a 100 word story by Yordie Sands
copyright © 2013

I studied diligently as apprentice geisha despite my onesan’s absences. My big sister couldn’t get along with other geisha sisters. I was saddened when my onesan left one day. And I was shocked to see several sisters gleefully mocking her as she walked away.

Our okaasan was a good mother but didn’t see the mischief in our okiya. She said, “Because your onesan left you may choose a new one.” I was happy because there was a geisha I wanted as my onesan. Yet, I chose another because she needed me; she said her little sister had left her.

I was a mere minari dancing to earn my keep.