May 23, 1926 - Parker Residence, Osaka, Japan
The two girls chattered together in Japanese, as naturally as if Beverly had been born speaking it.
“Let’s go outside and play!” said Sachiko. “Yes! What do you want to play?” asked Beverly. “Let’s play Onigokko! said Sachiko. Bev gave Sachiko a little hug. “I'm glad you could come over today. You're my best friend.” “You two go out and play. Later I'll make you some treats.” said Laura.
June 10, 1926 - Parker Residence, Osaka, Japan
“Papa, what are you doing?” Bev asked. “I’m building a circuit.” “What’s a circuit?” Walter leaned down and looked at her. “It’s an electric path that does something useful.” Beverly thought for a few seconds, “What is yours going to do?” Walt smiled, “Something wonderful!”
“Can I help?” Bev asked. “Here, hold this schematic for me where I can read it.” “What’s a sche- … sche..” Bev asked. “A schematic is a drawing that shows how the circuit is made.” She turned the paper to where she could see it. “It looks very complicated!”January, 1931 (Beverly age 12)
The two girls sat on the bed and spoke softly in Japanese. “Why do you have to go?” The sadness was beginning to appear in Sachiko’s eyes. “Because of Papa’s work.” said Bev, “But, I don’t even know what he does.” “You can stay here with us!” Sachiko knew it wasn’t possible. “Oh, if only I could!” The two girls sat in silence for a moment. “I will write letters to you!” said Sachiko. “Me too!” said Bev. The girls hugged. “I don’t want to go.” Bev sobbed softly. Sachiko tried to hold back her tears, but they came.
March 1932 (Beverly age 13)
The drawings were spread out, covering the table. “Did you add the part we talked about?” asked Walt. “Yes, but I added this…” Bev motioned with her finger to a part of the drawing. “I think it will make it sound better.” Walt studied the drawing for a moment, “Wait, where did you get that idea?” “It just came to me as I was making the drawing.” said Bev. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It just might work!”
August, 1935 (Beverly age 16)
“Papa, come here!” Several hand built electronic devices covered the workbench. In the dim light, the devices gave a soft glow from their vacuum tubes. “Here.” Bev put a pair of headphones on Walt. He listened intently for a minute. “Oh my Lord, it’s working! How did you fix it?” Bev shrugged, “It just needed a few changes.” “Well, sorry I couldn’t help you more. This is a bit outside my experience. I’m so proud of you, Beverly. I’m amazed at what you’ve done." Walt gave Bev a big hug. He didn't fight back the tears he felt coming.
December, 1937 (Beverly age 18)
Sachiko heard the door and ran to it. “Beverly!” The two ran to each other and threw their arms around one another. They squeezed and held each other for a long time without speaking. They finally pulled apart a little and looked at each other. They spoke softly in Japanese. “I can’t tell you how much I missed you.” said Bev. “It hasn’t been the same without you here.” said Sachiko. “I am so happy you have come back. And you will study with me at university!” “Yes, maybe for a year.” said Beverly. “Only a year?” Bev smiled at Sachiko, “Papa says one year.” Sachiko looked at her a little longer than she intended. “We will have to make the best of it then!”
“Your letters,” said Bev, “I can’t tell you how much they meant to me. School was so hard sometimes, and hearing your voice from the page, it kept me sane.” Sachiko looked at Bev. “How you’ve changed! You’re so pretty.” Sachiko blushed a bit and turned away. Bev laughed softly and smiled at Sachiko. “And you! You’re quite the lady now. All the boys must be smitten.” Sachiko looked down. “Well, there is one. He won’t give up, but I don’t encourage him much.” Bev felt an unexpected stab at that. “Then perhaps he should learn to take a hint.” Sachiko looked at Bev in mild surprise. Bev smiled at her. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see you again. I wasn’t sure if I ever would.”
Bev and Sachiko sat on one of the beds in their dormitory. Bev looked around the room. “This room is so tiny. I forgot how it is in Japan.” Sachiko looked at Bev. “I would say it’s cozy! I’m so glad to be sharing it with you.” Sachiko reached out and held Bev’s hand, just as she had countless times when they were children. But this time, it felt different. Sachiko looked at Bev. Bev was already looking at her. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, almost at the same instant, they both looked away and let go.
Late that night, Bev awoke with a start. She realized she’d been dreaming, and the dream was frightening. Sachiko heard her, climbed out of bed and went over to her.
“Bad dream?” Sachiko reached out to hold Bev’s hand. “Yes, it was dreadful!” Sachiko looked at her with concern. “Would you like me to stay with you?” Bev looked at her, “Would you?”
Sachiko pulled the covers back a little and climbed in beside her. They held each other gently, just as they had sometimes when they were little girls. Sachiko rested her head on Bev’s shoulder and put an arm around her waist.
There was nothing unusual about this. They had slept like this when they were girls. So why did it feel different now?
Sachiko closed her eyes. Bev was warm against her. She could feel the slow rise and fall of her breathing.
In a way, Sachiko knew this feeling. After Bev had left, there were nights when Sachiko imagined Bev beside her. In her mind, she could feel Bev holding her, and the thought would comfort her until she drifted off to sleep.
But Beverly wasn’t imaginary tonight.
When Sachiko awoke, she was still holding Beverly. She lifted her head, and for a long moment, looked at Beverly while she slept. Bev opened her eyes. “Well, good morning!” In that moment, Sachiko realized how close their faces were.
Neither moved.
“Do you feel better?” Sachiko asked softly.
“Yes.”
Sachiko could feel Beverly’s breath against her face. For just a moment, her eyes dropped to Beverly’s lips.
Sachiko quickly looked away. “I should get up.”
“You don’t have to.”
Sachiko looked back at her. “I suppose not.”