After the quake blind willow, sleeping woman dance dance dance

Maybe I overdid it
, 
she thought. 
I really shouldn’t frighten him so badly. At least not until I’ve taken care 
of business
. She quickly returned her face to its normal state and forced a smile. Then, 
as if spelling it out for him, she said, “Here’s what happens. We go to your room. We 
get in bed. We have sex. You’re not gay or impotent, are you?” 
“No, I don’t believe so. I have two children …” 
“Look, nobody’s asking you how many kids you’ve got. Do I look like a census 
taker? Keep the details to yourself. All I’m asking is whether you can get it up when 
you’re in bed with a woman. Nothing else.” 
“As far back as I can remember, I’ve never failed to perform when necessary,” he 
said. “But tell me—are you a professional? Is this your job?” 
“No, it is 
not
my job, so you can stop that right now. I am not a professional, or a 
pervert, just an ordinary citizen. An ordinary citizen who wants nothing more than to 
have intercourse with a member of the opposite sex. There’s nothing special about 
me. I’m totally normal. What could be wrong with that? I’ve just finished a tough job, 
the sun is down, I’ve had a little to drink, and I’d like to let off steam by having sex 
with a stranger. To calm my nerves. That’s what I need. You’re a man, you know how 
I feel.” 
“Of course I do, but …” 
“I’m not looking for any money. I’d almost pay 
you
if you can satisfy me. And 
I’ve got condoms with me, so you don’t have to worry. Am I making myself clear?” 
“You certainly are, but …” 
“But what? You don’t seem all that eager. Am I not good enough for you?” 
“That’s not it at all. I just don’t get it. You’re young and pretty, and I’m old 
enough to be your father …” 
“Oh, stop it, will you please? Sure you’re a lot older than me, but I’m not your 
damn daughter, and you’re not my damn father. That much is obvious. It sets my 

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62
nerves on edge to be subjected to such meaningless generalizations. I just like your 
bald head. I like the way it’s shaped. Do you see?” 
“Well, I wouldn’t exactly call myself 
bald
. I know my hairline is a little …” 
“Shut 
up
, will you?” Aomame said, trying her best not to frown. 
I shouldn’t scare 
him too much
, she thought, softening her tone somewhat. “That’s really not 
important.” 
Look, mister, I don’t care what
you 
think, you are
bald. 
If the census had a “bald” 
category, you’d be in it, no problem. If you go to heaven, you’re going to bald heaven. 
If you go to hell, you’re going to bald hell. Have you got that straight? Then stop 
looking away from the truth. Let’s go now. I’m taking you straight to bald heaven, 
nonstop
. 
The man paid the bill and they went to his room. 
His penis was in fact somewhat larger than normal, though not too large, as 
advertised. Aomame’s expert handling soon made it big and hard. She took off her 
blouse and skirt. 
“I know you’re thinking my breasts are small,” she said coldly as she looked down 
at him in her underwear. “You came through with a good-sized cock and all you get 
in return is these puny things. I bet you feel cheated.” 
“Not at all,” he reassured her. “They’re not that small. And they’re really quite 
beautiful.” 
“I wonder,” she said. “Let me just say this, though. I 
never
wear these frilly lace 
bras. I had to put this one on today for work, to show off a little cleavage.” 
“What 
is
this work of yours?” 
“Look, I told you before. I don’t want to discuss my job here. I can say this much, 
though: it’s not that easy being a woman.” 
“Well, it’s not that easy being a man, either.” 
“Maybe not, but you never have to put on a lacy bra when you don’t want to.” 
“True …” 
“So don’t pretend to know what you’re talking about. Women have it much 
tougher than men. Have you ever had to climb down a steep stairway in high heels, or 
climb over a barricade in a miniskirt?” 
“I owe you an apology,” the man said simply. 
She reached back, unhooked her bra, and threw it on the floor. Then she rolled 
down her stockings and threw those on the floor as well. Lying down beside him, she 
started working on his penis again. “Pretty impressive,” she said. “Nice shape, just 
about ideal size, and firm as a tree trunk.” 
“I’m glad it meets with your approval,” he said with apparent relief. 
“Now just let big sister do her thing. She’ll make this little man of yours twitch 
with happiness.” 
“Maybe we should shower first. I’m pretty sweaty” 
“Oh, shut up,” Aomame said, giving his right testicle a light snap, as if issuing a 
warning. “I came here to have sex, not take a shower. Got it? We do it first. Fuck like 
crazy. To hell with a little sweat. I’m not a blushing schoolgirl.” 
“All right,” the man said. 

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63
When they were finished and she was caressing the back of the man’s exposed 
neck as he lay facedown, exhausted, Aomame felt a strong urge to plunge her sharp 
needle into that special place.