Typhoon

Yukiko drives me home after our wine party. I drank some Sauvignon Blanc from Chile and thought of Latin America. Nao misunderstood me when I mentioned Christmas and decided to put some Christmas music. But I must first make it to Halloween, right?

Something hits Yukiko’s car window and we both cry out. “Stay home tomorrow,” she says. But now I’ve been thinking of biking and marathons. I open the door and the wind caresses me like it doesn’t want to let me go. I love the rain and wind of this country. They are possessive and impatient but they don’t stay long. I rush in my shorts and platforms. They remind me of long legs running after the New York City subway, hoping to make it even if it is too late.

I sleep nine hours. I dream of beer, wine and friends in Japan. 

Wakarimasen

The children come to me. They have so much to say. But how can I tell you that I do not understand? I seek for understanding. I used to think if I stared at a sign long enough the characters would eventually manifest themselves to me, the kanji would pity the frugality of my tongue. But I was in denial. You must have underestimated the situation. To be proud, to be happy. Long legs, cute, slim…Are these the only English words you know? I have so much to teach you, but I only want to show you the beautiful. Let’s forget about the misery and the misunderstandings. I want you to see the world the way I see it, but without the need of contacts.

The students don’t understand English and I sympathize with them. We are very similar, after all.

The Stranger

I wake up at 6:00 AM. I prepare breakfast and lunch. When I am at school I realize I have forgotten the lunch. During my break I decide to go get it. Only I have forgotten the way home. “Sumimasen!” The school kids stop their bikes to help me. Only I never learned to ask “How do I get…?” And even if I did know I have forgotten the name of my street and I have also forgotten that my street doesn’t actually have a name. I show them a map. They cannot read it. They cannot help. They stop a car. A man steps out. He introduces himself in broken English. He asks if I’m a teacher. He says he teaches Japanese. He points to his car: “My car.” I get in.