Ilona Cole, Story 47
Published by Administrator
Marcie Sims is a teacher, author, and editor. She teaches literature/film, composition, and creative writing courses at Green River College in Auburn, WA. She lives on Vashon Island, just a short ferry ride away from Seattle, Washington. She writes fiction (short stories and novels), poetry, composition textbooks and has written one historic overview of Capitol Hill Pages as a former U.S. Senate page herself. View more posts
I think you will enjoy Ilona’s latest story here as much as I did, and it might bring a smile to your lips (after a thrill/nervousness for her in the situation).
Having experienced the same reaction to being stopped by the State Patrol, I too remember thinking I would leave fingerprints in the steering wheel. Maybe I should carry a pie with me in my car, just in case. But with my fears, I’d likely forget a made-up story–and I know Ilona’s radiated truth. I love that her response was so literal and it made perfect sense. I’m sure she, like me, would never want to go through that again.
This is a great story. I remember her telling the family and we all had a good laugh. Ilona your description is great. I would be shaking in my boots if a patrol person in uniform approached the car. That you for reminding me of the story.
Such an adorable story. I am also so grateful that the officer was kind and understanding. We never know how our taken-for-granted expressions are received by folks who are not familiar with them. “Where’s the fire?” How would anyone not familiar with this phrase know what was being expressed?
I can see in my minds eye how our dear Ilona was taken by surprise by this question. Her innocence seems to have touched the officer. It must have been an incredible journey for Ilona to learn the ways of US communication and ways of interacting. I am so grateful that she was willing to learn and participate in such a rich way over these many years. She is a gift beyond measure!
What an adorable story! I am so grateful that the officer was kind and understanding. When we use local language, “Where’s the fire” we may not realize that this does not mean what we think it means to the one hearing it. I realize that Ilona had so many things to learn as she navigated her new surroundings. I am so grateful she kept learning and engaging her new culture. Her innocence must have touched the officer. Her spirit has touched so many and inspired us to be open to other ways of understanding our world. This story make me smile, and sigh a deep sigh of appreciation. Thanks dear Ilona.