abuela

Today I went to pick up my clothes at the dry cleaners. I slid open the small front door and asked for assistance. A sweet old lady who runs the store came out. I showed her my receipt; she nodded and found my clothes on the rack. Carefully, she went through my clothes — one dress and one blouse — to show me the results. They were good to go. Are you traveling? she asked as I was gathering my stuff. I said yes. From? she asked again. Korea, I answered. She smiled. I told her about my great-grandfather who used to live in this area, and how I feel her kind heart despite my clumsy Japanese. Oh, she said, putting her hand on her chest. Thank you. I smiled and thanked her back. On my way out, she said, Take good care of your grandma. I looked at her, smiled again, and bowed deeply like a respectful student before a teacher. When the door closed, I realized that my clothes now have memories — her heart was engraved in my clothes. What’s better than that?