A Grateful Dragon. Karla Schuurs

off the street through the sport he loved.

      Lai’ll have a shot at a real future in competitive tennis that she never could have if it wasn’t for David.

      He charged minimal for his coaching sessions, just enough so the kids and parents appreciate the value of his time; and donated huge amounts of money to kids’ sport.

      And you didn’t pick David as a coach, he poached you from the broke-ass, local public schools.

      He played tennis competitively as well, just the regional and state stuff. He could further, but stayed loyal to his parents wishes. And they didn’t want him to be an athlete.

      The guy worked hard and was honourable. He was just in a different situation. He saw money as a way through life, a means to an end. But Mira took money, and her pride in providing, more emotionally.

      David waited for Mira to order.

      As usual she didn’t understand the menu. Mira was already feeling flustered just sitting in this pretentious place with its crystal water glasses and soft piano music in the background, so the menu just blurred around the edges.

      “Is there anything close to a chicken schnitzel?” She almost begged at the waiter, who pulled his lip down in a grimace.

      “It’s Japanese baby, here I’ll order.”

      David casually and fluidly rattled off to the waiter, who nodded approvingly with a soft “excellent choices sir.”

      Mira was washed with relief that she didn’t have to try and fumble humiliatingly through an order.

      “You look beautiful,” David said, and Mira’s eyes popped. Then she chuckled “I think I have paint in my hair.”

      “You’re still beautiful. I’m batting way above my average.”

      He said that quite a bit, which was entirely untrue even though Mira could see he believed it.

      She was a broke, potty-mouthed, frizzy haired nobody who worked at a deli and spent all her spare time paining up a storm that no-one else was very interested in.

      David was hot. Mira couldn’t deny it. And athletic, and smart, and rich, and had a bright future, and was really kind; and always worn nice clothes and smelt good.

      The best Mira ever smelt of was turpentine. And usually she smelt like smoked meat as well.

      Mira couldn’t explain exactly why she was holding out on him, keeping herself at a strict physical and emotional distance.

      Maybe it was just too much too soon?

      It hadn’t been that long since Dad…

      Then there was Mr Reed…

      And she had this blasted court case looming over head head like a noose.

      And Rex…

      Urrrr…

      They barely did more than hold hands, Mira and David. David had tried to kiss Mira a couple of times, and she’d pulled away from each one. He was being patient to the point of ridiculous with her and she didn’t understand why.

      “Oh! This Saturday night. Are you free?”

      “Sure,” David’s eyes glistened and little volcanic burst of energy piped from him. Usually he initiated all their contact.

      “K, Sunny’s been dating a guy, more than like twice,” Mira giggled, “And wants to do a double date dinner.”

      “Cool, I’ve gotta tag along to Dad’s golf day. What time?”

      “Eight o’clock, at a bar called Flying Phoenix,” Mira mumbled over the name.

      “Oh sweet! I love that place!”

      Yeah, exactly Mira. Settle the fucc down, heaps of people go there, Mira scorned herself for being so stupidly reactive over a freakin’ bar.

      “I’ll meet you there then?” Mira continued, straining for a casual tone. David didn’t seem to notice the current of tension running just under her surface.

      The food came and it was amazing!

      Mira realised that, although she loved food and cooking, she was really sheltered when it came to different cuisine. It couldn’t hurt her to get out more and try new things.

      She gushed all over dinner, unable to contain her enthusiasm for culinary mastery.

      “Ohhhh m’gawd, this is delicious!”

      “It’s good yeah,” David nodded.

      His phone buzzed. He looked at it then pushed it aside.

      “You can answer it,” Mira beamed; a happy, food-appreciating mood enveloping her.

      “Sure? It’s Dad. He’s been pushing to get me more involved in the business, since I’ll be full-time swallowed by obligation… I mean, proudly stepping into an active role in the family business next year.”

      “That soon? “ Mira mused through mouthfuls.

      “Yep,” David sighed.

      “You know, you can still play tennis, and coach. It’s not like the world stops.”

      “I honestly don’t see how. Dad’s expecting me to put in the long hours. He’s ready to semi-retire, or at least take a back step.”

      “I think you’re just stuck in the mind set you can’t,” Mira blurted out. An instant pang hit Mira’s heart, as her brain registered the memory from virtually weeks ago of Rex saying those exact words to her.

      Mira felt herself concave. She retreated into herself, on instinct, like a hermit crab folding back on itself to hide inside a shell that no longer fitted. Mira physically hunched over her plate as David excused himself and went outside to take the call.

      Stop it Mira! She grilled herself, blinking back the burning tears prickling at her eyes.

      Why was forgetting about Rex so goddamn hard??!

      It was just the bloody hospital on Monday, Mira rationalised to herself. It had just stirred up memories. That was all.

      A young girl in a white, flowing energy dress, with dazzling golden hair drifted over and sat next to Mira. Her hair beamed so bright that golden, electric currents sparked off her head like a halo.

      “I have a wonderful surprise for you,” The young girl’s voice tinkled to Mira’s ears like wind chimes in a soft, spring breeze.

      “Who are you?” Mira hissed, feeling self-conscious of anyone seeing her having a conversation with David’s dinner plate.

      “I am Love,” The young apparition declared with adoration and enthusiasm saturating her tone.

      “You? A kid playing dress-ups in your Mumma’s wedding gown is the Great force Love?” Mira scoffed, “I don’t buy it. Way too cliché.”

      “I though you, of all people Little Squirrel, would appreciate that sometimes, something seemingly slight can hold an underestimated amount of power.”

      Mira had to concede to that point.

      “Ok show me quickly. My date’s coming back and I don’t want him baring witness to me hissing at his sushi.”

      She tinkled a giggle and gestured into the distance behind Mira.

      Mira was gobsmacked.

      The restaurant dissolved in enveloping fog. Mira got up and walked a little way. She was in a wood. Dew droplets adorned leafless, black tree branches in tiny, glistening diamonds.

      The