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"See, I was right," the kind woman nodded in approval, "this
dress goes well with any occasion, but not so dressy that you couldn't wear it as
an everyday either." Izumi looked in the full- length mirror. Now she looked
grown up. With a deep sigh of satisfaction, Izumi followed the woman to the cash
register, and handed over the money John had given her.
She heard the cash register ring out. "Your change, and your receipt. Have a
nice day!"
"Thank you," said Izumi gratefully. The woman waved good bye, and returned
to her work.
Izumi stepped outside, carrying a small bag that held her uniform. She spotted John,
leaning against the store window, patiently waiting for her to come out. "Do
you like it?" she said. Her voice made John look up suddenly.
Before him stood a woman, not a girl. He stared at her, trying to find the dirty
faced little girl he had witnessed to on the beach the night before.
"Isn't it the most beautiful dress you have ever seen?" she asked excitedly,
running her hand along the blue folds.
"Did you say something about 'beautiful'?" he stammered, only half listening
to what Izumi had said.
"I said, 'Isn't it the most beautiful dress you have ever seen?'" she repeated,
delighted that he, for once, was speechless.
"No, I have seen prettier dresses," he disagreed, "but then, none
of them were on you." Izumi stood still. John was looking at her differently.
"Thank you," she said softly, looking down at the sidewalk.
"For telling the truth?" asked John, half jokingly. Izumi was very serious,
however.
"I wanted to thank you for something you did once, even though you thought I
didn't know." The air around John began to grow warm, even though they were
standing in the shade. "On the flight here," she continued, "I was
so terrified. My world had just been turned up-side down, and then I was traveling
to some strange place. I know my mother hates me," she paused, "and I know
she left me alone on the airplane. But, when she left, someone took her place beside
me, and stayed with me the whole night." John looked away, fighting to keep
his composure. "I never opened my eyes, but I know it was you. It meant everything
to me, and I wanted you to know it." John was silent.
"You always know how to break my heart, don't you?" he said, quietly. Izumi
sensed John was struggling with something, but kept silent. "It's getting late,
and you still haven't had your birthday lunch." John started back in the direction
of the seafood restaurant, with Izumi following close behind.
"Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have
overcome me."
~ Song of Solomon 6:5 ~
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