Excerpt: Of Clouds

I am definitely surprised that I ever became friends with Akemi.

She was the kind of person with whom few could get along and none could understand.

I met her while wandering my town's annual Halloween carnival with my small group of friends from kung fu class.

She seemed lost and confused, walking in circles around the caramel apple stand, looking like a lost puppy, hungry and alone.

Dressed like a porcelain doll from a Gothic film, Akemi definitely stood out like a sore thumb, and my friends were quick to tease.

Most days I would be quick to play along and often the first to begin the obscene amount of taunting.

But there was something different about Akemi that made me stop and forced me to suspend all judgment without a second thought.

"Guys, cut it out," I protested. "She's just a kid."
They all smiled.
"Look, I'll meet you at the faris wheel. I got to hit the bathroom."

Shrugging, they turned away as they continued to eat their cotton candy and chatter about the strange girl.

Finally alone, I decided to approach the dark-haired doll, who was strangely being ignored by all of the adults around her.

I am definitely surprised that I ever became friends with Akemi.

But of course, when two people's destinies are as tied together are ours were, of course you would eventually become friends.