As Yun Ok approached the hermit’s hut, she saw the door was open. The old man said without turning around: “I hear you. What’s your problem?” She explained the situation. His back still to her, he said, “Ah yes, it’s often that way when soldiers return from the war. What do you expect me to do about it?” “Make me a potion!” cried the young wife. “Or an amulet, a
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