The Red Coat Lady

Being the child of immigrants, Eela had always known this land was never truly hers. The owner of the café where Eela worked often made her realize this through body language. It was on one such day that Eela met the Red Coat lady. Eela remembered her by her red coat as she never got the lady’s name.

The lady was sitting beside Eela in the park with a book. Eela liked coming to the park during her break time. After ten minutes, the lady murmured, “Lovely weather.” Eela turned to her right and realized the lady was speaking to her. “Oh…uh, yes.” Eela cursed herself for stuttering.

The lady smiled at her. “You see, whatever kindness you give the world, the Universe gives back. So don’t close your heart. One simple hello can bring a beautiful friendship.” The Red Coat Lady winked, checked the time on her phone, waved at Eela, and walked off.

For some reason, Eela felt this stranger did not see her as a girl with small eyes and pale yellowish skin. Eela was intrigued and terrified, as if the lady looked into her soul.

Eela returned to the café. Her break was over. She put on her apron and took a cappuccino to a regular customer. Extending the cup with a smile, she asked, “Hello, do you like cappuccino a lot?” The guy smiled back. The Red Coat Lady’s words echoed in Eela’s head: Don’t close your heart.

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