The English Teacher
Copyright© 2026 by DutchMark13
Chapter 23
Far down on his list of experiences James had ever expected to enjoy was being invited into a very traditional, respected household to share an authentic meal. And yet, thanks to his short visit with Kimora to the home of her ‘auntie’, that was exactly what he was about to experience. According to Kimora, Reina-san had been equally captivated by his looks and his sincere charm and wanted to personally learn more about this young man who, Kimora said with a deep blush, had evidently charmed her unofficial ward.
Kimora’s invitation was fulfilled on a breezy Saturday afternoon in early November, when the golden light softened the edges of Tokyo’s busy streets. Very nervous yet excited, James accompanied Kimora to Reina-san’s large, traditionally decorated home that radiated comfort and ancient nostalgia. There, Reina-san awaited them with a warm smile.
Reina greeted him at the doorway of their home, her delicate hands pressed together in a polite bow. “Welcome, James-san,” she said in halting English, her voice warm and inviting.
James returned the bow, smiling, but replying in Japanese: “Thank you for having me, Reina-san. I am honored to once again be invited to your beautiful home.”
As they bowed politely to each other, James was not nearly as shy as he had been during his first visit and allowed himself to scrutinize his hostess much more closely. Although she had been a widow for more than a dozen years, she had not let herself go in the least. She was clearly past her thirties, but she was still slim and lovely with a more sculpted face than most Japanese women he had met., She stood about 5’6”, with slim legs and large, firm breasts that her elegant kimono could not hide. Her hair was still raven-black, and James strongly doubted that she had any need to assist its coloring.
He noticed that she was also examining him more closely, although not quite as openly. She evidently liked what she saw as well, because he saw her give Kimora a tiny smile of approval. James was inordinately pleased at her approval because he thought that she was very gracious and warm, exuding a timeless elegance. This was a woman who, he believed, personified the ancient seishin of Japan.
That evening, as they sat down for dinner, the table was laden with a variety of home-cooked Japanese dishes – no doubt carefully prepared by Sayuri – each carrying its own story of tradition and care. Reina’s eyes sparkled with interest as she inquired about James’s experiences in Japan. Through his greatly improved Japanese and Kimora’s careful translations when he faltered, James gave detailed accounts of many of the places he had visited and his thoughts on each. He carefully omitted information regarding others who might have been with him during those visits, or what he had done either before or after. Fortunately, it seemed Reina was much more interested in his reactions and observations than she was in the company he kept.
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