Mayumi Shimose Poe - Alice on the Island: A Pearl Harbor Survival Story

I became aware of the time and day slowly. Our house was old. It had a tin roof, so when it rained, you would hear every little sound. Pon. Pon. Pon. Pono-pono-pono. Pon. Pon. Pon. Pon. Opening my eyes, I listened to the noises.

But it wasnt the rain that woke me that day. It was the silence. I was used to the commotion of my younger siblings, five-year-old Momo and two-year-old Ken. They were always running around and making noise. But today it was quiet. Where were they, and what were they up to?

I quickly went from peacefully resting on my futon to wrestling the mattress back into its folded position. I couldnt help but wonder what kind of trouble Momo and Ken were getting into.

The rain went from drips to a downpouror at least thats what I thought at first. But through the open window, I saw a flock of birds rush by. It wasnt the rain Id heard, but the beating of wings. The Midoris, the couple who lived at the end of the block, kept . It was always a thrill to watch the birds burst and swoop, free in the sky.

Someone in the kitchen had turned on the radio, and the soft finger picking of a ukulele blended with the sounds of rain. The musician began to play a tender song.

I could now hear other sounds too. There, faintly, was Mamas voice, followed by the louder, clashing sounds of Momo. Then Mama again, gently shushing her.

I heard someone walking in the yard outside our room, then the snips of cutters. Papa was outside tending his plants like he did every Saturday. He watered them regularly. But he could only fuss over them on the weekends when he wasnt working at Nippu Jiji, the Japanese-language newspaper.

Today wasnt just any Saturday. Today, November 8, 1941, was my thirteenth birthday. I pulled on an old, favorite dressblack with tiny pink roses and heart-shaped buttons. Turning to the mirror, I wondered, What does thirteen look like?

On the one hand, I knew I couldnt have completely changed overnight. On the other hand, I believed the world was filled with possibilities.

But there I was, with the same chin-length brown hair, same dark eyes, same bushy caterpillar brows. My adult-sized teeth still looked too large for my mouth. I was still as thin as a bamboo shoot, with awkward, long legs and neck.

Heading for the doorway, I did my best movie star lookchin low, smile shy, but eyes bright and wideand gazed into the mirror. Almost instantly I rolled my eyes, having seen the goofy result.

We cant all be Pearly, I told myself. I was thinking of my glamorous older sister with her glossy black hair and ruby-red lips.

Following the sounds of Mamas voice, I found her, Momo, and Ken on the porch by the front yard. They were reading from a stack of picture books, which explained the quiet. The screen banged closed, announcing me, and Ken-chan sang out, Happy Birthday! as if hed been holding it in for hours. Maybe he had been.

Papa came around the corner from the side yard. He held his cutters in one hand.

Suns been up awhile and finally you too? he said. I couldnt see his face under the wide brim of his straw hat. But I could hear his smile.

Well, you turned off my double alarm clock, I said, referring to my younger siblings.

They decided to go off in our room instead, Papa said. That was a present for you, Alice. Happy birthday.

Mama clucked her disapproval and moved the kids off her lap. A birthday treat, anyway. Therell be others.

Bang went the screen again. Then just as soonour house was not that bigMama was back with a beautiful strand of puakenikeni flowers in her hands to drape around my neck.

Happy birthday, Alice, she said.

The blossoms were the softest, creamiest white you could imagine, and the smell was like ripe cantaloupe and honey.

Arigatogozaimasu, Mama, I said, giving her my thanks in Japanese. I ducked my head, which dipped me further into the sweet scent.

Well, Papa murmured. I guess Id better finish. He thumbed his finger in the direction of the side yard. Then I can get cleaned up so I can be seen in public with my pretty gals.

I walked with Papa back toward the side yard. What are you working on today? I asked. I was always curious about Papas green thumb.

Ah, today it is something very special, Papa said with a gentle smile.

Among Papas collection, a new plant stood out. My eyes settled on a small azalea tree in full bloom. It was a perfect example of all Papa had learned about the art of bonsai. Its slender, curving trunk opened like a pink parasol over a small wood carving of a girl in a blue dress.

I call it Alice, he said.

Oh, Papa, I said, throwing myself at him.

Honey, Im all dirty, he , but he still hugged me anyway. Anyway, happy birthday.

Yes, happy thirteenth, Ali-chan! a voice called over the sound of feet crunching up our gravel drive.

I couldnt believe it. Even Pearly and my older brother, Yosh, were home today. Soon my big sister was hugging me.

What are you guys doing here? I asked. Pearly and Yosh lived in an apartment in Miliili, a short drive away from our home. It was near Pearlys job as a nurse at Queens Hospital and Yoshs classes at the university and his duties.

Oh, we were just in the neighborhood, Yosh said as he slowly moved closer to Pearly and me. Just dropping by. He stalked closer. I giggled in anticipation. Just thinking about a puppy pile!

I shrieked as Yosh crushed Pearly and me. Recognizing the game, Momo and Ken squealed and pushed their way into the middle of the huddle. And despite the dirt on him, Papa grasped each of Mamas hands, tightly encircling us all.

Mama shook her head, but a small smile played around her mouth. She let Papa hold her hands for a moment before she pulled herself free.

Enough already, Yosh, youre messing up my hair, scolded Pearly. Yosh squeezed us so hard we groaned, and then he released us. Anyway, Ali, Pearly added, we wouldnt miss your thirteenth for the world.

She tucked a loose curl behind her ear, along with a blossom that had fallen to the grass from a nearby flowering tree. She leaned like a movie star against the strong trunk of the tree, and I wanted nothing more than to know how to lean against a tree like that.

I know I seem old to youeveryone laughedbut I still remember turning thirteen. Its really special, Ali. Youre right on the brink, Pearly said.

Alice. The word came to me as if through a fog. Alice. Alice.

Yes, Ken-chan? I whispered to my little brother, not looking up from my book.

It was early still. I had been lying on my futon in the dark, not wanting to turn on a light or even get up to use the bathroom because the floorboards creaked. Momo was still asleep, and I was hoping that Ken might go back to bed so I could keep reading.

Plane! he cried.

Oh, you saw a plane? I asked.