Didi always has a little bandage on her cheek. People ask "Why don't you take it off?" all the time, but Didi just smiles and moves on.
On a breezy afternoon walk, Didi finds herself thinking back to when she was very small — the day she fell and cried her heart out, and the warm hands that held her cheeks.
Walk slowly with Didi and find out the real reason she never takes that bandage off.
A Perfect Day for a Walk
After a really good lunch, I stepped out for a walk near my house.
Today, while I walk, I want to tell you a little something about me — Didi.
It's nothing big… but for some reason, today feels like the right day to say it.
I ate way too much at lunch. Hehe, I just can't help myself when Halme cooks.
So I came out to help with digestion. Otherwise I'd just get sleepy.
Not too hot, not too cold — just that kind of breeze that tickles your nose.
On a day like this, I can't help but take big, bouncy steps.
Thump, thump, thump.
"Why Do You Always Wear That Bandage?"
I was walking along a cobblestone road when the owner of the corner store came toward me and stopped.
"Hey, little one — you had that bandage on your cheek last week too. How come you never take it off?"
…That question. I hear it all the time. Honestly, almost every single day.
On walks, at the grocery store, sometimes even in the elevator. Haha.
Each time I just say "Oh, it's just my style~" and breeze on past.
But you know what? Today, as I walked, I kept drifting back to old memories.
Why don't I take it off? Is it really just about style?
Hmm… that's part of it. But wait. My steps are slowing down.
When Thoughts Come, My Steps Slow Down
Once I start thinking about something, my feet slow down without me noticing.
I walked slower and slower, gently pressing the bandage on my cheek with my fingers.
And then I remembered when it all started.
When I was really, really little. Even smaller than I am now.
The Day I Tripped and Cried My Eyes Out
I caught my foot on a stone and fell hard. OUCH!!
My knee scraped. My cheek scraped. I cried and cried — really loudly.
And then warm hands came to me.
They cupped both my cheeks, blew softly — hoo, hoo — and placed a little bandage right here.
