"You're Not Easy To Help !"

As the aftershocks began to subside, more attention drifted onto the figure of Debbi. There were stares and comments, some addressed directly to her at which she could only shrug helplessly and smile wanly, not understanding a word. The fire brigade arrived and didn't seem inclined to let anyone back into any of the buildings any time soon. Shortly after, a police car turned up. Debbi could see the officers conversing and many fingers pointing at her. The two male officers approached and began talking to her gruffly. "I can't understand you, does anyone speak English please ?" All to no avail.

The officers took hold of her arm and began pulling her towards their vehicle. The receptionist from the baths strode up. Debbi was momentarily hopeful that she would explain Debbi's predicament but her only concern was that Debbi might leave with the property of the baths and so she whisked Debbi's towel away, thus removing even that meagre covering ! Debbi found herself shoved into the back of the police car which began to drive her ever farther away from her clothes and her ID. There was so much she wanted to say but she realised that it was all a waste of breath until there was someone, somewhere who spoke English.

There was some evidence of debris on the streets but fortunately it seemed that the quake had been nothing major. Debbi did realise the need for caution when allowing access back into damaged buildings, however. One structure that had been given the all clear was the police station and Debbi was marched across the sidewalk from the car into the precinct reception area. The arrival of the naked gaijin caused a predictable stir among the officers and assorted felons and plaintiffs waiting for attention. The officers who had brought her sat her on a bench alongside an astonished youth. "Does anyone have a blanket, does anyone speak English ?" she cried helplessly, trying to cover as best she could with her arms. Heated conversations were taking place about her at the counter.

After some minutes, a young female officer approached Debbi on the bench. "Come with me to the interview room" the officer said. "You speak English !" cried Debbi, overjoyed. "So it would appear" answered the officer, guiding Debbi into an adjoining room. By now Debbi was past caring who was looking at her departing rear. Once seated at the interview table, she started to relate her tale of woe. "It's going to take some time for the authorities to assess every building and they give priority to homes. It won't be until tomorrow at the earliest that we could get back into the baths. Where are you staying ?" asked the officer.

Debbi explained that she had come with a work colleague and it was a guest house run by his relatives. "What is the address ?" Debbi did not know. "Do you know where in town it is ?" Debbi did not know, she had not thought it would matter with Ken taking her everywhere. "What is this colleagues name ?" the officer persisted. "Ken" answered Debbi. "His full name?" "I've no idea" the increasingly embarrassed Debbi was **** to answer. She had been told a full Japanese name when he had first been introduced as Keiko's replacement but it had been too difficult to take in. Just calling him Ken was easier.

The officer was getting frustrated. "You're not making it easy for me to help you" she complained. Debbi apologised, she had not been expecting to be left alone at the baths and she certainly had not been expecting an earthquake ! "I get off duty in two hours" the officer said. "If this Ken person hasn't bothered to enquire here about you by then, you'd better come home with me tonight." She began to lead Debbi back out to the bench to wait. "Isn't there anywhere else ?" Debbi asked forlornly. "Only a cell" the officer laughed. "But I might be able to find you a blanket from the stores."