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When Norma was eleven years old, the Hammond Theatre Co. had come to the town of Muhlenberg and performed a play. Everyone had loved it and the performers had promised to return. They had loved Muhlenberg too, it seemed. Since they wree a touring company, and Muhlenberg had loved them, and they'd promised to perform in Muhlenberg again, no one was surprised when they showed up with a new play four years later. Norma, the genki blonde 15-year old girl, had watched eagerly as the group's publicity truck proceeded up the street slowly. Norma's heart fluttered the moment she saw Cheryl, her favorite actress. The tall auburn-haired woman looked as striking as Norma remembered. Without realizing, Norma waved enthusiastically. Cheryl saw her then. She waved back and gave Norma a dazzling smile. Saga, Norma, and Anne watched the first performance of the play--which was called "The Bear Returns"--and they thoroughly enjoyed it. The next morning, Norma had shyly approached Cheryl and asked for another autograph, this one on the new playbill. "Only if you will let me take you to breakfast," Cheryl had replied. The meal wound up taking nearly two hours. Though she had been tongue-tied at first, Norma had quickly gotten comfortable with Cheryl. The two learned a lot about each other. Norma found that Cheryl had a quick wit; she also admired Cheryl's optimism and independence. Norma had attended the next two shows on her own. She and her friends had then watched the last one. That evening, as she'd promised, Norma had eaten a late dinner with Cheryl. "Do you think the theatre company will come back to Muhlenberg again?" Norma had asked that night. "I'm sure of it," Cheryl had answered easily. "No one could ask for a better audience than she'll find right here." She'd looked away then, because Norma was blushing and if she knew that Cheryl had caught her doing that, she'd have been very embarrassed. "You will come back, won't you, Cheryl-sama?" "Of course I will." The theatre group left the following morning. Cheryl had kissed Norma's cheeks and the two had said their goodbyes. When the train began to move, Norma tried to hid her tears from Saga and Anne. Norma, Anne, Greta, Saga, Phil, Jan, Alan, and the rest of Muhlenberg went about their lives. +++++ Norma was 17 years old when the Hammond Theatre Co. visited Muhlenberg for the third time. Norma and her friends were in their final year of schooling and they had a week of vacation starting tomorrow. It was perfect. Norma was watching Saga argue with Kanon about how many snacks would spoil Kanon's dinner when she heard the voice of the stage master a long way off. "Do you hear that?" Norma asked. Saga and Kanon quieted and listened. "The theatre group is back," Saga said. "Nani?" Kanon asked. "Have they been here before?" "You were only six, so you might not--Saga, tell her, okay? I've got to see her!" Norma rushed away, leaving Saga to explain to the puzzled 8-year old. Norma saw the truck and ran faster. It had been two years. She wanted to talk to Cheryl again, and eat with her, and laugh with her. The blonde girl was grinning when she reached the truck. "I'm so glad you're here," she said to the stage master. "It's been too long." "Yes, it has," the jovial man agreed. Norma's eyes had been searching the entire time. All happiness suddenly left her, crushed by a looming fear. "W-where is Cheryl-sama?" she asked urgently. "She..." "...Please, tell me." "She's quit the company." "Well, it's great to see you all again," Norma said numbly. But she had stopped moving, and she let the truck pass her. +++++ "Their opening performance is tonight," Anne said when she, Saga, and Norma met the following morning. "I can't wait," Saga declared. "I'll bet their music will be wonderful, as it always is." Anne cleared her throat. "Norma? Usually you're the most enthusiastic of us when they come to town. Daijobu?" "Genki," she replied quickly. "We should all go." "Greta, will you come with us?" Saga asked. Immediately, there was the laugh. "Oh ho ho ho ho! My rival, asking me to attend a play with her. It could be a very interesting experience, Saga-san. Yes, I'll go...if you agree to a soliloquy contest with me." "Sure," Saga said, sweatdropping. The competition between Greta and Saga was a thing that surprised no one anymore, but it was obvious that Saga was humoring the black-haired girl. It was also obvious that the two were fast friends now. The piano had brought them together. The four girls did some shopping and then went to Greta's house for lunch. Because of a challenge from Greta, the girls then baked a batch of cookies each. All the cookies turned out very well, so no one was declared the winner. "But you've definitely improved the most, Norma-chan," Greta said, and Anne and Saga nodded their agreement. "Thank you," Norma responded. If Greta said she'd gotten better, then it had to be true. The girls split up then, after deciding to meet at the theatre before the play started. Norma spent most of her time wondering what had happened. Why had Cheryl quit? Was she all right? And Norma had a very painful question: how could Cheryl break her promise? I thought I meant something to her. Norma realized that she had to have some answers. After the play, then. She would ask until Cheryl's absence made sense. There had to be a reason, she figured. The play was called "A Stargazer's Choice," and it was good. But without Cheryl, Norma couldn't enjoy it. She said she did, for the sake of her friends. When it was over, she stayed behind. It seemed as though the stage master had expected her to remain. "Norma, isn't it? Cheryl told me you would be here." The normally happy man looked concerned. "Why did she quit? What happened?" "Gomen nasai. She made me promise not to tell you that. She said she didn't want to see you." Stung but determined, Norma pressed on. "Did she say you couldn't tell me where she is? I've got to write to her and ask her what's going on." "Well," the plump man hesitated. "Come on, please? What harm can there be in letting me write her a letter?" +++++ Norma laid the page that held Cheryl's address next to the map on her desk. The town where Cheryl lived was over 300 km away. But Norma wasn't worried. She would take the train tomorrow morning. She was glad that the stage master had believed her when she'd said she planned to write. She had packed her suitcase before she'd gone to the play. "All I've got to do is tell my parents that I'm leaving tomorrow," she murmured to herself. That wouldn't be a problem; her mother and father thought travel was good for young people. It would be her first trip alone. She was a little scared. On the other hand, she was 17. It was time for her to do this. She felt better, knowing that she was taking a big step toward adultood. Saga had rubbed off a bit on her; it was fairly easy for her to make an intelligent plan. Saga, Anne, even Greta: they were friends and they had plenty to teach. They were very good people. Yet for a chance to see Cheryl, it wouldn't be hard to leave them, Norma thought. There was something else about Cheryl. Norma accepted that, even though she didn't know why she cared so much about the actress, and what her situation might be. Somehow, she became very important to me, Norma realized. Morning, please come quickly. The blonde girl fell asleep easily. +++++ The dawn was foggy but warm--the day would soon be clear. Norma calmly told her parents over breakfast what she intended to do. They both teared up a little before she left. So did she. It didn't bother her. She'd made her lunch at home and now she ate it on the train. Once she was finished, she double-checked her map of the province Rheinland-Pfalz and her map of the town of Kusel, the town where Cheryl lived. Less than 100 km remained until the train reached that town, a town that seemed only a tad smaller than Muhlenberg. Norma figured Kusel was higher in the mountains, too. She put away her maps and watched the changing landscape. Her heartbeat seemed louder to her when the conductor announced the stop at the Kusel station. She knew that Cheryl's address was more than a km from the bahnhof, but she wasn't afraid of a walk. It was a lovely day and her suitcase was light. She left the comfortable passenger car and began her walk toward the house where she knew she'd find Cheryl. The day was warm and quite humid. Norma was glad that she had time. She strolled through the pines in no particular hurry. Here and there she saw things that reminded her of life in Muhlenberg. Girls eating ice cream and gossiping; boys yelling and kicking a ball; children flying kites or playing with pets or talking to adults or any number of things. With all these similarities, what was the big deal about travelling? But the surroundings were new to her, and she was having fun seeing it all. Her walk took almost no time. Set back from a narrow, winding road, there stood a small orange house with dark brown shutters and a yellow door. The number was 922. This had to be Cheryl's house. Norma's heartbeat was louder now than it had ever been. She ignored it, but it wasn't as easy to ignore her suddenly rebellious stomach. The young lady took three deep breaths and approached the door. Cheryl's door had a unique bell. A knotted leather cord with a thin steel disc hung amidst a mismatched set of chimes--some were rainbow-colored metal cylinders, some were small brass animals, some were thick glass seashells. Norma smiled. She rang the chimes. No one answered. Norma waited and tried twice more. The blonde girl sighed. She sat on the polished wooden bench that stood near the front window of the house. "She's not here," Norma muttered. She was irritated with herself; she'd never considered that Cheryl might not be home when she arrived. Now all Norma could do was wait. For a moment, she wondered if Cheryl truly lived here, but only for a moment. She knew that this was Cheryl's house. Norma pulled a book from her handbag and sat back, relaxing against the warm wooden back of the bench. She didn't mind waiting. Cheryl would return soon. Norma couldn't help feeling proud of herself--she'd done what she had resolved to do. The day plodded toward evening. Cheryl didn't appear. The day became too dim for Norma to continue reading. She put away her book. She wasn't worried; indeed, she felt safe, relaxed even. She listened to the squirrels' chattering and the chirps of the birds. The bench's inviting, full-length cushion enticed Norma. Norma wasn't really tired, but she could stretch out for a few minutes. As long as she didn't shut her eyes... +++++ The sound of boot heels on pavement awakened Norma. She blinked, trying to let her eyes adjust to the twilight. "Miss? Ano, what are you doing? Are you all right?" "Cheryl-sama!" Norma turned toward Cheryl. "Norma? Iie! Don't look at me! Go away!" "W-what? Cheryl, how can you say that? How?" The hostile voice softened. "It's not your fault, Norma, but I need you to leave." Cheryl kept her eyes--indeed, her entire face--turned away from the young lady. "I can't go! What's happened, Cheryl-sama?" "I said I need you to leave." "I need you to tell me what's wrong!" "Very well, if you want to be stubborn. The Konighof Hotel is four blocks up and left until you reach the stoplights, and one more block left. Have you got enough money for a room?" "Yes. Doushite?" Cheryl faced Norma. She was clearly blind in her right eye. Part of her upper lip on the right side of her mouth was gone, revealing gleaming silver teeth. Purple, scarlet, and brown scars covered her cheek and part of her jaw. Norma's eyes streaming, she stepped toward Cheryl. "I'm sorry. It must have hurt very much when it happened," she said, her voice low but steady. "I can understand if you don't want to tell me how--oh, Cheryl-sama--" Norma barrelled into the tall woman and hugged her. "Norma-chan." Cheryl couldn't keep speaking. She'd figured that Norma would gasp, cringe, and probably run from her. This reaction was so different from that possibility that Cheryl was overwhelmed. "Please," Norma said, "don't feel as though you have to talk about it." There was silence then, as the two women held each other. Norma and Cheryl stopped crying quickly and drew comfort from their embrace. They stayed with their arms around each other for several minutes. "I can't believe you're here," Cheryl said. "It's so good to see you." "It's wonderful to see you. I thought I might never see you again." Norma's voice started wavering. "I--I couldn't leave it at that. I had to see you; I had to! I had to know why--why you didn't come back." "Dear girl, I should have known you wouldn't just accept my absence. Come, I'll make us some supper. You must be famished." "Hungry, yes--but happy. Thank you, Cheryl-sama." "Call me Cheryl, please." +++++ "...was definitely not the only one who missed you. Anne and Saga said after the first performance that it wasn't the same without you." "Honestly now, was the play good?" "It was. But I couldn't enjoy it the way I had before. And the stage master expected me to ask about you. Was that your doing?" "Yes." Cheryl took her meatloaf out of the oven. "You wre never like any of my other admirers. "Listen, Norma, I'm very glad that you can look at my face. But you don't have to eat with me; I won't be offended in the least. Seeing me eat must be enough to kill off anyone's appetite." "Thanks, but I want to eat with you." "Okay. You've been warned." They ate and talked and Cheryl was truly amazed. Norma acted just the way she had two years ago except that she was more grown-up now. She was still as lively and she still looked at Cheryl as she had before. The admiration and affection were still there. "Wow, Cheryl! Thank you--you're such a great cook!" "You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it." "Who wouldn't have? Is that what you're doing now--I mean, is it your job?" "As a matter of fact, it is. How did you know that? Oh, never mind: I suppose I'm easy to read. What about you, Norma? You'll be done with school this year. Actually, don't tell me. I want to guess." "Guess away then," Norma said, sipping her tea. "Um...designer? Yes, that's it, a fashion designer. With your flair for the dramatic--" "--Close," Norma giggled, "but not quite right. I want to do sculpture, with metals. I like wood and glass too, but metals are my favorite." Cheryl leaned back in her rocking chair. "I can see that. I'll bet you're very good at it." "You be the judge. I've brought some photographs of my work. If you'd like..." "...I'd love to see them." Norma opened her handbag and found the small package containing the pictures. She hesitated, then handed them to Cheryl. "Very nice," the auburn-haired woman murmured. "You've got obvious talent." Norma blushed. "Do you think so?" "I assure you, you have a gift. This piece--the caterpillar, cocoon, and moth--it's my favorite. It flows so well, it's almost like it isn't metal at all. Bronze, isn't it?" "Yes. Arigatou, Cheryl; you're so kind." "It's only the truth." Norma shifted on the sofa. "It's getting late, ne? I'm glad that you gave me directions to that hotel. I'm tired suddenly." "I told you the directions because--" "--You thought I'd want to leave you. But I dont. I hope you know that, Cheryl. I need some sleep, but I'd like to see you again tomorrow." "You don't want to leave, so don't. Stay in the spare bedroom tonight and I guarantee that you'll see me tomorrow." "I won't impose on you." "Daijobu. It's no trouble." "Thank you. Thank you so much!" "Sh. You're welcome. You must be exhausted. I'll take you to your room." The little house was only one story above ground, so Norma knew that she wouldn't have to climb any stairs to go to bed. That was the first time she could remember that she wouldn't have to deal with stairs. Instead, it was a walk down the hallway, a left turn, and an odd orange door that was shaped like a triangle with the top cut off. Cheryl opened the door and the scent of cedar drifted out of the room. "Answer me something, Norma: how long did you plan on staying here?" "It's a nice room--" "--How long?" "Until you gave me an answer I could accept. I brought the suitcase because I had a hunch; I wasn't sure that I was going to have to use what's in it." "Well," Cheryl said, her voice suddenly uneven, "I hope you'll be comfortable. Oyasumi nasai." Norma caught her arm. Cheryl spun and her face was wet with tears. "Cheryl-chan, what's wrong?" "'What's wrong?' Do you have to ask? Since--this!--happened, no one's looked me in the eye, let alone...treated me like a...like a human being. I'm--you--you act like nothing--nothing's different." Norma put her arms around Cheryl and rested Cheryl's ruined cheek on her shoulder. "Onegai, don't cry, Cheryl. True, you don't look the same, but you're still the same wonderful person I met years ago and have gotten to know. You are a treasure, and that is not different." "You're the treasure, Norma--" "--I'm--" "--Dammit, don't interrupt! I'm so confused and I'm happy, angry, tired--Norma..." Neither woman spoke for several minutes. Cheryl collected herself. "Gomen nasai," the scarred actress muttered. "I'll feel better in the morning, I'm sure. Oyasumi." "Oyasumi nasai," Norma said. +++++ It was very close to dawn when Norma awoke. She stretched and rose slowly from the cozy bed. Without knowing where she was going, she strode unerringly to the back porch and sat next to Cheryl. The sun rose over the pine-covered valley. It was a splendid sight, full of lavender, pink, periwinkle, orange, and yellow. "Kami-sama," Cheryl sighed, not looking at Norma yet, "are you here, in the flesh? Am I dreaming?" "My mother always said, 'No rhetorical questions before breakfast.' So what do you want to eat?" "Iie. You are not making breakfast; you're my guest, not vice versa." "I'm going to help you, that's all." "Rhetorical questions." Cheryl paused and stood. "I guess there's no way I'll talk you out of helping, is there? I'm not dreaming; you're sure enough here. Ohayo, then." "Ohayo gozimasu, Cheryl." With effort, fighting her habit of turning away, Cheryl smiled at Norma. "To the kitchen," she said. Norma smiled back. "After you." They proceeded into the house. They whipped up two large omelettes with cheese, ham, and green peppers as well as a batch of spiced potatoes. Norma had gotten a special blend of coffee from Saga and she brewed a pot to go with the morning meal. When they finished making their breakfast, they started eating right away. Norma was in particularly good appetite. "It's the best breakfast I've had in quite a while," Norma said. "I appreciate it." "I know you do. By the way, this is great coffee. Thank Saga for me, okay?" "You bet." "Now I need to ask you some things. First, have I given you an answer you can accept?" Norma thought hard. "Yes. I understand why you quit." "In other words, you can leave now. I know that this is a busy time in your life. You have obligations. When are you planning on leaving, Norma-chan?" "I don't know. Work, school, my parents, my friends--I've got to go back pretty soon. But I don't want to leave today. I've got to call my mom for sure. Apart from that, I have no idea." "I have to work today, from 10:00 to 18:00. I do that every day but Sunday. Does that make your decision easier?" "Not really." Norma sipped her coffee. "When do you want me to go?" "Never." Cheryl said it quickly and firmly. The ladies both blushed. Norma couldn't believe what she'd just heard; Cheryl couldn't believe what she'd said aloud. "I mean, you're welcome to stay here for as long as you want," Cheryl stammered. "You'll always be welcome." "I'm really glad that I came here," Norma said. Her shy smile charmed Cheryl. "Would you like to take your bath first, or should I?" Cheryl asked. "I'll wait," Norma answered. Eventually, Cheryl and Norma were both cleansed and ready for the day. Cheryl offered to give Norma a tour of the place and Norma accepted. Norma noticed the dilapidated but adequate workshed, with its vise and anvil. That could be useful in the future. The grounds overall were nice, but a little run down. "I can tell what you do and don't use," Norma said after the tour. "Quite observant, just as I expected," Cheryl said. "I have to go to work soon." "I think I'll explore Kusel. And do you mind if I do some sketching here while you're gone?" "My home is yours," Cheryl replied. "I'll try to get back early." "Have a good day at work," Norma said. It had been months since Cheryl had heard someone say that to her. +++++ It had been longer than that since a person had last made a meal for her. She was very surprised to return to her house and find Norma stirring a thick lamb stew and a blueberry pie cooling on a rack on the porch. The breeze blew the wrong way for her nose to have given her an earlier warning, so her good eye widened when she stepped through the door. "Norma! This is too much!" Norma jumped when she heard Cheryl's voice. She turned, a sheepish grin on her face. "Konbonwa, Cheryl. How was your day?" "It was all right. How was yours?" "Eventful but relaxing, if that makes any sense. I kept busy. I think that I should travel more often." "'Kept busy,' did you? That's an understatement. You shouldn't have done all this!" "I did, though. You're worth it." cheryl laughed. "You're always direct, aren't you?" "Forceful, too. Anyone who's friends with Saga and Greta will have to be or she'll never say anything." Norma resumed her stirring. "I guess you managed to get off work early, ne? I wanted dinner to be ready just when you walked into the house, but it'll be another few minutes." "Thank you, Norma. I don't always want to make supper after having cooked for eight hours." "I can imagine. I'd also like to warn you; I'm a beginner. This stuff might not be any good." Cheryl doubted that. "May I help you with something?" she asked. "No need, thank you. I'm nearly done." "Hm. I happen to have a really nice red wine that will go well with this meal. Shall I bring it up from the cellar?" "Is that all right?" "Of course, this is a special occasion." "Please do, then." "Hai. I'll be back in a moment." Cheryl went down the stairs and found the best bottle she had. She didn't 'happen to have' this wine; she drank too much and knew it. Since the accident, her alcohol consumption had increased. But this was the pride of her collection: a Chateau L'Effite. I'd wondered if I'd ever drink this, she realized. But this is definitely the right time for it. The two women drank the wine and ate the food and they found it all to be quite satisfying. The stew and the pie weren't exceptional, but they were very good. Cheryl forced Norma to admit that she was a decent cook. After months of living by herself without a single visitor, Cheryl was practically starved for company. She and Norma talked on and on about trivial things. As the night grew old, the conversation became more serious. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to stay until Monday morning. That will give us tomorrow morning and evening and all day Sunday to catch up," Norma said. "Maybe set up our next meeting, even?" "Will that be okay? I would love for you to stay here as long as you wish, but can Muhlenberg spare you for so long?" Cheryl inquired. "Certainly; there is no hurry. I called my mother at about noon and I let her know that I'd found you and that it was my intention to return on Monday." "How did she take it?" "I don't know. She said that I should be careful and have fun. I asked her if I'd made her worry and she said no. But oka-san doesn't always say what she's feeling." "And how do you feel, Norma? You said that this is your first time away from home. I hope you're not too homesick." "A little. Datte, I've been busy, and I really like it here. I'm so glad to see you as well, so relieved. I can't be homesick much." "You know if you are, I would feel awful if you stayed just because of me. You've already done so much--" "--I am here because I want to be here. If I say I'm all right, you believe me, don't you?" "You're braver than I was at your age. I'm not sure that anything would keep you down for long." "Thanks. You seem plenty brave to me. If I could switch topics, though, I'd rather wait until later to worry about leaving. When we've got the whole day, what should we do with it?" "Yeah. Kusel isn't very big, as I'm sure you've noticed." Cheryl thought for a few seconds. "I'll bet you've seen, or soon will see, all the things that will interest you. So why don't we leave the town and check out the ruin of a nearby castle I visit from time to time?" "How did you know?" "Know what?" "I love ruins. They fascinate me," Norma said. "Really? For me, it's the peace--I'm drawn to ruins because they're tranquil. I can't explain well. It's like something that's been built and then destroyed by humns and now is being drawn back into nature." "I think you explained well," Norma told her hostess. "That makes a lot of sense." Cheryl smirked. "I could sit here talking to you all night, but you wouldn't appreciate me doing that, ne? I think it's time for bed." "You're right. I had no idea it was so late! You've got to work tomorrow--I'm sorry I kept you up." "Don't be silly, Norma-chan." Norma and Cheryl stood. "Oyasumi nasai," Norma said. "Oyasumi nasai." They waited for a moment longer, then Norma walked to the hall to her room. Cheryl took a deliberate breath. Norma had said goodnight first...and that was because she could see that Cheryl didn't want to do it. "That's compassion," Cheryl whispered to herself. Then she too headed toward her bedroom. +++++ Cheryl smelled coffee before she even opened her eyes. She figured that her breakfast was probably waiting for her. She pulled herself from her bed and stalked toward her bench on the porch. "Norma, you should know better." "I'm going to use the I-couldn't-help-myself defense. You're a cook; I want to relieve some of your duties." "Thanks. But how did you do it, anyway? There's no alarm clock in that room." "I brought one in my suitcase," Norma replied. "It's always a good idea to have an alarm." "Quite so. But I feel like a louse with you making the meals; promise me that you won't make dinner tonight." "Okay, I won't." Norma settled back onto the bench and sipped her coffee. "Do you always watch the sunrise, Cheryl? Except when it rains, I mean." "Even when it rains. I don't bother on really overcast days, but when it rains, it can make the sunrise more beautiful than usual. Rainbows here are vivid and they seem very close, almost near enough to touch." "That sounds wonderful. I'd like to see it with you, some rainy morning." Cheryl took a bite of her croissant. "So would I, Norma. The splendor of nature is something best viewed with a good friend." +++++ As Norma had promised, she did not make supper that night; she ordered Italian. Cheryl pretended to be angry, but the blonde girl's look of sheepish smugness was too much, and she laughed out loud. "You promised, Norma! Shame on you," she giggled. "I am so sorry," Norma said, exaggerating the "so." "You know, I remember you as a sweet, somewhat naive girl. Today, however, you obey the letter only of a promise you made to me yesterday. Who's the real you, hm?" "That hurts. I'm not naive: I never have been." "I guess you haven't," Cheryl said, "but you are sweet." Norma felt her cheeks grow warm, but she looked straight at her older friend and smiled. "Redeeming qualities--I'm glad I have at least one." Cheryl felt vaguely alarmed. She was opening herself to this energetic young lady, and that was probably a bad idea. Even as she recognized her own response to Norma's energy and presence, she knew that she didn't want to guard against Norma. Confused, she began talking, not caring much about what she was saying. "Do you want to hear a little about the ruins?" she asked. Norma was a little startled. "Not really. We'll see them tomorrow and I like surprises. Something new and exciting should be savored." "Do you want to watch TV then? Or would you like to play a game? Or--" "--It isn't going to be like this between us, is it Cheryl? Please don't play the entertainer role for me. We're good friends, aren't we? We've been very natural so far; I'd like to keep it that way." Cheryl's fear kept her quiet. "What do you normally do?" Norma tried. "Actually, forget that--now that we--" "--Normally." Cheryl guffawed. "Before or after the accident? Before, I did a lot of things, most of them involving other people. I loved to be around people. Now I--" "--Cheryl, don't say--" "--I drink! I slide into the comfort of the bottle and wallow and cry, because I'll never be able to have a night on the town again. I'm bitter and you'd better watch out, because that's got a way of spreading." "I haven't seen you drink," Norma stated. "Well, you--" Cheryl shut her mouth. It was true. Norma hadn't seen her drink. Since Norma had arrived, Cheryl had only drunk two glasses of wine with her dinner. "--I do. You haven't seen it yet, but I do." Norma fixed her eyes on Cheryl. "You're angry. You're hurt. I get that. But don't try to push me away! "It's easy for me to say, 'Things are going to get better.' I can't prove it. "Cheryl, am I really the first visitor you've had since your accident?" Cheryl could hardly answer. "Hai." "What about your family? Your friends?" "I don't like my family. They don't like me. They don't agree with many of the choices I've made in my life. My friends--I don't want to talk about my friends." Norma took a deep breath. She wouldn't let Cheryl see how close to tears she was. She had to be tough now. "You don't have to talk about them. But you do have to stop acting as if you're all alone. Of course you'll get discouraged if you try to deal with a horrible accident like yours on your own, so don't." "I'm sorry I yelled," Cheryl said. "I know you're right. It won't be easy, trying to interact with people again. I'm disfigured." "I know. Don't forget that I'm willing to help you any way I can. I'm sure a lot more people than you know would help if you'd ask them." "I'm done talking about this." "Okay. Listen, I don't know how bored you would be, but would you like to see how I start a metal sculpture?" Norma asked, graciously dropping the painful subject. "Do you think you can work here? I haven't got a decent place," Cheryl said. "It'll do. I've checked it out. That workshed, you haven't used it for so long that I'd bet you've forgotten it exists. With some work, I can definitely make it suitable for sculpting." "Yes. I would like to watch you work. Besides, you will probably need a hand getting set up." "Come on, then." "Nani? Don't you need to gather your things?" "I've already got them out there." Cheryl laughed and she was glad that she could. "You really have too much energy." To the workshed they went, their moods steadily improving. They spent the first half-hour preparing the equipment and setting up the tools. Cheryl had some oil lubricant which she used on the old vise. Norma swept and cleared away the cobwebs. The two friends fixed the window which had been stuck shut and they made various other small repairs. "Now that the shed itself is ready, I can get to work. This is my travel kit; it's for small jobs. Norma opened the green canvas bag and began setting things on the table. "I don't know how much you know about this stuff, so stop me if I'm telling you what you already know." "Don't worry. I know almost nothing about anything I see lying on that table. The files, clamps, and the hammer--that's all I recognize." Norma's voice turned instructional. "For starters, this is a set of chasing chisels. I use them only to shape metal, not to cut it. They're not sharp, though they look like they are. "These are my repouse pins. They're used to shape large areas, generally. With them, a lot of force is needed. When I've had a bad day, it's a lot of fun to work with them. "You said you recognized the files, so I'll just point out their different shapes and textures. See, these are used for corner work, and this one is for gradual curves." "They're so small," Cheryl said. "I'll bet it takes a long time to get the result you want." "Not too long," Norma answered. "This is the saw and these are the blades." "Why do you have so many?" "Because they break very easily. That's the dangerous part. If a blade breaks and your hand is moving too fast, you can push a broken piece into you. It won't just hurt, it will be almost impossible to get out. The serrations on the blade are like barbs, and they can only come out through the side opposite from where they came in. In other words, they have to be pulled completely through your hand." "That sounds painful. Do you know from experience?" Norma raised her hands and pointed at her right with her left. "That was the first," she said, indicating a small triangular scar. "There were two more before I learned my lesson." Cheryl's eyes widened. "I thought you said it hurt!" "Sure, it hurt a whole lot. But I love working with metal. I couldn't give it up." "That's admirable." "Iie. It's not a choice. I have to do it." "Say that if you want to, but I admire you anyway. Most people seem to find trivial excuses to let go of their dreams, once they see the pain involved in pursuing them." "I think you have a point. I'm not one of those people." "I'm glad you aren't. Meeting a person like you is rare." "Arigatou," Norma muttered, thoroughly embarrassed. "To continue, this is my smallest crucible. When I need to use molten metal, it's indispensible." +++++ The two women wound up staying awake for longer than they had intended. When they finally did happen to check the time, they hurried off to bed, Cheryl apologizing as they went. Tired as they were, they had no trouble sleeping. +++++ "Ohayo," Cheryl said, her voice thick with sleep. "Mm," Norma grumbled. "Not awake yet?" Cheryl asked. She waited and didn't get an answer. She bent lower, watching Norma as she slept. The redhead was struck by how childlike her young friend looked. Cheryl reached out a hand to nudge her--and she paused. A faint smile appeared on her scarred face. "Urg...mm...hee...hee hee--hey! Ah, stop--ha ha ha! Don't tickle me!" "So you're awake now?" "Yeah, yeah." Norma sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Ohayo, Cheryl-chan," she said. "Ohayo, Norma-chan. You wanted to get an early start today, didn't you?" "There's early and then there's early. What time is it?" "A little after 05:30. The sun will come up soon, so it's not that early." "Sure feels early, though. I'm awake; I guess I should get ready for the day." "What enthusiasm! I suppose you could do with some coffee, then." "Sure could. Thanks." "So could I. Why don't you go make us some?" Norma pulled down her eyelid and stuck out her tongue. "You aren't fooling me. I can smell it." Cheryl tousled Norma's hair. "You really are awake--good." She hopped off the edge of the bed. "I'll take your coffee to the back porch." The tall redhead left the room. Norma stretched her arms above her head. She was suddenly struck by exactly where she was and how different this was, compared with what she expected from a normal morning. She was used to talking to her mother and father, listening to the radio, and waking up later than this, for sure! Yet as different as it was, it felt as natural as the wake-up routine she'd followed for years. She felt comfortable. Norma figured that she hadn't had time yet to see all the differences. Once she did, she doubted that the new situation would still seem so familiar. Her robe hung in the closet; she slipped into the fluffy yellow garment quickly and headed to the porch. The screen door creaked a little as she opened it and Cheryl turned to her. Cheryl's robe was mint green, contrasting gently with her long auburn hair. The way she was sitting left quite a bit of her shapely legs bare. "Cheryl, don't be offended--scarred or not, I don't know how you can look so good so early in the morning," Norma said. "I've been up, I admit it," Cheryl replied. "Couldn't sleep for more than a few hours, so I gave up close to an hour ago. I've already taken my shower, so you can use it as soon as you want." Silence rested between the two. The sun rose slowly and Cheryl and Norma watched it, side by side. The calm that settled over them kept them quiet while they finished their coffee and ate their breakfast. "You find such wonderful oranges. They're messy, but I just love them," Norma said. "Your favorite fruit, isn't it? I had a hunch." "Really? How could you be so sure?" "I just am," Cheryl answered. Still, even she wondered how she'd known. Norma rose from her chair. "I'll get washed and we can hit the road." "I'll get our supplies together." +++++ Norma nearly dropped her backpack when she left the house and spotted Cheryl. The scarred woman was grinning and holding the reins of two strong-looking black horses. The horses were hitched to a flashy, sturdy red surrey with blue trim. Cheryl began laughing. "Do pick your chin up off the ground, Norma-chan," she said. "Well...how--where--" "--I can tell you while we're riding, can't I? We're losing daylight." "Sugoi!" Norma clambered into the vehicle. "Today is a great day!" She hugged Cheryl tightly. "Whoa, girl! I'm trying to drive, you know." "Oops. You're right." Norma released Cheryl, but continued to lean against her. "So where did you get this lovely surrey and these beautiful horses?" "Not wasting time, are you? A friend of mine owns a farm and a business to the north of town. She owed me a favor, so I called it in." "Thank you. No one's ever done such a thing for me." "I did it for me too, you know." "Still, arigatou." "You're welcome. I was hoping that you wouldn't be allergic or anything." "Good point. I am allergic to shellfish, but that's it." Cheryl started laughing again. "What's so funny?" Norma asked. "I was joking about the allergy thing, but you're so honest and willing to talk to me. I love how young you seem to be." "I'm not sure how I should take that." "You know..." Cheryl sighed and considered her words, "...a good way to tell how you should 'take that' whenever someone gives you an odd comment is to consider who's talking to you." "Good point. Thanks for the compliment then," Norma said. "There!" Cheryl said, indicating a line of trees slightly to Norma's left. "If you look closely, you can see a slab of shattered wall above that arm of the woods." "Yes, I see it. Is it granite?" "Mostly, yes. There's anoth--" The surrey suddenly hit a deep pothole and Norma gave a startled yelp. "Careful. We'd like to get there in one piece," she said. "I can't be much more careful." "Your depth perception--your eye--damn it, I'm such an idiot! I'm sorry." "It's okay. Maybe you should drive on the way back, though. It didn't really occur to me, but with only one working eye, I'm not as good a driver as I used to be." "Gomen nasai," Norma said again. "Forget it. We'll get to the cartpath to the ruins right after this bend in the road. As you've probably noticed, the trees aren't going to thin much, so there's always plenty of shade." "And ruins that seem to just pop out of the woods suddenly are really cool," Norma said. The surrey turned onto the narrow path toward the heart of the ruins. "This path is so overgrown; does anyone else ever come here?" "Not as far as I know." The surrey drew near enough for Norma to see the entire ruin, and she gasped. The dark grey wall was mostly intact, and behind it, several short towers with tall, narrow windows. A few additional stone buildings stood behind the towers. The most impressive of these--and one of the best preserved--was a long, squat church with two wings on opposite sides of the sanctuary. The trees that stood in the courtyard were as large as those outside it, proving that the ruined castle had long been abandoned. "It's incredible," Norma finally said. "Wait 'til we get closer," Cheryl said. The blonde girl was beside herself with delight as they rode closer. Her eyes roamed all over the place; she kept from exclaiming only with difficulty. As they proceeded beneath the gate, Nomra looked up at the giant stone arch. "There's still a portcullis up there!" she yelled. "That's astounding. I really can't believe the condition of these ruins--it's fantastic. What could make people forget something like this?" "I don't know. It's probably something simple and insignificant, I'd bet. Human beings are fickle. It doesn't take much to distract us." "I know I'll never forget this place," Norma said. "No, I don't think you will," Cheryl agreed. "This is a good place to stop. Help me with the horses, please." "Me? I don't know anything about horses." "You like them; that's enough. Watch what I do." Cheryl made sure that she slowed her actions enough for Norma to copy them. The large building that Cheryl had chosen for shelter seemed to have been a smithy, centuries ago. It was roomy enough and still had most of its roof. Once the horses were watered and tethered, the women retrieved their packs from the surrey. "Time to explore," Norma said. "Onegai, lead on." "Of course," Cheryl answered. +++++ All that morning, they walked and climbed from one building to the next, laughing and talking. Cheryl showed Norma all sorts of features and points of interest that Norma was sure she'd have missed on her own. Cheryl found herself enjoying the role of guide--in fact, she was having more fun this time than she'd ever had at the ruins...and this was her favorite place! "Whoa. It's about lunchtime, wouldn't you say?" Norma asked as they approached the ancient great hall of the castle. "I didn't wear a watch; what time is it?" "A little after 13:00." "Kind of past lunchtime, I'd say. You pick a spot and we'll eat." "Sounds good." Norma picked a grassy area in the northeast corner of the castle's outer curtain wall. She and Cheryl spread a thin blanket and ate their meal: chicken and swiss cheese sandwiches, pickles, cold lemonade, and an apple apiece. "You know this place like the back of your hand. You've been here more than you let on," Norma said. "More than I realized," Cheryl corrected. "But I've never come here with someone else." Norma frowned. "I'm intruding, then." "Not on your life!" Cheryl put a reassuring hand on Norma's leg. "It's true, this is my favorite spot. I come here to think and to relieve stress. I wouldn't want to share this with just anyone. But I'm glad that I can share it with you. Only with you." "I don't know what to say," Norma whispered. Cheryl leaned closer to her. "Say that you'll be my friend forever," she said. "I promise." Cheryl hugged Norma tightly. "I promise too. Friends forever." "That's what I've wanted since I met you," Norma responded, returning Cheryl's hug. "And I will find some way to repay you for showing me this lovely place." "Don't worry about it," Cheryl laughed. "But now I've given you the tour. You said that you wanted to do something else in the afternoon." "So I did," Norma said, recognizing the prompt. "I wanted to sketch. These ruins are inspiring." "All right. I think I'll just relax while you do that." Cheryl put her hands behind her head and leaned back against the wall. Norma rummaged in her pack, gathering her sketchbook and pencils. "Actually, I was hoping that you'd help me." Cheryl cocked an eyebrow. "How would I do that? I'm no artist." "Just talk to me; tell me about these ruins." "I know very little. No one does. I've asked and I've looked in books. There's precious little information to be found." "Please tell me what you know, then." "Let's see... "I think it was about A.D. 700 that the oldest curtain wall nad the small barracks were built. It was probably begun as an outpost to keep an eye on marauders from the east. By the way, none of that original outpost remains, except some of the foundation. "Over the next four centuries, it changed hands several times. But a duke took a liking to the region in about 1140. He built the new walls and most of the buildings we've seen today. He ruled from here, and so did the next few heirs of his line. "In roughly 1300, the archbishop visited the area and became friends with the ruler of the time. That particular duke--I think his name was Gorim--built the church for him. "Not long after that, the great hall was constructed. It's the newest of these ruins. "Then, probably about 1320, something terrible happened. Enemies from the south besieged the castle. The defenders began to weaken and starve, and there was an epidemic. Many of the castle's inhabitants died. "Suddenly, the attackers left. "Apparently, that was the beginning of the end for the castle. People started to leave. By 1340, the castle was deserted. "But the mystery is the lack of records. In all the surrounding regions, detailed and accurate information exists from before the fall of the Roman Empire. Not in this area. All I've just told you is what I've pieced together from the records of the surrounding provinces. And even in those accounts, the histories are uncharacteristically vague. "Today, people eat up mysteries like this one, yet I haven't heard of anyone besides me--and now you--who's had any interest. "I don't believe in curses. Besides, these ruins feel very peaceful and healing. But why the silence?" "I don't believe in curses either," Norma said. "I know there's no curse on this ruin. It feels right, as you said." "Yes," Cheryl muttered. "That's all there is to know about this place?" "I'm afraid so." "Tell me a story, then." "There are no stories about--" "--I meant any story you want to tell me." "I brought a radio; we could listen to that." "Please? The radio won't help. It just wouldn't be the same. I can't explain." "Okay. A story, then." Norma didn't look up from her work, but she grinned, and Cheryl saw her do it. "I've wondered. I've imagined what things must've been like then." Cheryl proceeded to tell Norma about a kindly, blonde, artistic queen who was beloved by her subjects. The queen was caught unaware by her envious cousin one night. The cousin drugged the queen and chained her in the dungeon; then he told the people that she had drowned in the river when she had gone for a moonlight swim. The people knew how the queen enjoyed swimming, so they believed the usurper. But a minstrel, who was a very close friend of the queen's, had one of the queen's sculptured, linked pair of koi. The queen had told the minstrel that the two fish would stay together as long as they both remained best friends. Since the koi were still joined, the red-haired minstrel figured that this meant the queen was alive. Without attracting attention, the minstrel began asking questions. The royal cooks told her that the new king always asked for two meals. No one knew what he did with the extra food. The minstrel asked about the dungeon. They told her that only the king had the key, but since the kindly queen had never had any prisoners, it must be empty. Not satisfied, the minstrel asked to see the dungeon. At first, she was refused; so she explained that her actions were for the sake of the queen. While the castellan distracted the king, the chief cook took the minstrel to the cellar. The minstrel picked the dungeon door's lock and found her best friend, the queen--ill, but alive! The minstrel and the cook told the people what had become of their queen. Outraged, the people demanded that the king return her to power. He tried to order his soldiers to stop the commoners before they revolted, but they loved the queen too and refused to obey. They imprisoned the king in his chambers and gave the minstrel the honor of freeing the queen. For the next several weeks, the minstrel nursed her friend to good health. When she was strong enough, the queen returned to her throne. The people gathered and saw her first act upon her return: the knighting of the minstrel. As for the usurper, the queen let him go, but warned him to be honest. He had indeed learned his lesson; he begged the queen to let him work as her scribe. She agreed. "That was what the queen taught all those who watched her; love others and let them love you. Nothing else is as important. And love can never be stolen." Cheryl finished her story and found Norma watching her, not sketching. "That was wonderful," Norma said. "If I was in trouble like that, would you come to save me?" Cheryl's cheeks grew hot, but she answered. "Of course. You've done it for me." Norma beamed at that. "Did I? I didn't set out to do that, only to visit my best friend." "You aren't done with your sketching already, are you?" "Already? That lovely story you told took over an hour." "I didn't realize." "All that just came from your imagination, didn't it? With that kind of creativity, I think you ought to try writing, or drawing, or some form of art." "Iie, I can't do anything like that." "How long has it been since you've tried?" "I don't know." "I won't push you, but maybe you should try again. "But now that I'm done with the sketches, we have a little more time left before we should head back. What do you want to do?" Cheryl thought about it. Groaning, she stood. "Oh, my sore muscles--I sat too long. "Anyway, I've brought some rope and I was hoping that we could climb the remains of the Seeing Tower. It's too dangerous for me to try it alone, but with both of us working together, it should be much safer. What do you say?" "I used to have a fear of heights. Do you think I can actually make it?" Cheryl laughed. "I need you to make it, because I am scared of heights! Not 'used to,' I always have been." "Well--I don't get it. I mean why do you want to climb if you're afraid?" "I like fear, excitement--I like doing risky things so I can succeed." Norma looked at Cheryl with a mix of awe and concern. "Sugoi! But don't you go getting in over your head, ne? Be careful when you're picking your risks." "If you say so. Let's get climbing." The way Cheryl talked was too flippant for Norma, but she didn't say anything. The blonde and the redhead put on leather gloves, crampons, and harnesses. Then they used D-rings and nylong rope to tether themselves together. "We can start with the stairs, but only the first seven or eight are intact," Cheryl said. "After that, we'll need to take to the walls." "...And I suppose you want me to lead," Norma said after they stood, looking at each other, for several seconds. "I'd hoped you would." "I must be nuts." Norma rubbed her hands together and began to climb the stairs. Sure enough, only seven of the steps could be used. Norma swallowed her fright and got a handhold. The distance that she had to climb was probably about 25 meters. There were plenty of gouges in the rock--some were almost too good, and crumbled under Norma's hands. She didn't look down, but she could hear Cheryl laboring below her. It sounded as though Cheryl was taking longer to climb, but Norma wouldn't know until she reached the top of the tower. And she reached it with her nerves still in good condition. Norma couldn't help feeling proud; this had been a risky endeavor and she'd seen it through. The blonde girl droved two long pitons into the rock, connected the rope, then slowly and carefully worked with the slack until she could remove the grappling hook. It didn't take long, but Norma thought that Cheryl should have made it to the top of the tower by the time she'd finished. She called to Cheryl and hurred to the edge of the tower. "Cheryl, are you okay?" "Y-yeah," the red-haired woman panted. "But I looked down. Give me a minute." "Close your eyes," Norma said. "Just concentrate on breathing." "I think I'm good now," Cheryl said. She tried not to think of how far below her the ground had looked. She resumed her ascent. "Give me your hand," Norma said. Cheryl eagerly did so, and she was standing next to Norma in a few moments. "Oh, thank you! I can't believe I made it!" "Of course we made it!" Norma hugged Cheryl emphatically. Her eyelids were closed, but she felt herself blushing and she was sure that Cheryl was blushing too. Cheryl spoke softly. "I'd never have made it without you, Norma-chan." "That could be true." The slender young woman eased her hold on her companion, but didn't let her go. "But I wouldn't have even tried if not for you." `"...Norma--" Norma hugged Cheryl more tightly and the taller woman fell silent. They stood, looking at the landscape--the ruins and the forest laid out at their feet. "Kirei, ne?" Norma whispered. "Mm," Cheryl agreed. "It was worth the climb. Now let me find a good spot to set up." "Set up what?" "My camera, so I can get a shot of both of us up here." "Normally, I don't like getting my picture taken, but we really worked to get here. And it's a lovely setting." Cheryl was putting her small tripod on the tallest remaining piece of battlement. "Arigatou." She looked through the viewfinder. "Could you move just a tad to your left? Okay...now a little closer. A little more...perfect. I'm setting the timer." The tall redhead straightened. "It's ready." "So get over here!" Cheryl quickly moved to Norma's side. Norma put her arm around Cheryl's neck. Cheryl tentatively leaned against Norma and looped her arm around Norma's waist. "Smile," she murmured. "Sure," Norma said. Oh, I am smiling, she added to herself. A red light on the camera blinked. "That's it," Cheryl said. "Just in case, let's take another," Norma suggested. "Good idea." Cheryl readied the camera and returned to Norma's side. Here goes nothing, Norma thought. She leaned against Cheryl. Her pulse fluttering, she kissed the scarred woman's cheek. Cheryl stiffened slightly, just for a moment, and relaxed again. The red light winked at them. "Norma, what--" "--Before you ask, let me ask you a question. Were you smiling?" "Smiling? I was grinning like a little schoolgirl." Good, Norma thought. What she said was, "Now what's your question?" "What were you thinking?" "Oh. Well, a lot of things. You're a good friend to me--the best--but I want you and me to be even closer. And I've wanted to kiss you since I met you all those years ago. And I'll bet it made a really great picture. And more besides." "Norma...thank you. You've really wanted to kiss me for that long?" "Um...well..." "What? There's more?" Her face positively aflame, Norma pressed on. "No one else. There was never--I have never wanted to kiss anyone but you." Something inside Cheryl dissolved. She hated crying, but she couldn't stop herself. What made her crazy was that she wasn't sure why she ws crying. She felt Norma's arms enveloping her. "Only you, Cheryl," Norma whispered into Cheryl's ear. "Let me give it to you: every bit of your wish." Cheryl's vision was blurry, but she turned and gently met Norma's lips with her own. Norma's mouth was wonderfully soft and tasted faintly of peaches. The teasing movement of the girl's wet lips and tongue excited Cheryl, inflamed her. "Was that your first kiss?" Cheryl asked breathlessly. "Hai." "Then you're a natural. That was terrific!" "I love how you smell and how you feel. I love kissing you," Norma said. "You mean so much to me." "You really scare me." Norma gasped at that, but Cheryl continued. "We've only truly known each other for less than a week...but you mean a lot to me too. More than anyone else ever has. I can't help thinking that you're too good to be true." "Cheryl." Norma's voice was soft and serious. "I would never lie to you. I would never run from you." "Shinjiteru." "Let's get off this tower."