Someday the Music Will End

Otaru was set as the next destination. Both Shioma and Arata had wanted to visit the music box museum and wander the canal district. The days in between passed quickly and soon they were walking along the water in the main street, sampling local fish and stopping at the Kitaichi Glass Hall. Once a simple stone warehouse, it had been converted into a showroom of spectacular Hokkaido-made glassware while having tea beneath the warm glow of ethereal oil lamps and vaulted ceilings.

Displays highlighting the craft of artisans long gone stood in testament that those creators had once existed. Kureha wondered if there would be any memento to them that would remain after The End, or if all would vanish like tears in the rain. Would they be remembered if there was no one left to remember them?

Kureha pushed the thoughts aside and admired the gentle glow that illuminated them all as they walked through the massive museum. A worker was lighting an enormous chandelier with a small flame as Shiona watched quietly. The man saw Shiona’s curious gaze and waved her over.

“Would you like to light some of the wicks?” he asked.

Shiona smiled and nodded.

“It’s so pretty,” she replied as she took the matchstick.

“It is. I have never liked LED or halogen lights. Too garish. But firelight and candlelight. Always perfect,” replied the man as he removed the glass covers for each candle.

“How long have you worked here?” asked Shiona.

“Twenty-two years. I was raised nearby and always cherished this place. History always mattered to me, and now it matters even more. I am grateful I got to spend my time at a place I love, versus working in a big city at a job I despised.”

Shiona finished lighting the last candle and he handed her a glass casing to place over the flame.

“This sits into the bracket very easily. Just angle it in like so, then set it to rest,” he said as he showed her a practice example.

By now the friends had all stopped and were watching Shiona. It was not a hard task, but Shiona was moving with a gentle steadiness of purpose while simultaneously seeming to drift into silent meditation. Kureha slowly raised her phone and quietly captured a few moments purely with the intention of keeping them just for Shiona to have as a memento of this task that had so resonated for her. Glass caught the dancing flames and cast shimmering streaks of gold across Shiona’s cheekbones and eyes as she carefully made her way around the circular structure and returned the dozens of glass covers to their positions.

When she was done, the man clapped softly and bowed to Shiona.

“Thank you!” she replied.

“Oh, you’re not finished yet,” he replied as he pointed to a switchboard nearby.

Shiona followed him to the switchboard.

“Press this, then turn this dial to its stopping point, then push that lever up,” he instructed.

Shiona followed his order and a whirring sound triggered overhead as the cabling system began to retract the enormous chandelier into the air.

“Oh wowww!!” cheered Rin and Kureha in unison as Kai clapped.

Shiona watched the dozens of glowing orbs rise above them and several stories into the air until they reached their peak and stopped. The man didn’t speak and instead stood by Shiona and looked at the chandelier with her in reverence. Kureha felt the urge to capture the moment but stopped herself and let it unfold in its natural state without the inspection of a camera lens. Shiona’s face was at peace. It felt foreign to Kureha, who had been haunted by a specter of dread since the sky tore open that day. But in that moment, the peace from her friend seemed to drift across the space and embrace her, sharing its strength and calmness until her insides felt as though they were glowing with the golden light of the hundreds of lamps that flanked them.

Riku limped towards Shiona, followed by Kai and Arata. Riku whispered a question to her that Kureha couldn’t hear, but Shiona nodded and was embraced by the three boys in a group hug.

Rin’s hands found Kureha’s waist and they held one another as they watched from a distance.

“Our men actually express themselves,” whispered Rin.

“It’s so refreshing,” agreed Kureha as she squeezed Rin’s waist and kissed her cheek.

“Also, our MEN? I like how that sounds,” grinned Kureha.

“Our meeennnn. They’re all so good-looking, aren’t they? Not boys anymore,” laughed Rin as they made their way to the others.

That afternoon it was hard to find anything to eat so they had fresh fish once more then made the short walk to the music box museum. As they got close, Arata glanced excitedly at Shiona.

“I’m really excited,” he whispered.

Shiona grinned and took his hand.

“Me too. I’ve always wanted to come here,”

“Me too! I just hate it took so long.”

“Well, we’re here now,” said Kai as he trotted ahead of them and opened the door to the large building.

Much like the previous stop, enormous wooden beams arched up several stories and soft yellow light welcomed them to the showroom. Dozens of tables lined the center of the space, each adorned with a decent amount of tiny music boxes. Shelves along the walls were half empty by now but still showed an impressive amount of variety. Playful notes of children’s songs, pop covers, and original music danced from different corners of the large hall.

Arata couldn’t contain himself and skipped forward in excitement.

“Go Arata!” cheered Riku as their friend disappeared into the room with glee.

Rin squeezed Kureha’s hand.

“Could you get some pictures of him?” she asked.

“Of course!”

“He’s talked about this place for years, I’m grateful to all of you for being open to stopping here,” she said to Kureha, Kai, and Riku.

“Of course! Everyone gets to stop wherever they want!” replied Kai.

“Wouldn’t miss it. Arata deserves to get to see this. He’s always been there for everyone,” agreed Riku.

Rin nodded then made her way toward the direction her husband had run.

Shiona was focused on a table that displayed dozens of traditional European-styled boxes. Rose gold and purple paint adorned the casing in feminine complexity, and inside, a small ballerina figure spun in a circle as the music notes chimed their song. Shiona picked up a yellow and pink box and held it to her ear as Riku and Kureha approached. To their surprise, she was crying.

“Baby,” said Kureha as she held out her hand.

“Happy tears. Happy tears,” explained Shiona with a laugh.

Kureha rubbed her back and joined her to listen.

“It makes me think of my childhood. I had a good life,” said Shiona as she wound the playbox once more.

“You did. I’m grateful to have gotten to know you,” agreed Kureha.

“Me too. You’re an incredible person Shiona. I’ve always respected your confidence and sureness in yourself,” said Riku.

Shiona set the box down and took their hands.

“Thank you,” she replied as the notes danced between them.

Kureha took several photos of the space and of Shiona and Arata as they purveyed the large selection of offerings. Shiona had decided to get the yellow and pink box and had convinced Arata to pick out an option as well that she wanted to purchase for him. Arata found a vintage Japanese-style box that was in a subtle lacquered wood case. Soft brushings of leaves and nature adorned the exterior, and inside red velvet lined the siding. Two small geisha figures held parasols and spun in front of a tiny diorama featuring a temple and several old buildings.

As Kureha took photos of the experience, she noticed a disheveled man watching her from afar. Riku noticed him as well and placed himself between Kureha and the observer.

“That’s weird,” said Riku as he glanced once more at the man still watching.

Shiona purchased the two boxes and the group left the building. To Kureha’s fear, the man followed them out. His head was covered with his rain jacket hood and his hands were in his pockets as he moved closer to them. Shiona, Rin, and Arata were too engrossed in their purchases to notice.

“Kai,” whispered Riku.

Kai heard and looked to Riku, who motioned towards their follower with his eyes. Kai went to move behind Kureha, but as he did, the stranger rushed forward and lunged at Kureha.