"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Sophia asked Rachel, her big watery eyes filled with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She felt like Rachel had knowingly let her walk into a situation where she would stick out like a sore thumb.
Rachel's expression softened as she explained, "Your dress is fine, Princess. I didn't want to be rude and suggest you change. Besides, I figured that when we got to your uncle's place, he could help you get some new clothes that would be more suitable for America."
Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly as she thought back to when she first boarded the plane at Rachel's village border. The passengers had all known she was a princess, and most of them were from nearby villages, so they were all familiar with traditional clothing. Nobody had batted an eyelid at her outfit.
But now, in the American airport, Sophia realized that her dress was drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. The people around her were all dressed in modest, Western-style clothing, and Sophia's vibrant village attire made her stand out like a relic from the past.
Rachel seemed to sense Sophia's thoughts and added, "I knew you were a princess, and I respected that. I didn't want to embarrass you by pointing out your dress."
Sophia's expression softened as she looked at Rachel. She understood that Rachel had been trying to be kind and considerate, and she appreciated that.
After a long walk, Sophia and Rachel finally spotted an empty chair in the distance. They quickly made their way towards it, Sophia's legs aching with relief as she collapsed into the seat.
Rachel sat down beside her, a sympathetic smile on her face. "We'll wait here for your uncle," Rachel said. "He should be here soon."
...
As they waited, Sophia couldn't help but notice the curious glances from passersby. One little boy, who couldn't have been more than five years old, pointed at Sophia's dress and exclaimed, "Mommy, Mommy! Look! A princess!"
The mother hastily apologized and tried to usher the child away, but not before the little boy asked Sophia, "Do you have a dragon?" Sophia chuckled and replied, "No, I don't have a dragon, but I do have a lot of luggage!"
Rachel giggled at the exchange, and Sophia playfully rolled her eyes. "I guess I'm a bit of a celebrity here," Sophia whispered to Rachel.
Just then, a group of rowdy college students walked by, and one of them spotted Sophia. "Whoa, is that a costume party or something?" one of them asked, eyeing Sophia's dress.
Rachel stood up, a mock-serious expression on her face. "Actually, she's a real-life princess from a far-off land. And if you're not careful, she might just turn you into a frog!"
The students burst out laughing, and Sophia joined in, feeling a bit more at ease. As they waited for Sophia's uncle, the airport became a bit more entertaining.