Page 40 of Prickly Romance

“They will find a way.”

Akira’s hands tighten on the steering wheel. “You do not seem concerned.”

“Is there something to worry about?”

“Children can be cruel. Especially to someone who is different.”

“My daughter is strong. And I believe that her new friends will be good for her.”

“Are they… of Miss Williams’ complexion?”

I slant her a warning glare. “They come from respectable, wealthy families and two-parent households. They seem smart, driven, and well-spoken. Most of all, they were very kind. Their skin tones have nothing to do with their ability to keep my daughter company, so I do not understand the question.”

Akira keeps quiet.

On most occasions, I would let her opinion pass. Akira grew up in Japan with very little exposure to other cultures. While in America, she suffered an incident which proved the stereotypes about Americans in general and black people in particular to be true.

Her comments have never crossed the line, so I choose not to fight with her. I know her loyalty to me and to Niko is unchanging. But this time, I feel compelled to discuss the topic.

Leaning forward, I ask, “Why did you assume that their complexion would have any bearing on their character?”

“You may choose to believe that it doesn’t, but I know differently.”

“You cannot judge an entire race because of a few bad encounters,” I inform her sternly.

“Forgive me, Ryotaro, but I am feeling particularly protective of young Niko.” She pauses. “I identified the boys who were harassing her in the street. Would it interest you to know that two of the four were black?”

I stiffen. A few days ago, I tasked Akira with finding the bullies that Vanya and Dejonae described. It had been easy enough to convince the shop owners to give up their security feed, but identifying the children had proven more difficult.

“Who are they?” I growl.

Keeping her eyes on the road, she lifts her tablet from the passenger seat and hands it to me.

I accept the device and turn it on.

There are four pictures of twelve-year-old boys. As Akira stated, two of them have dark skin, one is white and the other is racially ambiguous.

Akira flashes me a knowing look. “Now that you have seen it, would you still like to lecture me?”

“Akira.”

“Am I not allowed to judge them on their actions?” Her voice trembles. “Am I not allowed to be outraged by their behavior?”

I grit my teeth. “Of course you are allowed to be angry—as am I—but painting an entire race with your bad opinion is not only unfair, it is extremely hurtful to Niko. My daughter is both black and Japanese. She cannot deny one or the other. To speak badly of an entire race is to speak badly of my daughter and her mother. This is unacceptable.”

“Ryotaro.”

“I cannot control your thoughts, but I ask you to guard your words.”

Akira dips her head, still tense. “I will try.”

I tap my fingers on the tablet screen, thinking about my next move.

“What would you have me do about the bullies?” Akira’s eyes glint with revenge.

“Niko already dealt with the bullies. There is no need to go after them.”

“Are you saying we will do nothing?” She sounds disappointed.

---