Dragonfly Dreams

by Eleanor McCallie Cooper

  “Wait,” she said, and I heard her footsteps swishing away. Tall sycamores lined the street, but the branches of the sycamore trees were high, so there was no place to hide. If Sun doesn’t work here, wouldn’t she have told me to go away? What if she went to get the owner and he’s Japanese?

  I heard heavier footsteps and the sound of metal clanking. The gate opened.

  “Why, Nini! Look at you! How you have grown!”

  I probably looked taller to him because my sleeves were too short, but Sun looked glorious to me. Before, he had looked like a boy, but now he was a man, plumper too, with more hair. He was dressed in a white mandarin-style chef jacket with a high collar and tie buttons down the front.

  He exclaimed, “Your braids are so long!”

  I glanced over my shoulder once more.

  “Come inside,” he said.

  I entered and he shut the gate and bolted it.

  “Sit here,” he said, gesturing to a bench in the courtyard. Then he sat next to me. “It has been so long. How is your father?”

  “Da? He’s all right. Well, restless most of the time. He can’t stay still.”

  “What about your mother?”

  “She is all right too, but very tired and—”

  “How old is your little brother now? He must be, what? Three? four?”

  “Four . . . but Sun,” I stammered.

  “And your sister, quite the little tiger as always, I bet!”

  “Mei-mei—” My voice cracked, and I started to choke. Sun moved closer to me, and my head fell onto his chest. “Oh, Sun!” I cried.

  “There, there,” he said, patting my back. Then he leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Don’t say anything else. Follow me.” He got up and said in a voice louder than necessary for just me to hear. “There is nothing wrong with you that a little tea won’t help. Come inside.”

  I followed him around to the back of the house to a doorway partially hidden by a lattice frame covered in vines.

  Inside, we stepped down to a dark hall. He opened another door, and we entered a room that felt like it was underground except for small windows high on the other side. Even in the dim light, I could tell it was neat and comfortable. The dirt floor was covered by a mat made of rushes. There was a long brick bench with bedding rolled up, making a place to sit. A coal stove was lit, and he motioned me to sit.

  “Youmei, bring some tea,” Sun called out in Chinese. “We have a guest.”

  A young woman came in, wearing a long, gray jacket over black pants, similar to the ones that Amah wore. She began moving about the stove, lifting the big kettle already full and poured hot water into a teapot. A toddler with short black hair, big red cheeks, and steady eyes peered at me from behind the door.

  The young woman, I assumed to be his wife, poured the tea into two cups. Sun whispered something to her, and she left the room. The toddler started to follow her, but she nudged him back with gentle words. The little one crouched behind Sun’s chair and peeked around to look at me.

  “Now,” he said more solemnly. “Tell me why you came on this dangerous journey.”

  “I came because we must have milk and lime water. Can you help us?” I began, but then started fumbling in my knapsack. “I don’t have any money, but you can have this.” I pulled out the Monkey King and dropped him on the table.

  Sun stared at the brass monkey, dressed like a warrior, one leg raised as if plunging into battle, a spear poised for action. Sun picked him up and held him in his hands for a quiet moment.

  “I remember this was your sister’s favorite. Many times she played with him even when Tai-tai told her not to.” He chuckled a bit, and I thought I saw tears in his eyes as he stroked the monkey’s head. “Is the milk for your mother?” he asked softly.

  “No, it’s for Mei-mei. Mei-mei is very sick. Ma says you could help us. You would know where to get milk and limewater.”

  “Ah, she must mean shi hui shui? Well, you are lucky. I can help you with that,” Sun said looking relieved. He put the monkey down and said, “But it’s too late today. We’ll have to wait till tomorrow.”

  His wife came back into the room, and Sun added, “I bet you’re hungry, Little Missy.” This familiar term in Chinese didn’t feel like me anymore. No one called me Little Missy anymore.

  I hadn’t eaten all day, and I wasn’t sure how late it was, but I jumped up.

  “I can’t stay, Sun! I’ve got to get home tonight. I can’t wait till tomorrow!”

  His wife placed the bowl and chopsticks in front of Sun. Sun pushed them toward me.

  “Do you think I’m going to let you go back out there alone? You don’t want to return empty-handed, do you?”

  “But—”

  “It will be dark soon and, besides, I have some things to do before we leave.”

  Then suddenly I remembered the letter that Da had written. “Oh,” I said, reaching inside my knapsack. “I forgot this. It’s from Da.”

  “Ah,” said Sun, taking the letter. “Well, you just sit down and eat while I read this. Then we can make a plan.”

  There before me was a steaming bowl of rice with cabbage and beans, pieces of chicken and garlic greens. The smell was overwhelming and drew me back into the chair. I had not smelled such a sweet aroma in so long. I stared at Sun in disbelief.

  He laughed and said, “It’s all right. My employer has connections. Now eat.”

  CHAPTER 23

  Sun’s wife nudged me awake the next morning. I had fallen asleep exhausted on a pallet she had rolled out for me. Just before I fell asleep, I felt for the dragonfly that was no longer around my neck, hoping Chiyoko held it as she fell asleep. Ma and Da would be worried sick if I did not return. I worried about Mei-mei. Isabella’s song came to me: “When at night I go to sleep . . .” I couldn’t remember all the words, but I hummed the tune and called to the angels.

  “Oh, Mei-mei’s angels,” I prayed aloud, “please keep her safe until I get back.”

  I was up and ready in no time since I slept in my clothes. Sun was ready too, standing by the table and putting some things in a bag.

  “I’ve arranged with my employer to be gone today. I need to prepare a few things in the kitchen upstairs before we go.” He tied the bag and said, “Get your knapsack and come with me. We’ll leave from upstairs.”

  I plodded behind Sun, up a narrow stairway to a storage room that led to the kitchen of the big house. Through the large window on the other side of the kitchen, I could see that the day was just breaking. There was enough light for Sun to move easily through the room, as if he knew every inch of it. Huge pots and pans hung from hooks over a long worktable in the middle of the room. Two large sinks were at one end. I just stood there while Sun bustled around, explaining that his wife would serve the family while he was gone.

  He put some things I couldn’t see in another bag and then led me through a swinging door into a room with cabinets full of dishes, and then out enormous double doors to a dining room with a long table and heavy chairs.

  He pushed open a heavy sliding wooden door, which clapped together with a loud wooden sound when shutting. I was startled at the sound and afraid the noise would wake someone. Sun didn’t seem concerned and kept moving.

  I then found myself standing on marble squares of black and white. A curving staircase ascended on both sides of this enormous room. I stood in wonder. Even Auntie Boxin’s house didn’t have a grand entry like this.

  I slid my feet along the shiny floors, trying to catch up with Sun, when a voice came from the top of the stairway.

  “Sun, are you leaving now?” asked a well-spoken Chinese woman. She continued moving down the stairs as she talked. She was dressed in a blue silk robe tied at her waist with a matching belt. Her black hair was loose and fell softly over her shoulders.

  “Is this the girl you told me abou
t?” she asked when she got closer.

  “Yes, this is the daughter of my former employer. I am taking her back home now.”

  “You used to work for the director of the water company, didn’t you?” She was addressing Sun, but she put her hand on my chin and lifted my face into the light.

  “Yes,” Sun said.

  “And his wife is American, isn’t that right?”

  She let go of my face, and I looked down. I noticed the sequined slippers sticking out from under her robe. How easy it would have been to stomp on her slippers and run, but instead I waited for Sun to answer. She went on.

  “I studied in America. I went to school at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. Do you know it?”

  I was startled to realize she was speaking English and addressing the question to me.

  Not waiting for me to answer, she continued. “My English is rusty. I don’t have anyone to speak to now. Perhaps you know someone who can teach me. I’ve been trying to think of a funny English expression, the one about saying something wrong, you know, something about your feet.”

  “You mean . . . putting your foot in your mouth?” I responded too quickly. Ma had taught me expressions like that.

  “Yes, yes, that’s the one. Putting your foot in your mouth. Thank you,” she said, as if delighted.

  My face flushed. Is she trying to trick me, testing to see how well I spoke English, to be sure I was the daughter of an American? I wanted to correct myself, but it would have done no good.

  The woman turned away and spoke directly to Sun in Chinese. “It is not safe for a young girl to be out alone. Take her safely home and stop by the merchant’s and get what you need. Now be on your way.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Sun lowered his head in a polite bow.

  Sun stopped at the merchant’s as Madam Lu had instructed him. The seller seemed to be waiting for him and already knew what he wanted. He had things wrapped and in containers. While Sun began packing them into his bag, I looked around. Butchered ducks hanging from the ceiling. Sacks of rice and flour. Shelves of cans and jars. Onions, garlic . . . the smells of meat and herbs overwhelmed me.

  And there in a bin were oranges. Oranges!

  Not everyone has been eating moldy cornmeal!

  “Come on,” Sun said, when he was ready.

  We walked quickly in the early morning light. Sun knew a way that avoided the barracks, and I made note of his route. When we arrived, I led him through the gate to our house.

  Da opened the door. I could see the stress in his face, but he didn’t even ask what had happened. I was back and Sun was with me, and that was all that mattered.

  “Welcome, Sun,” he said. “Come in. We’ve been expecting you.”

  He told us that it had been a hard night for Mei-mei, and Ma had stayed with her all night.

  Da told Sun to take the things he had brought to the kitchen. Amah turned her back when he came in and didn’t speak to him. Sun was kind to her, put his things down, and told her he would be back in a minute. Da told him where Mei-mei was, and I led him to the bedroom. Both Ma and Mei-mei were asleep, side by side, with a thin blanket over them.

  Sun walked over to the bed. Ma’s eyes opened, but she didn’t seem to recognize him until he spoke. When she heard his voice, a weak smile lit her face. Sun bent towards her and whispered something in her ear.

  Ma smiled, “Nini must be with you.”

  Sun went back to the kitchen, and I stayed at Mei-mei’s door, not venturing in as I’d been told. Ma got up. She stroked her hair back and tried to straighten the wrinkles from her clothes that she had slept in.

  How different she must look to Sun, I thought. Her hair was gray and deep shadows lined her eyes. When she came towards the door and saw me, her face brightened further.

  “Oh, Nini, she said. “Last night I thought I had lost you both, but something told me to hold on. I knew you would come. The worry just seeps out of me now.”

  Ma left the room before Sun came with warm milk and lime water. Mei-mei was awake then. Her legs moved restlessly. Sun sat beside her, speaking comforting words. Her legs calmed and her eyes opened. She seemed to float into awareness of Sun’s presence. Sun coaxed her into sitting up and sipping the warm milk from a spoon he held.

  “Now, Mei-mei, my girl, you have to get well. You know why? I have a surprise for you. I’ll need your help. But you have to get well first.”

  Mei-mei didn’t take her eyes off Sun’s face as she sipped the milk silently.

  I left them alone and went to find Da. I couldn’t wait to tell him what Dr. Mori had said. I found him in the living room, but he was full of questions about Sun. When he had heard everything he wanted to know, I spoke.

  “Da, I have some news from Dr. Mori.”

  “Dr. Mori? When did you see Dr. Mori?”

  “Well, I—”

  “Is that what took you so long?”

  “I’m sorry, Da. You see—”

  Before we could finish, Ma came into the room, and then Sun.

  “You’re a sight for sore eyes, indeed, Sun!” Ma spoke, her voice hoarse and dry. “My eyes have just gone to pieces. I didn’t know who you were at first. Can’t even read anymore. Sometimes the light just kills me.”

  “You are a pleasure for me to see too,” replied Sun, not letting on what changes he must have seen in Ma or in any of us.

  “Nini says you have a wife and baby,” said Da.

  “Yes, and another one on the way.”

  “I’m so happy for you! Tell us about your wife,” Ma urged.

  “She was the amah for the family that used to live in the house. Madame Lu kept her as a maid when she hired me as the cook.”

  “I’ve heard that Madame Lu is the mayor’s sister.” Ma broached the subject we all wanted to know.

  “No, she’s his sister-in-law, married to his brother. And she hates what the mayor is doing to the people. She hates all the collaborators,” Sun huffed.

  I was confused. “But why did you whisper in the garden? I thought you were scared that she would hear us.”

  “I don’t trust the servants. Many of them used to work for the mayor.” Sun had always been cautious around other servants.

  I went on, letting out all my fears. “But she tricked me into speaking English—and told you to take me home. I thought she only wanted to find out where we lived. Will she have Ma arrested?”

  “No, no, she would never do that. When I told her I needed the day off, she began asking questions. When she understood the situation, she wanted to help you. She told me to go through the dining room and clang the doors shut so she’d hear us leaving and come down.”

  “You mean you planned it?”

  “She wanted to meet you and see how you were. When she told me to get what I needed at the merchant’s, I knew that was her way of saying that she approved of you, and she wanted to help.”

  I was too stunned to reply but thought, Maybe I didn’t put my foot in my mouth after all.

  “Well, Sun, if this war ends—” Da started.

  “You mean, when it ends,” Sun corrected.

  “Yes, when it ends,” Ma repeated. “Sun, we miss you. We hope you will come back when the war is over.”

  “That’s what I wanted to tell you!” I burst out.

  “What?” asked Ma.

  “I went to see Chiyoko. I know I shouldn’t have, but I found her message in the secret hiding place and I had to know if she was all right. Her family still lives over the clinic. Dr. Mori was there. He told me he heard at the hospital that Tokyo is being bombed, fires are breaking out everywhere. What do you think? Dr. Mori said it’s not over yet but . . . what do you think?”

  I spilled it out in one gush. They all looked at me stunned. I showed them the bottle of medicine from Dr. Mori and the tea Chiyoko gave me. The overwhelming
news spared me from a scolding.

  “I agree with Dr. Mori,” said Da. “It’s not over yet. “

  “I’m so tired. I don’t know if I can make it if it lasts much longer,” Ma said.

  “This is wonderful news, but things may not change quickly. We need to be cautious until we know more,” Da warned.

  Sun explained to Amah what to do with the things he had brought. She warmed up to him, at least enough to learn what she needed to do for Mei-mei.

  When Sun finished, Da walked outside with him into the courtyard and to the gate.

  For a moment, I felt good, that I had done something that helped. Sun had made my world seem normal again, but when he left, it all came crashing back around me. Everything was upside down. Sun, who was once our servant, was now taking care of us. Madame Lu, who I thought would betray us, was actually helping. Da refused to collaborate with the Japanese, yet those who had collaborated were well fed and could even get oranges. Ma had been hiding from the Japanese and now the news of the war ending still made everyone fearful. I was so confused and exhausted that I fell on the sofa without removing my shoes and slept.

  CHAPTER 24

  Three days later, Sun returned. I saw him at our gate carrying many bundles. He wore black pants and a black shirt and had a pack on his back and something under his right arm. I ran and greeted him excitedly in Chinese.

  “Mei-mei is better! Come see. She is sitting up now.”

  “That’s good,” he beamed. “How’s your mother?”

  “Not so good,” I started, but noticed that the thing under his arm was wiggling. Sun came inside the gate and dropped the squirming bundle on the ground. A round ball of black and tan fur rolled out of his hands, and a Pekingese pup looked up at me with round, bright eyes.

  “Do you think we can find him a new home?” Sun asked.

  “Here?” I was stunned. We hadn’t seen a pet since Sillibub.

  “Oh, Sun!” I exclaimed and bent down to look at the little pup. His dark coat was thick and coarse, but his chest was soft and white. His heart-shaped ears were tan with little black tips. His face had a black mask extending across to the ears. He looked up at me, then nuzzled right into my legs. He had found a home.