A Tale For The Time Being

Nao asks the reader: “Have you ever tried to bully a wave?” (189). She then proceeds to explain how one day after Jiko found out about her scars, she took her to have a picnic at the beach. First, they stop by the Family Mart in town to pick up food for the picnic. Nao does not want to go into the store because there is a gang of “biker chicks” (189)hanging around the entrance, but Jiko insists. On their way out, the girls jeer and spit at them. Nao tries to keep Jiko from engaging with them, but she stops and turns to look at them. Finally, Jiko bows to the girls, and to Nao’s surprise, the girls bow back. Jiko bows again and makes Nao bow as well. They then part ways peacefully.

At the beach, Jiko asks Nao if she has ever bullied a wave. When Nao replies that she hasn’t, Jiko encourages her to try. Nao goes into the sea and punches the waves until she is too tired to stand up anymore. Even though she feels defeated by the ocean, it feels good to release her anger and frustration.