A strong memory of mine from years ago. Came to me the other day. I wonder why.
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   A random Latino siesta my Puerto Rican roommate took me to. Nothing to do that afternoon so I said yes. A backyard- full of Spanish speaking people that took a second look at me realizing I am an alien there. Soon enough we were all eating rice and beans and dancing salsa together...  difference and awkwardness became unity and friendly curiosity. At the dance break I entered the house. There were only children in the  living room, mostly girls. A beautiful little girl was sitting on the big couch right opposite me. Her big eyes were staring at me from the moment I entered. Deep, quiet stare. I just said hi. She stared back more without saying anything for a minute or two. I smiled.

"Are you a magic girl?"- she suddenly asked me.

.....I never expected a question like that....

"Why would you think I am a magic girl?"- I truly wondered.

"Cause, you know...you have this big nose."

It seemed she was finally verbalizing her observations of me and was calmly and confidently sharing them with me as we needed to address this invisible connection we had established with each other.

"I do. Do you think it is bad?"

Throughout middle school I suffered immensely as all evil kids would make fun of my big nose. I never understood why they ever decided to pick on that. I had never said anything about them or their imperfect or perfect physical features. After graduating middle school the size of my nose was rarely ever mentioned by anybody- and never with a negative intention. Now, it suddenly became a topic once again. The girl did not take her eyes off my face the entire time. Her intense look was multiplying the power of her simple and short sentences. I was put on the spot. My nose was the focus. But I felt secure. She was wondering about what she was saying as much as I was. She was internally figuring out the meaning of all this as it seemed she had encountered something unconventional and curious.

Her final explanation was:

"No, it is not bad. Magic girls HAVE those big noses."

It was that simple. Simple and concrete. The truth was just there.

"You're right. I am a magic girl but don't tell anybody else." 

 Magic needs to be taken good care of. Magic is a secret.