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Jan Andrew |
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I was devastated, like everyone, when I heard the news. My fondest memory of Steven is 2 a.m. nodaebong sessions with everyone singing along to some wacked-out song, Fiona playing the tambourine in the corner. I like to think Steven is up in nodaebong heaven now, looking down on us with a Bushmills in one hand and the mike in the other... ======== Steven, do you want to hear a funny story? The first time I hung out with Che, we had dinner at Sunshine Cafe. You showed up and it was this random threesome carrying an awkward conversation over a bowl of udon. You guys couldn’t believe how terrible I was with my chopsticks, but I really did know how to use them. I was just terrified of making a mess. Months later Che confessed that he invited you because he thought maybe you and I would make a nice couple. I remember being an intern at A. right when I got to San Francisco and was still in school. I noticed that you would eat lunch close to Cindy, the pretty girl whose desk was near mine. Sometimes I like to brag that I have a sixth sense about these things, but you can just tell when two people enjoy each other as much as you two. When it eventually came out that you and Cindy were “officially” together I was so happy that you found a nice, smart, girl. I liked how down-to-earth she was, and I always knew she would be good for you. I’m glad you were able to share your life with Cindy and you found the person for you who was worth it all. Leaving San Francisco was one of the most difficult and painful times I’ve experienced. Most of that has passed but what remains is the memory of you and our friends who reached out to me, even though it was a difficult situation for everyone involved. You called me in San Jose to see how I was, a small gesture which meant a lot to me. I’ll never forget our talks, which now in retrospect were far too few. You really embodied the Korean term “Oppa” and did your best to steer me in the right direction. I hope I don’t disappoint you.I noticed a change in you, I’m sure it had mostly to do with being with Cindy and the whole ordeal of A. closing. I remember you telling me once around that time to just be happy, and that life was too short. How did you get to be so smart? I wish we had more time together. I think you must be in No-Dae-Bong heaven right now enjoying the terribly hilarious karaoke videos. ======= One time we thought we had lost Steven's cat Muffin. Che had moved into Steven's old apartment with Jo and we were supposed to be watching Muffin for Steven while he was in Dallas. Muffin didn't get along with Che's cat, Slowie – they were bitter rivals. Muffin was an outdoor cat, but this particular time she was gone for two weeks straight and it had been snowing. We were worried, especially since Steven was coming to Chicago soon for a visit. Che and I went to the pound, to the humane society, everywhere to see if they had Muffin. No such luck. Oddly enough, she came home minutes before Steven dropped by the apartment, as if she knew he'd be there. In San Fran one time Steven and Che got really stoned at our old apartment in the Outer Sunset. So stoned that Steven kept breathing in deeply and exclaiming, "Wow the air is so fresh out here." He said it so many times, I was giggling at how funny it was. We took him to a Chinese-Korean noodle place on Irving and 13th, and the whole time he was thinking about you. "I really need to bring Cindy here." Funny the random memories that stick with you. -Liz McAdams
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