Repeaters

Friday was another cafe day. There were more new stories, including a wife and mother who needs to cry but is being told to put on a brave face. She needs a place to let it out. 

She'll probably be back, just like the several others who had returned. The grandmother who lost Papa at teatime is still weeping whenever she's left alone, but brightens up when her daughter suggests coming here. Good thing she came. She met a neighbor here, who she hadn't seen since the tsunami destroyed her town. 

The single lady about my age was back too. She doesn't come for the relief goods anymore. She wants books about Jesus, and someone to talk to. Her questions are fun to answer. 

The repeaters are more relaxed than last time, and seem to own the place. That does my heart good. They don't own much right now. 

And kids. So many kids. I flitted from babies to toddlers, and eventually settled on a third-grader who lives at the edge of the school district and walks a half-hour to school. 

She doesn't like Disney. Sanrio is her world. Hello Kitty weighs the same as three apples. There are 46 different Jewel Pets. Oh, and she likes social studies. Just finishing making a map of her town. She wants to grow her hair out. Daddy was out of work for a while. 

The volunteer barber was busy. Hope another volunteer barber comes here soon. The line was pretty long. 

"That'll feel better for the summer, Mother."

She'll still miss Papa. But maybe the fresh haircut will help keep our grieving grandmother comfortable.