Chapter Twenty-Five

The short days slipped quickly now into long, cool nights. The leaves turned brown and fluttered to the ground with the chilly winds that blew in from the desert.

Sumiko’s life had started to settle into a routine. With Thanksgiving came a feeling of anticipation in the air. This was Sumiko’s first Thanksgiving since they had been released from prison.

They had many friends coming to celebrate with them. Emi and her parents were coming to visit. And Sumiko had good news to share: she and her mother would be moving to New York City that spring. Mama had also invited Mr. Miller and his family to Thanksgiving dinner since she was so grateful for his help and support. Mama said there is no doubt that they would have lost their farm if it weren’t for Mr. Miller.

Finally, the day was here. Sumiko’s face was glued to the front window when Emi and her parents’ car pulled up the driveway. Sumiko raced out of the house, leapt over the porch steps, and clobbered Emi in a giant hug just as her friend emerged from the car.

“Emi!” she screamed. “It’s really you!”

“I missed you so much, Suzie!” Emi said with tears running down her face. She looked different to Sumiko, more grown up.

“I missed you too! And we’re moving to New York City!” Sumiko blurted out in her excitement.

Emi’s face went from happy to completely giddy. “Really? That’s great!”

Sumiko hugged Emi again. She’d waited so long, but she finally had her best friend back.

Inside, there were flowers on the table, and Mama had baked a pumpkin pie. Sumiko had decorated the table with special plates from their trunk of treasures.

Sumiko couldn’t remember the last time she had seen such a wonderful dinner. The roast turkey their neighbor Helen White carried in from the kitchen was plump, brown, and glistening on its bed of parsley. It was the biggest turkey Sumiko had ever seen. And with it came candied sweet potatoes, string beans, carrots, and a beautiful cranberry salad.

As the group sat together around the big table, there was such a good feeling of closeness, common culture, and sharing that Sumiko already knew that she didn’t ever want the day to end.

Sumiko’s mother sat at the head of the table, her face calm and full of peace and gratitude. She began to speak, thanking their guests for coming and for their support over the last several years. She talked about how difficult things had been in the prison camp.

Mama never talks this much, thought Sumiko.

“But I will forgive them for what they did to all of us,” Mama said, looking at Sumiko.

Sumiko looked down, wondering if she really could forgive those who had hurt her.

“I know we’ve had reasons for much anger,” Mama continued, “but we won’t destroy ourselves with any more bitterness.”

Sumiko nodded slowly. She didn’t feel ready to forgive, maybe she never would, but she was glad her mother had found some peace after everything that had happened to them.

“Forgiveness takes a bundle of hate off your back,” Mama continued. “There are ways to fight back without destroying yourself or others.”

The table was silent as they listened to every word that left Mama’s mouth. Emi looked at Suzie and smiled. She understood.

“We’re survivors, and we’ll struggle to rebuild our lives. But we also cherish this life that we have. With so much tragedy around us, we will move forward to pursue our dreams and remain strong.”

Mama raised her glass. “Kanpai.”

“Kanpai,” the group said in unison. Cheers.