The Bridge To Nihon (BOOK ONE)

Chapter 17 - The Orator

Sofia felt shaken. She was unable to talk or even think. Thankfully, the three women at her table were doing the talking for her.

"Masterful! They really are the best of the best."

"I admit, it was quite good. But I still prefer -."

"Oh, don't even say it. Not now!"

"I'm sorry, but I prefer more modern pieces. Sometimes I wonder what the Talareduh has to do with our lives?"

"It has everything to do with them. It is eternal."

"Not really..."

"I adore that they are doing the Talareduh the old way. I get so nostalgic for the olden days."

"Nostalgic? You weren't even born then. Not for hundreds of years!"

"I know. I just imagine -, I think it must have been a better time."

"You only want what you cannot have."

"Pff."

Wada turned away. She made as if she was observing something that was happening on the stage. There was an awkward silence, made more poignant by the busy talk around them. The presentation had been a big success. There was a relaxed and inspired atmosphere as if everybody was feeling good and optimistic about their lives and themselves.

Before Sofia could make apologies and venture away from the table, the three women turned towards her, all at the same time as if on cue. They looked at her expectantly.

"So," Maringa said.

"What do you think about it?" Wada added.

Even Neyne seemed curious. Apparently, Sofia was supposed to decide who of them was right.

"I -," she started, but couldn't think of the right word. Liked it? How unsatisfying. Loved it? How trite. And there was no critique coming to her mind, nothing smart or biting that she could throw them, and watch what they would make of it. She felt as if she had been sucked into another world. Not just Nihon, no place that could be reached on foot. Another realm, open for all, yet belonging only to her.

"It was magical," she said. "Beautiful."

"Yes," Wada agreed. "It was. The young say it best."

Maringa snorted but didn't contradict her.

"When is the next part coming on?" Sofia asked timidly because she figured that it would be strange if she were to ask what was happening next, even though she was dying to find out. It seemed like she was supposed to know. Everybody in Nihon seemed to know. Again, she thought about Orì. Maybe she would tell her. When she found her.

"It's tomorrow," Neyne said. "Are you going?"

Sofia shrugged. She wanted to go but, of course, that wasn't why she had come to Nihon. She remembered her plan to find out something about her new surroundings.

"I have to get back to school," she said, her heart beating hard at the lie. It was dangerous. One wrong word would be enough to betray her, and she had no idea what would happen then.

Neyne made big eyes, and the others seemed impressed as well. Sofia thought, oh no, what did I say?

"You're going to the School," Maringa said, whistling appreciatively.

"Well, that certainly explains things," Wada said.

Sofia didn't know what this was supposed to explain. She feigned an annoyed expression, the way Orì did when she talked about school - as if it was something that was beneath her, and she couldn't be bothered about it.