After that day, I began waiting outside the library and walking with her all the way to the road crossing. Sometimes she scolded me, saying that I had nothing else to do, but every time I just made excuses that really didn’t make any sense. And sometimes, she didn’t say anything.

And today, I’m waiting again for her.

At her usual time, she stepped out of the library. Her eyes found mine almost instantly, a small, daily miracle that still made my heart skip.

I smiled and walked toward her. She also smiled and didn’t say anything, but her steps slowed just enough for me to fall into pace beside her.

As we walked, I looked at her face, and then I realized something important, that she never told me her name.

“Hey, you didn’t tell me your name yet,” I said.

She looked at me and said with her hands,

You are the one who never asked.

“Then tell me now.”

But she shook her head.

“Why?” I asked.

She gave a small, playful shrug and signed with her hands,

I don’t feel like telling you today.

“Whatever. Then I’ll call you Booth Girl.”

A mock-fierce glare flashed in her eyes. Before I could react, she reached up and pulled my left ear.

“Oww, that hurts,” I yelped, more in surprise than pain.

After a moment she released my ear.

When we reached the road crossing where she usually went her way, she tilted her head, looked at me, and smiled, but didn't say anything. She turned and began to walk away. I stood there, watching her go, a familiar hollow feeling opening up in my chest.

Then I called her,

“Hey.”

She turned back and looked at me.

I stayed silent for a moment... then said

“Can I take your picture?”

She only looked at me and didn't answer. The silence stretched between us, filled only by the distant city sounds. I lowered my head and stared at my shoes.

A few moments later, she snapped her fingers, a sharp sound that made me flinch.

Hearing that, I looked at her. She smiled and made hand signs saying,

Tomorrow,

11 a.m.,

at that park.

I knew exactly which park she meant. I smiled at her, but then she made hand signs again, saying,

I’ll also tell you my name tomorrow.

My eyes widened and my mouth opened slightly. 

“Hey,” I said again.

“That dress looked so beautiful on you. Can you wear it tomorrow?”

She also knew which dress I meant.

She smiled at me, gave a small nod, and signed,

Now go.

I nodded, then she waved her hand and began walking.

I stood there until she was just a blur of colour at the end of the street. Then I turned and started walking toward my apartment.

***