“Couldn’t say. Certainly hope so. Every woman needs some pampering from
time to time.”
“You are very kind,” Olivia said.
Michelle rinsed Olivia’s hair, motioned for her to sit up, and wrapped a towel
around her head. Then she nodded at another wooden chair in front of a long, narrow looking-glass. Olivia sat and Michelle stood behind her. Their eyes met
in the mirror.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Olivia said. “I really was quite worn out. I
feel so much better now.”
Michelle smiled and began brushing Olivia’s hair, just like her mother used
to. That memory brought tears and Olivia swiped a finger under her eye, hoping
Michelle hadn’t noticed.
“There, there,” Michelle said, leaning down to give Olivia’s shoulders a hug.
“Listen, Hon, I don’t know who done what to hurt you so bad, but whatever it
was, the world is gonna go on spinning, for you too. I promise you that. Don’t
stop for no one’s sorrows.” She pulled a chair next to Olivia’s and made her voice cheerful as she said, “Let’s take care of them hands while your hair is drying.” She tsk-tsked when she began trimming the jagged nails.
Michelle hummed as she finished the manicure and then twisted Olivia’s still-
damp hair into an elaborate arrangement. Olivia was grateful for not being required to carry on a conversation.
“See how beautiful you are?” Michelle leaned down and squeezed Olivia’s
shoulders again, watching her in the mirror. “I think you’re ready to face the world now. I’ll go get that dress for you.”
Olivia dressed slowly, wondering what she should do next. When she went
out to the shop and handed the four bits to Michelle, Michelle slipped the money
into her pocket and then took Olivia’s hand.
“Listen,” she said softly. “I can see whatever happened to you was bad, but you’re going to be all right. You’re a strong girl. You have wonderful eyes. I don’t mean just pretty. I mean the eyes of a good human being. One who
deserves good things.”
Olivia might have thrown herself into Michelle’s embrace, but didn’t. She felt
incapable of responding and stood speechless. All she could manage was an
ineffectual thank you for everything.
“Don’t go yet.” Michelle smiled. She picked up a straw hat trimmed with red
flowers, green leaves, and a blue ribbon and plunked it on Olivia’s head.
“A present from me,” she said. “To go with your new dress.”
Olivia managed a smile. Noticing some shelves at the back of the shop, she
asked, “Do you sell men’s things?”
“Sure do.”
“I’d like a pair of trousers and a shirt, please.”
“How big is the fellow?”
“They’re for me. I might want to go for a ride tomorrow and I prefer not to
wear a dress.”
Michelle’s face broke into a wide smile. “Aren’t you full of surprises? Sure I
can fix you up. Probably need boys’ sizes, but I got them.”
Olivia didn’t want to bother trying the clothes on and just held them up. Then
