Suki’s Kimono

Cotton Cloth made from cotton fibers She watched the other women and children who danced, especially those who were dressed in cotton kimonos like her.

festival A celebration or holiday The first time Suki wore it, her obachan took her to a street festival where they slurped bowls of slippery, cold somen noodles and shared a cone of crunchy, shaved ice topped with sweet red bean sauce.

graceful Showing beauty in movement She followed her and copied her movements, trying to be as light and as graceful.

handkerchief A square piece of cloth used to wipe the face or nose. A handkerchief of pale pink linen, decorated with tiny maple leaves and cherry blossoms.

paces Steps in walking Mari and Yumi stayed several paces ahead of Suki and pretended like they didn’t know her.

pale Light in shade or color A handkerchief of pale pink linen, decorated with tiny maple leaves and cherry blossoms.

rhythm A repeated beat, sound or motion She tried to picture the other dancers. How they moved forward in the circle with the rhythm of the music.

snug Fitting closely; tight It was wrapped snug around her stomach.