“Lost in Tokyo” by Donna Leigh White

As she and her mismatched friend maneuvered through the narrow streets of Tokyo, Jesse finally realized what she liked the most about Audra: she was unafraid to display her uniqueness. This was obvious from her ruby red lipstick to her mini-shorts, plus the gold stars she painted on her Black Sabbath polished fingernails. She didn’t hide who she was or feel like she should. Sure, she was wary in this unknown city and a bit of a control freak, wanting everything her own way, but she still made sure that her outside reflected her inside.  A courageous trait, thought Jesse, one that she conceded was admirable.

     Her own distinctive ways? It seemed that Jesse’s entire life had been a quest, not to discover her personality, but rather to find ways to reveal it through some worthwhile practices like wildlife vacations, writing mystery stories, or taking those rock climbing courses she yearned for.  She concluded that getting off the beaten track was just what she and Audra needed.

Rounding the corner of one small lane led Jesse and Audra smack dab into a dead end. In front of them were three wooden painted doors that had weathered over time. Each door possessed a grand lock, which looked impenetrable. The first door, originally painted red, seemed to have been scorched by fire; its tarnished lock had once been silver, but now sported black soot from past flames.
The second door, in the middle, was olive green and somewhat smaller than the first; it boasted a cast iron doorknocker and locking mechanism. The final entrance made from plain wood displayed scratches and scrapes along the oblong purple door handle. The gold door clasp looked tightly locked.

Jesse remembered the elderly Japanese man who had stopped at their restaurant table, foreshadowing this event. He'd heard them discussing the differences and similarities between Shintoism and Buddhism. Looking directly at Jesse, he’d said: “You seem interested in Japanese rituals and traditions. Those who seek powerful connections between what has gone and what is to come just need to find the entrance.”

He left a map on their table and wandered off into the crowded street.

Perhaps one of these doors was the beginning of their adventures, which could link them to their past and their present. After considering all three doorways, Jesse and Audra stared at each other, smiling gleefully. This was a far cry from the earlier crowded tourist groups when they endlessly tramped around the temples and shrines on the main thoroughfares. Audra’s eyes twinkled as she exchange glances with Jesse. There were no numbers on the doors, no people close by, just a bell hanging above each door. Finally, here stood an open-ended experience; one they both could encounter together.  

Jesse looked at Audra, who was smiling from ear to ear. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

“Hey, let’s get started,” Audra agreed, and poised her hand to knock on one of the doors.

Donna Leigh White is passionate about animals, people, and learning of all kinds. She works as a private tutor, life coach, and counselor in her own business in Guelph, Ontario. Donna loves working with clients in person and remotely. Although she is used to writing articles and essays, she is always eager to learn about different creative writing styles. She is glad that she signed up for Brian’s class. Visit Donna online here: www.dlwhitelifecoachandtutor.com 

See Brian Henry’s schedule here, including writing workshops and creative writing courses in Algonquin Park, Bolton, Barrie, Brampton, Burlington, Caledon, Georgetown, Guelph, Hamilton, Ingersoll, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Midland, Mississauga, Oakville, Ottawa, Peterborough, St. Catharines, Saint John, NB, Sudbury, Thessalon, Toronto, Windsor, Woodstock, Halton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Muskoka, Peel, Simcoe, York Region, the GTA, Ontario and beyond.