Dolls of Hope by Shirley Parenteau

herself rapidly. “The newspaper used her name!”
    Chiyo sank a little lower, as if every part of her grew smaller. When the photographer asked, she had blurted out her name as if his question must be answered. This was what careless thinking led to — disgrace. She would never be allowed to attend her sister’s wedding.
    Kimiko continued to read. “‘You are home. What a simple phrase to put all the speeches to shame. This girl’s warm heart speaks for all the Japanese girls who are embracing these beautiful dolls with their message of friendship.
    “‘When little Miss Tamura said to the doll, “Oh, how I hope you will come to my school,” her entire heart was in her voice. Japan is filled with girls as loving as this, and we are awed and thankful for every one.’”
    “How did he get your name?” Tomi asked.
    Chiyo could only answer in deepening despair. “I told him.”
    “You told him!” Sensei sank onto a cushion, looking as if her legs would no longer hold her. “I will hear from Yamada-san. And from your parents. This is a disaster.”
    Hoshi said in a pitying tone, “She must go back to the country before she brings more shame to us all . . . for a doll she will never see again.”
    Chiyo pulled strength from the very center of her heart. “Wherever she goes, I hope she will be loved.”
    “Loving the dolls is the point of your picture, isn’t it?” Kimiko asked, surprising her with approval. “All Japanese girls should open their hearts to the dolls, as you have done. Girls all over the country will see the truth of that.”
    “The newspaper said nice things,” Hana added.
    Shizuko said, “Perhaps it is not as bad as we first thought.”
    A knock sounded at the door. No one moved. Then Shizuko hurried to answer. Watanabe-sensei rushed past her into the room, waving a folded note.
    “The mayor of Tokyo has sent a message! He wishes to meet Miss Tamura Chiyo who, he has learned, represents Tsuchiura.”

E veryone spoke at once. “The mayor?”
    “Why?”
    “He wants to see Chiyo?”
    “It’s because of the picture!”
    Oki-sensei simply moaned.
    Hoshi slowly shook her head. “Poor Chiyo. I’m so sorry the newspaper used your picture in place of Miss Tokugawa’s.”
    Watanabe-sensei said, “Ladies, please! Miss Tamura, you must get dressed at once. The mayor is sending his personal automobile for you in one hour.”
    Tomi and Shizuko said together, “His automobile!”
    “He must wonder why the picture is not of Miss Tokugawa. Is our student to be officially reprimanded?” Oki-sensei snatched the newspaper from Kamiko, becoming again the teacher with her head full of schedules. “He cannot see her. Our train leaves in little more than an hour. We return home today.”
    “We will stay a day longer,” Watanabe-sensei told her. “I have already arranged for the tickets to be changed. Listen, I will read the mayor’s message.”
    He adjusted his glasses before reading solemnly, “‘The honorable mayor of Tokyo requests the privilege of posing for a picture with Miss Tamura Chiyo, whose glowing love for the little doll ambassadors speaks eloquently for all Japanese girls.’”
    Oki-sensei’s voice rose nearly to a shriek. “He wants a picture with her?”
    Hoshi put a hand to her mouth before saying, “Tsuchiura Girls’ School will lose all respect.”
    “I disagree, Miss Miyamoto.” Watanabe-sensei took the newspaper from Oki-sensei’s limp hand and studied the photo. “The tenderness in Miss Tamura’s face as she looks at the doll speaks well for the young ladies of Tsuchiura Girls’ School.” He handed the paper to Kimiko. “Our school will be seen as encouraging compassion, and that is a good thing.”
    His gaze reached Hoshi. “Of course, our best efforts may not succeed with all our students.”
    Hoshi raised her chin. “Oki-sensei, I will spend the day in the shops. I need a new kimono jacket for the spring. There is nothing worth having in