Food, or fuel ... batteries for radio or flashlight perhaps." Please come in, Mr. Tosaka," she said motioning him to the living room as the first drop... of rain began pattering on the roof."I think I am well supplied, but it is very thoughtful of you to think of me." The truth is, I have been thinking a great deal about you. I..." he began, but stopped short, embarrassed to express his feelings to a near stranger. "If you are all right, perhaps I'd better go." No, please stay," she replied. "The. It may be, "Pickin' on me," or "Teasing me," or "What are you doing?," but the words don't matter. What she's saying is that she is liking what you're doing and wants more. I guess the words are meant as encouragement, or an ice breaker (as if ice could exist in a heated moment like that), or an acknowledgement of where you're bound. I interpreted those words from any woman, and interpreted them from Mom in that moment, as saying, "I like what you're doing, Mister." Maybe I was wrong, but. I was shocked by the change. "I was going to give you this on your birthday, but I think you should have it now." I presented him with gilded box. "Happy eighteenth birthday."He opened it and gasped when he saw the contents. "Oh thank you so much Uncle. They're beautiful." Inside were a pair of pearl earrings, a single strand pearl necklace, and a large single pearl navel ring. "Help me put it on, please." I took the necklace and fastened it behind his head. He posed in front of the mirror. "My. The sun was baking hot and by the time we got to the beach parking lot we were all sweating. We got out of the car and reveled in the breeze coming off of the water. Thankfully there were only twenty or so cars there so it wouldnt be too crowded. They started off without a backwards glance, chattering away excitedly, leaving me to carry everything. The parking lot ended in a strip of dunes and small trees about twenty yards deep offering a measure of privacy to the beachgoers. I had to.