Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 - Paths Crossing
When the Cherry Blossoms Bloomed
[Chapter 2 - Paths Crossing]
For a few seconds we just stand staring at each other. Eventually I break the silence between us “Uh… Sorry….. Oh yeah, I have to go to the supermarket. Uh, I'll be on my way now. Sorry for disturbing you.” I say anxiously. Just as I was about to leave, she stops me. “Wait! Come here. The scenery is really pretty.”Huh? Scenery? Is she asking me to look at the scenery? Why, though? Well… I've got some time anyway. It wouldn't hurt to try. Following her request, I walk towards the edge of the river to where she's standing.
Indeed the view is beautiful. The river water reflects the orange sky as cherry blossom petals fall onto the water, while the other side of the river is painted a light pink from the cherry blossoms. Almost like a scene from a drama movie you'd see on TV.The spring breeze hits me as I am left speechless. “I told you it's beautiful.”She breaks the silence between us with those words. “Yeah. It is.” I say as I continue to stare and be amazed by the sight. It feels as if this scenery could just absorb all the bad omens in my life just by how gorgeous this river view is.
Suddenly, my sightseeing is interrupted by something I recalled. Oh right… I have to do the groceries. Well, it looks like I won't be able to forget all my problems by this view after all. Before I leave, I admire the view for a few more seconds. Then, I say my goodbyes to the girl.
“Ah.. I have to do the groceries. Thank you for showing me the view. Bye, I guess…” I say in a hurry and leave through the gap in the trees.
Phew, that was an experience. I regain my composure and leave. For a brief moment I notice the girl's shocked expression through the small opening between the trees. Well I was kind of being weird. First I randomly disturbed her sightseeing then I just left out of the blue. Who wouldn't be shocked by that… Well I'll probably never see her again anyway. Best to just let it pass.I let out a sigh. Time for groceries….
🌸🌸🌸
I open the door to my apartment with a few grocery bags in hand. While putting down my groceries by the table, I’m reminded about earlier. Who was that girl? Why did she want to show me the view? I'm overthinking… Might as well keep the groceries…
I let out a huge sigh. I'm beat… I lie down on my bed and stare at the ceiling. My eyes are slowly closing. I'm sleepy… My vision gradually blurs into black as I slowly fall asleep.
🌸🌸🌸
My alarm clock rings. I open my eyes. Outside, birds are heard singing songs. It’s Tuesday right? I get up from my bed. School….
I finish my breakfast which was just a simple sandwich. After tidying up, I put on my shoes, then open the door and make my way to school. I suddenly remember the events that happened yesterday. That girl… I wonder if she'll be there today. Might as well visit the place again later. The scenery is worth it anyway and I have nothing better to do.
🌸🌸🌸
School has ended for today and I'm now walking home from another normal day at school. As usual nothing special happened today. Jin asked me for money again, which is in no way unusual. Shota was surprisingly early today and that's probably the only thing worth noting. Other than that, it was just a plain, average day.
As I'm walking, I pass by the place I went to yesterday. She’s not there. Well… what was I even expecting. I squeeze through the gap in the trees and head to the edge of the river. The view is as pretty as yesterday, maybe even a little prettier. Huh, this is actually pretty relaxing.
As I'm thinking about the view, I sense someone behind me. I turn around and see the girl from yesterday. “Ah…H-Hi….”I say awkwardly. Just like yesterday, we stare at each other for a few seconds. It feels as if I’m replaying the encounter from yesterday except it's as if we switched places. “Is the view that beautiful that you went back? Or perhaps you wanted to see me again?” The girl says teasingly as she walks towards me.I let out a chuckle. “Do you go here often?” I ask as she walks towards where I am standing.“Yeah. I often come here to relax. I come here everyday during spring since it's especially pretty here this time of year.” She says. Well I can't deny that. She stands beside me.For a short period we both remain silent. I soon notice she's looking at me. “You don't like your life do you?” She asks out of the blue. The question catches me off guard. “Huh? What? How do you know?” I say surprised. “It's in your eyes…” She says as she tilts her body forward. My eyes…? What exactly does she see in my eyes? But…. She's not wrong…
My childhood was a decent life. It was full of up’s and down’s. My parents would often scold me whenever I got bad grades. Well, it was reasonable even though I didn't realize it then. I remember the taste of the curry mom used to cook. I loved that. Dad would take me to the mall and buy me manga on his payday. Ahh… I miss those times. But that day…I will never forget that day… No matter how much I want to.
I was 11, it was 5 years ago. The day I lost my dad. Even until now I haven’t fully moved on.
My mom was in despair. She couldn’t accept the fact he died. She was so overwhelmed and her mind couldn’t take it. Mom unleashed her despair on me, blaming me for what happened.
On that night she was in the dining room grieving of what happened. I went into the room and called out to her.
“M-mom….” I said nervously. The moment I called her she looks at me with a frightening look. Naturally, I got scared. She started walking towards me, put her hands on my shoulders and started shouting at me.“HE DIED BECAUSE OF YOU!” “IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!”She said, breathing heavily with tears running down her cheeks. I was terrified. It was as if I wasn't looking at my mother anymore, rather it was as if I was looking at a being straight from the underworld. I got slapped after that. I was lucky it was just a slap and nothing worse.
A day after she was taken to the hospital. That was the last time I saw her. I know she didn't mean to do that, but even so, I never visited her, not even once. I never really knew what I would even say to her. Ever since then, my life has been dull and colorless. Maybe that's what she sees in my eyes.
She murmurs something that I wasn't able to hear. She then stares at the sky with a blank expression for a few seconds as I’m recalling that day.“Anyways, enough with the heavy topics.” “So? What's your name?” She asks. “Eh? Ah..” I didn't get to respond quickly because of the suddenness of the question. What's with her unexpected questions anyway? Well, it's true that we still don't know each other's names yet anyway.“It's Takahashi Kyosuke. What's yours?”“I'm Shiraishi Haruka. Nice to meet you.”“Shiraishi-san… Nice to meet you then.”“Mhm! Let's get along alright?” She replies cheerfully. “Ah! Look! The sunset is so pretty.”I look towards the direction of the sunset.“Oh wow. It really is.” I say in awe.Shiraishi-san and I watch the sun set and eventually disappear. The orange tint of the sky is slowly turning into a smooth purple with barely a cloud in sight. “It's getting pretty late isn't it.” I say.“I should be heading home by now.” “B-bye Shiraishi-san.” I say softly“Oh okay. Bye Takahashi-kun. Take care.” she says in reply.“You too, bye.” I say as I'm walking away.“Takahashi-kun…”“Come again tomorrow please.” She says softly but just enough so that I can hear it as I'm leaving. My mind goes blank after hearing those words. All I could do was just continue walking with a slightly red face that I hope she didn’t see.
After leaving, I stand in place while thinking about her words. She wants me to come again tomorrow…? Why??? I don't get it… She's been confusing since earlier! Especially with all her sudden statements… Are all girls like this?? A sigh leaves me. I should just head home… I'll think about this some other time.
🌸🌸🌸
As I'm walking to my apartment my phone rings. The hospital is calling me. A wave of nervousness suddenly hits me. The only reason the hospital would call me is to inform me about my mother. I answer the phone hesitantly. “Hello, Mr. Takahashi, I am calling to inform you that your mother Takahashi Akane may be discharged and can now be taken care of at home.” The voice over the phone says. Upon hearing those words, I don't really know what to say to that. My emotions were suddenly being stirred up due to the information I received. “W-when can I go there?” I eventually mustered the courage to ask.“Would you like to pick her up now?” The receptionist asks“No thank you. It's alright. I'll visit tomorrow. Probably late in the afternoon. Thank you.” I say then put down the phone. A wave of anxiety suddenly strikes me. It would be the first time I'll see mom in what? 5 years? What will I even say to her?I…. I don't know if I can even face her. I walk to my apartment door and go inside. My mind isn't taken off the fact that I'll see mom tomorrow.
This is the same apartment I lived in with my parents before everything happened. It took me a while but I eventually got used to the silence. But now… I don't know if I'll be able to get used to living with mom again, and I don't know if I'll be able to bear the sight of her being like that.
I stare blankly at my apartment and suddenly, I imagine the past experiences I had in this place play before my eyes. Me as a child running around, my happy expression when dad told me that he can buy manga for me, we as a family enjoying the curry mom cooked, and both of them scolding me since I got low grades on a test. Eventually tears come running down my eyes. As I'm wiping my tears I also recall the day dad died and when mom became overwhelmed with devastation. I end up crying even more. I fall to my knees. I scream. More tears run down my cheeks. The tears don't stop running down. The pain, suffering, depression I've experienced due to that day is all coming back. I've been holding it in for the longest time.
It hurts… I don't know if I can really do this. After being on my knees crying for some time, I get up, still slightly teary. I wipe away the remaining tears of my eyes while I walk to my room andI open the door to go in. I change my clothes and hang my uniform. All the while, I can feel my eyes being sore from the tears.
🌸🌸🌸
I'm finally on my bed after doing a few things. I stare at the blank dark ceiling for some time. I can't stop thinking about what I'd say to mom tomorrow.
It's no use. I can't sleep. Might as well take a stroll outside. I get out of bed and leave my room. I put on my shoes in front of the apartment door and then leave.
🌸🌸🌸
The streets give off a peaceful feel at night. The street lamps lighting the dark streets. The roads that are free of cars and the houses lined up like dominos. The area seems like a movie set. A calm piano tune fits perfectly along with the starry sky and dark peaceful streets. The moon is shining in the middle of the sky, its faint light looking down on the world.
Going for a stroll really brings peace of mind.
I let out an exhausted yawn. I guess I’m really tired. Today was a long day. It's about time to head back. I need to sleep.
I turn around to return to my apartment.
🌸🌸🌸
I'm now on my bed once more. I hope I'll be able to fall asleep now. It's almost midnight. I close my eyes attempting to sleep. Soon, I enter the land of dreams.
—------- END —-------
For a few seconds we just stand staring at each other. Eventually I break the silence between us “Uh… Sorry….. Oh yeah, I have to go to the supermarket. Uh, I'll be on my way now. Sorry for disturbing you.” I say anxiously. Just as I was about to leave, she stops me. “Wait! Come here. The scenery is really pretty.”Huh? Scenery? Is she asking me to look at the scenery? Why, though? Well… I've got some time anyway. It wouldn't hurt to try. Following her request, I walk towards the edge of the river to where she's standing.
Indeed the view is beautiful. The river water reflects the orange sky as cherry blossom petals fall onto the water, while the other side of the river is painted a light pink from the cherry blossoms. Almost like a scene from a drama movie you'd see on TV.The spring breeze hits me as I am left speechless. “I told you it's beautiful.”She breaks the silence between us with those words. “Yeah. It is.” I say as I continue to stare and be amazed by the sight. It feels as if this scenery could just absorb all the bad omens in my life just by how gorgeous this river view is.
Suddenly, my sightseeing is interrupted by something I recalled. Oh right… I have to do the groceries. Well, it looks like I won't be able to forget all my problems by this view after all. Before I leave, I admire the view for a few more seconds. Then, I say my goodbyes to the girl.
“Ah.. I have to do the groceries. Thank you for showing me the view. Bye, I guess…” I say in a hurry and leave through the gap in the trees.
Phew, that was an experience. I regain my composure and leave. For a brief moment I notice the girl's shocked expression through the small opening between the trees. Well I was kind of being weird. First I randomly disturbed her sightseeing then I just left out of the blue. Who wouldn't be shocked by that… Well I'll probably never see her again anyway. Best to just let it pass.I let out a sigh. Time for groceries….
🌸🌸🌸
I open the door to my apartment with a few grocery bags in hand. While putting down my groceries by the table, I’m reminded about earlier. Who was that girl? Why did she want to show me the view? I'm overthinking… Might as well keep the groceries…
I let out a huge sigh. I'm beat… I lie down on my bed and stare at the ceiling. My eyes are slowly closing. I'm sleepy… My vision gradually blurs into black as I slowly fall asleep.
🌸🌸🌸
My alarm clock rings. I open my eyes. Outside, birds are heard singing songs. It’s Tuesday right? I get up from my bed. School….
I finish my breakfast which was just a simple sandwich. After tidying up, I put on my shoes, then open the door and make my way to school. I suddenly remember the events that happened yesterday. That girl… I wonder if she'll be there today. Might as well visit the place again later. The scenery is worth it anyway and I have nothing better to do.
🌸🌸🌸
School has ended for today and I'm now walking home from another normal day at school. As usual nothing special happened today. Jin asked me for money again, which is in no way unusual. Shota was surprisingly early today and that's probably the only thing worth noting. Other than that, it was just a plain, average day.
As I'm walking, I pass by the place I went to yesterday. She’s not there. Well… what was I even expecting. I squeeze through the gap in the trees and head to the edge of the river. The view is as pretty as yesterday, maybe even a little prettier. Huh, this is actually pretty relaxing.
As I'm thinking about the view, I sense someone behind me. I turn around and see the girl from yesterday. “Ah…H-Hi….”I say awkwardly. Just like yesterday, we stare at each other for a few seconds. It feels as if I’m replaying the encounter from yesterday except it's as if we switched places. “Is the view that beautiful that you went back? Or perhaps you wanted to see me again?” The girl says teasingly as she walks towards me.I let out a chuckle. “Do you go here often?” I ask as she walks towards where I am standing.“Yeah. I often come here to relax. I come here everyday during spring since it's especially pretty here this time of year.” She says. Well I can't deny that. She stands beside me.For a short period we both remain silent. I soon notice she's looking at me. “You don't like your life do you?” She asks out of the blue. The question catches me off guard. “Huh? What? How do you know?” I say surprised. “It's in your eyes…” She says as she tilts her body forward. My eyes…? What exactly does she see in my eyes? But…. She's not wrong…
My childhood was a decent life. It was full of up’s and down’s. My parents would often scold me whenever I got bad grades. Well, it was reasonable even though I didn't realize it then. I remember the taste of the curry mom used to cook. I loved that. Dad would take me to the mall and buy me manga on his payday. Ahh… I miss those times. But that day…I will never forget that day… No matter how much I want to.
I was 11, it was 5 years ago. The day I lost my dad. Even until now I haven’t fully moved on.
My mom was in despair. She couldn’t accept the fact he died. She was so overwhelmed and her mind couldn’t take it. Mom unleashed her despair on me, blaming me for what happened.
On that night she was in the dining room grieving of what happened. I went into the room and called out to her.
“M-mom….” I said nervously. The moment I called her she looks at me with a frightening look. Naturally, I got scared. She started walking towards me, put her hands on my shoulders and started shouting at me.“HE DIED BECAUSE OF YOU!” “IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!”She said, breathing heavily with tears running down her cheeks. I was terrified. It was as if I wasn't looking at my mother anymore, rather it was as if I was looking at a being straight from the underworld. I got slapped after that. I was lucky it was just a slap and nothing worse.
A day after she was taken to the hospital. That was the last time I saw her. I know she didn't mean to do that, but even so, I never visited her, not even once. I never really knew what I would even say to her. Ever since then, my life has been dull and colorless. Maybe that's what she sees in my eyes.
She murmurs something that I wasn't able to hear. She then stares at the sky with a blank expression for a few seconds as I’m recalling that day.“Anyways, enough with the heavy topics.” “So? What's your name?” She asks. “Eh? Ah..” I didn't get to respond quickly because of the suddenness of the question. What's with her unexpected questions anyway? Well, it's true that we still don't know each other's names yet anyway.“It's Takahashi Kyosuke. What's yours?”“I'm Shiraishi Haruka. Nice to meet you.”“Shiraishi-san… Nice to meet you then.”“Mhm! Let's get along alright?” She replies cheerfully. “Ah! Look! The sunset is so pretty.”I look towards the direction of the sunset.“Oh wow. It really is.” I say in awe.Shiraishi-san and I watch the sun set and eventually disappear. The orange tint of the sky is slowly turning into a smooth purple with barely a cloud in sight. “It's getting pretty late isn't it.” I say.“I should be heading home by now.” “B-bye Shiraishi-san.” I say softly“Oh okay. Bye Takahashi-kun. Take care.” she says in reply.“You too, bye.” I say as I'm walking away.“Takahashi-kun…”“Come again tomorrow please.” She says softly but just enough so that I can hear it as I'm leaving. My mind goes blank after hearing those words. All I could do was just continue walking with a slightly red face that I hope she didn’t see.
After leaving, I stand in place while thinking about her words. She wants me to come again tomorrow…? Why??? I don't get it… She's been confusing since earlier! Especially with all her sudden statements… Are all girls like this?? A sigh leaves me. I should just head home… I'll think about this some other time.
🌸🌸🌸
As I'm walking to my apartment my phone rings. The hospital is calling me. A wave of nervousness suddenly hits me. The only reason the hospital would call me is to inform me about my mother. I answer the phone hesitantly. “Hello, Mr. Takahashi, I am calling to inform you that your mother Takahashi Akane may be discharged and can now be taken care of at home.” The voice over the phone says. Upon hearing those words, I don't really know what to say to that. My emotions were suddenly being stirred up due to the information I received. “W-when can I go there?” I eventually mustered the courage to ask.“Would you like to pick her up now?” The receptionist asks“No thank you. It's alright. I'll visit tomorrow. Probably late in the afternoon. Thank you.” I say then put down the phone. A wave of anxiety suddenly strikes me. It would be the first time I'll see mom in what? 5 years? What will I even say to her?I…. I don't know if I can even face her. I walk to my apartment door and go inside. My mind isn't taken off the fact that I'll see mom tomorrow.
This is the same apartment I lived in with my parents before everything happened. It took me a while but I eventually got used to the silence. But now… I don't know if I'll be able to get used to living with mom again, and I don't know if I'll be able to bear the sight of her being like that.
I stare blankly at my apartment and suddenly, I imagine the past experiences I had in this place play before my eyes. Me as a child running around, my happy expression when dad told me that he can buy manga for me, we as a family enjoying the curry mom cooked, and both of them scolding me since I got low grades on a test. Eventually tears come running down my eyes. As I'm wiping my tears I also recall the day dad died and when mom became overwhelmed with devastation. I end up crying even more. I fall to my knees. I scream. More tears run down my cheeks. The tears don't stop running down. The pain, suffering, depression I've experienced due to that day is all coming back. I've been holding it in for the longest time.
It hurts… I don't know if I can really do this. After being on my knees crying for some time, I get up, still slightly teary. I wipe away the remaining tears of my eyes while I walk to my room andI open the door to go in. I change my clothes and hang my uniform. All the while, I can feel my eyes being sore from the tears.
🌸🌸🌸
I'm finally on my bed after doing a few things. I stare at the blank dark ceiling for some time. I can't stop thinking about what I'd say to mom tomorrow.
It's no use. I can't sleep. Might as well take a stroll outside. I get out of bed and leave my room. I put on my shoes in front of the apartment door and then leave.
🌸🌸🌸
The streets give off a peaceful feel at night. The street lamps lighting the dark streets. The roads that are free of cars and the houses lined up like dominos. The area seems like a movie set. A calm piano tune fits perfectly along with the starry sky and dark peaceful streets. The moon is shining in the middle of the sky, its faint light looking down on the world.
Going for a stroll really brings peace of mind.
I let out an exhausted yawn. I guess I’m really tired. Today was a long day. It's about time to head back. I need to sleep.
I turn around to return to my apartment.
🌸🌸🌸
I'm now on my bed once more. I hope I'll be able to fall asleep now. It's almost midnight. I close my eyes attempting to sleep. Soon, I enter the land of dreams.
—------- END —-------
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