Nail Polish

Kotoko had got it into her head to play dress up with the Servant. Carefully she painted his nails in red and pink stripes, blowing on them after each layer.

Pleased with herself, she sat back. ‘Now the other hand!’

The Servant jerked that hand back.

Kotoko’s lips trembled, like she might burst into tears. The Servant made his face a conciliatory smile, softened his voice. ‘Not that hand,’ he said. ‘Why don’t you do my face instead?’

Kotoko’s eyes turned gleeful. ‘With the nail polish?’

‘If you like,’ the Servant said. The smile was brittle, but Kotoko wouldn’t care.