Suki’s Kimono

Cotton

• Cloth made from cotton fibers

She watched the other women and children who danced, especially those who were dressed in cotton kimonos like her.

festival

• A celebration or holiday

The first time Suki wore it, her obachan took her to a street festival where they slurped bowls of slippery, cold somen noodles and shared a cone of crunchy, shaved ice topped with sweet red bean sauce.

graceful

• Showing beauty in movement

She followed her and copied her movements, trying to be as light and as graceful.

handkerchief

• A square piece of cloth used to wipe the face or nose.

A handkerchief of pale pink linen, decorated with tiny maple leaves and cherry blossoms.

paces

• Steps in walking

Mari and Yumi stayed several paces ahead of Suki and pretended like they didn’t know her.

pale

Light in shade or color

A handkerchief of pale pink linen, decorated with tiny maple leaves and cherry blossoms.

rhythm

• A repeated beat, sound or motion

She tried to picture the other dancers. How they moved forward in the circle with the rhythm of the music.

snug

• Fitting closely; tight

It was wrapped snug around her stomach.