Chapter 16: Chapter 16
My studies have just ended. Today was more arithmetic. It is a wonder how much math one must know to survive when owning something. I do not know how my ba could look at so many numbers. As I think I walk to the center of the village. I am heading to the shop of the seamstress to buy the next gift for Io. I hope that she likes the book I got her. It is my favorite out of all that I have read.
When I read that book, I am reminded that the mind moves. One must not only put stock in material things because once they are gone, they are left with only loss and decline. If they learn to put stock in the experiences with family and friends, then one will only know enlightenment. I chose it as a way to show Io that I am more than just the station I hold because of my father’s gain. To show her that I hold more stock in such things as us. I hope she gets the message.
When I reach the shop, I pause in the entry. Qunzi is tending to another woman from the village. I silently wait because I want her input on what I buy. She always knows what looks best on my father’s partners when she dresses them. I am hoping that with a description of Io she can do the same. As I wait for her to finish, I look around at the many fabrics she has. How will I ever just choose one that Io would like I wonder.
When Qunzi comes over to me she smiles. I have been in her shop many times with my mother. I bow in greeting.
“I still have two days’ time left to complete your mothers robe young Draco” she informs me.
“Oh… yes I know. I am actually here for something else” I say. Her eyebrows raise.
“Well as I only supply fabrics for women it is my guess you are here for a gift to you mother.” She implies. I cannot help but blush. I am about to tell someone else about Io.
“Well, no not a gift for her. I am here to choose a gift for a girl I am courting” I explain. “I would like your input on choosing.” I gesture to her fabrics.
“Why don’t you tell me about this girl so that I can make some suggestions” she says.
“Well… she is of my age. She is slim, well slimmer than my mother. She has long black hair that almost touches her waste” I reply. Qunzi chuckles and gestures for me to follow her.
“When buying a gift young Draco, one must consider more than looks if they truly care. Tell me of her personality so that I may choose something she would like.” She requests.
“She is sweet, innocent and intelligent” I clear my throat and think aloud “she is honest and doesn’t value money most. She loves to read and has a smile that causes you to have one of your own. She carries herself with strength and grace. She looks to a future of traveling and is not quick to forgive. She is kind and caring. She would rather have me think with my head than spend all my coin. There is no one like her I’ve known” I say dreamily.
When no reply comes quickly. I turn my gaze to Qunzi and realize she looks at me with a smile.
“What is it” I say touching my face.
“You care for this young girl so much already. It is a wonder to see young love. I have just the thing she would like in my private collection” she says walking to the back.
“Qunzi, I must also confess that I am in the bit of a bind. I have accidentally hurt her and seek this as a gift of many to apologize” I say.
“Yes, I heard your words of not being quick to forgive. I had guessed it. I have worked on this piece for many days and not known who it would be for. She sounds like a person who can truly do it justice” She states. When she holds s up a kimono I smile. It will be perfect for My Io.
“It’s beautiful. I will gladly take it. What do I owe you?” I ask reaching into the pocket of my robe.
She reaches out and places her hand on mine to stop my reaching for the coin I carry. “This is a gift of love, right” I nod my head in reply “Then you owe me no coin. Someday come back to tell me how she likes the gift, and we will call it even” she offers.
“Nonsense, we have done business with you much over the years. I insist to pay to show my gratitude.” I insisted.
“It is quite all right. I make do. If it bothers, you so much call it a blessing for your future union. I will hear nothing else of it” She commands.
As she wraps the gift, I think of the kindness she has shown me. When she hands it to me, I bow deeper than I have before to convey my thanks and respect. She bows in return, and I take my leave hoping that Io falls in love with the kimono at first sight as I have.