Summary

The local girl continued to pass the narrator’s shop “six days a week” for the next three years (400). Eventually the narrator became more comfortable waving to her or saying hello. Then one day, the girl passed at the same time as a military vehicle was hurtling up the road behind her. The narrator waved for her to get over so she did not get hit. Afterwards, she emerged from the dust and thanked the narrator for warning her. She passed again later that day and stopped to reiterate her gratitude for saving her. The narrator said little in response as his father was nearby in the shed working. The girl stood with her bike between her legs, wearing a “pale blue dress” (400). The narrator wondered what else he could say. His feelings were intense but he was at a loss for words...