1. Ms. Interpretation


    Date: 4/9/2024, Categories: Occupations, Author: Gordon_Brail 

    Tokyo – Friday Night

There’s nothing out of place in the pristine Nohga Hotel in downtown Tokyo. People everywhere are coming and going for leisure or travel, opting to stay or passing through these downtown lights. Samuel Grayling rides the elevator down to the first floor as theding announces his uneventful arrival. He walks amongst the crowd, just another face, some American wrapping up business in the land of the rising sun.

His English is typical, his Japanese worse, more so the reason for him to find Yui as soon as possible. She’s early, it seems, giving Sam some reassurance that he’s on the right track.

“I’m glad you made it,” Sam states, capturing Yui’s attention.

The clanking of glass and faint jazz from the bar is enough to keep their conversation private in public.

“Hey, you.” Yui’s smile is genuine even though this is just business, her English right on point. Her eyes remain on him. “Everything ready?”

Sam nods, mumbling one thing or another as he glances at his jacket. “Too much?”

Yui shakes her head, a scrunched face as she reaches out and gives the open ends a tug. “No. It’s perfect.” She notes Sam’s audible huff, the way he keeps looking around. Her eyes are on him, but it’s not detrimental that she’s the one keeping his attention tonight. “Nervous?”

Sam smiles when he looks at Yui, glad that she mimics the same. A nervous chuckle escapes. “A little, I suppose.”

Yui looks to the foyer, a heads up with a little wave to an obvious ...
    ... someone.

Akemi Enomoto approaches, a Japanese woman in a fitted dress down to her knees. It’s a little black affair, to be sure, matching heels and naturally beautiful, jet black hair.

The introductions are made, Akemi smiling as she shakes Sam’s hand with a well-rehearsed, “Hello. Good to meet you, Sam.” Her English is paced and deliberate.

Akemi notes Sam, his upright and confident American posture. He moves too much, like most Americans, rambling words that she doesn’t understand.

Yui an Akemi talk to one another in Japanese:“Everything is here in the hotel. There’s no need to go anywhere. He’s a good guy.”

Akemi nods, adjusting the chain purse strap across an elegant shoulder.“Thanks for everything again. I’m really not concerned. Another weekend, it seems.”

Sam extends a gracious hand to Akemi, saying her name as best he can, murdering it with an English drawl which causes her to smile. He’s trying. He’s sweet.

His words are muffled from all of the noise and clinking glass, the bright lights of Tokyo ensuring Akemi remains in the best of light. Sam feels the urge to reach out and pick her up, an easy enough task with her petite figure. “I want to tell you something, Akemi.”

Yui translates.

Sam retains a light touch on Akemi’s hands, rubbing his thumb over her soft skin. Akemi adjusts her stance, tilting her head as she becomes relaxed. She’s not concerned.

Yui taps the bar. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

“No,” Sam injects, a look to Yui. “You ...
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