Dolls of Hope by Shirley Parenteau Read Free Book Online Page B

voices.”
    Chiyo smiled at Hana as Hoshi’s face became expressionless. The War of the Cushions had been joined by the War of the Welcome Song, though neither raged as fiercely as the War of the Burned
Kokeshi.
    In the days following Watanabe-sensei’s announcement, Chiyo put her heart into the music lessons and practiced after school with Hana. She knew the others were practicing, too. In four days, Sensei would announce his decision. Impatience ran through the class.
    The trip to Tokyo was all anyone talked about. In music class, every girl moved restlessly at her desk or sat forward on the edge of her chair. At last, the four days had passed. Watanabe-sensei prepared to write six names on the blackboard. As expected, Hoshi’s was first. When Hana’s name was added, Chiyo beamed at her friend. Another name went up and then another: Shizuko and Tomi, both girls who boarded at the school.
    Chiyo could scarcely breathe. Only six girls were to go to Tokyo. Four were already listed. Everyone in class had become still. She could not look away from the board.
    Sensei likes my voice.
Her thoughts rang so loudly, she thought the others must hear. She didn’t care. She had to be chosen. And why wouldn’t she? She thought of the moment Headmaster had her sing for Watanabe-sensei and of Sensei’s pleased reaction.
He said he wanted to work with me. He must add my name!
    Watanabe-sensei consulted a note in his hand, raised his chalk, and wrote again. Ito Kimiko.
    Kimiko had been pleasant to her. Chiyo was pleased to see her listed.
    Hoshi said in a near whisper, “Kimiko, plan to shop with me in Tokyo. I know where we can find kimono jackets pretty enough for the empress.”
    Chiyo only half-listened. One space was left.
It has to be me!
She clasped Momo so tightly between her hands, her fingers turned white. Time slowed, as if hours passed while she waited to see the final name placed on the board.
    At last, Watanabe-sensei raised his chalk. He wrote: Fujii Michi.

C hiyo sank back in her chair, her body going limp. She had tried to warn herself that she might not be selected. Now hope turned as black as her
kokeshi
doll’s head.
    “
Gomennasai,
Miss Tamura,” Hoshi said in a pitying tone that was not sorry at all. “You must be so disappointed.”
    Chiyo wanted to force her face into a calm mask.
Thank you, Miss Miyamoto,
she would say.
You are kind.
    She could not do that. Her face would not shape itself into serenity. Sweet words would not rise to her lips. Instead, she put Momo back into her pocket and stared straight ahead. Why send the general’s daughter to welcome the dolls when everyone had heard her say they should be destroyed?
    To burn a small
kokeshi
belonging to a farmer’s daughter is a small offense,
Chiyo told herself.
To harm a doll sent in friendship and welcomed by the emperor is not. Even a general’s daughter would never risk that.
    Yet uneasiness continued to run chill fingers along Chiyo’s spine.
    Michi raised her hand. “Sensei, what days will the group be away?”
    Watanabe-sensei looked as excited as the class. “We will leave on Wednesday, the second of March, and stay with private families in Tokyo. The dolls’ grand welcome will take place on March third.”
    “That’s Hinamatsuri,” Hoshi said.
    “
Hai,
Miss Miyamoto,” Sensei agreed. “The welcome will be held on the day traditionally celebrated by families with their heirloom
hina ningyo.
On Friday, we return here.”
    Michi spoke again, sounding close to tears. “I am so sorry. I cannot go. My grandmother is ill. She fears this will be her last Hinamatsuri. She wishes all her daughters and granddaughters to be with her. She has always loved that celebration.”
    As others murmured in sympathy, Michi rubbed her palms across her eyes. “
Sumimasen,
Sensei. I cannot go with you to Tokyo.”
    “Our sympathy is with you and your family, Miss Fujii,” Sensei said gently.
    Chiyo couldn’t breathe. She felt sorry for Michi, but