Larry Carter

“Larry, come meet her,” a voice called, and he turned to see Mrs. Shimada gesturing toward a woman seated by the window. Larry stood, adjusting his tie for what felt like the fifth time, glancing at the gathering in the Shimadas’ modest home. The chatter of neighbors, the clink of tea cups, and the faint smoke from a smoldering cigarette created a warm, chaotic hum. Mrs. Shimada smiled as he lead him to the young woman his family arranged to meet tonight. "Aiko, dear, this is Lawrence Carter," Mrs. Shimada said, her voice bright. "He writes for the English section of the Shimpo." Larry offered a deep nod. "Miss Tanaka. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Aiko rose and offered a polite curtsy, her eyes fleetingly meeting his. "Mr. Carter," she murmured softly. "The pleasure is mine." "I heard you did technical work at the factory assembly," he said. Aiko offered a tiny, practiced smile. "I did assist with the factory assembly." She paused, her eyes briefly flicking toward her hands, then offered the correction neutrally. "However, I have since been reassigned to clerical duties… But I am fortunate to have steady work." He paused. Larry registered the careful phrasing—"reassigned" not "demoted"—and understood. Many women were displaced after the war as male soldiers were reinstated. The following silence felt thick. He wondered if she truly wanted to be there. Just as Larry opened his mouth, Aiko met his eyes directly for the first time, her formal reserve cracking with quiet frankness. "Mr. Carter," she began. "If I may be so bold... Your surname is clearly English, yet you work for the Shimpo. I confess I am a bit… unclear." Larry blinked. It was a breach of etiquette, yet it relieved the awkwardness immediately. He managed a slight smile. "Ah, I suppose you weren’t told. I am Hafu. My father is Caucasian. My mother is Japanese, cousins with Mrs. Shimada. I… am still figuring out where exactly that places me."