Goodbyes

Boxes of donations and trash were taped shut. Every surface was cleaned and polished. Faded wallpaper showed rectangular ghosts of where photos once hung in frames. Furniture had been sold or hauled away. Shuhei’s family home stood empty.

Empty save for Ace and Tatsuo, who were currently twirling the keys. The door opened, and Shuhei re-entered. Most of the swelling in his face was gone now, but the purple and green bruising had carried on. Weeks of no longer dying his hair had allowed the dark roots to reappear as the silver and dirty blonde began to dull.

“You’re sure this rate isn’t a teaser? You’re not going to double it on us in a year?” Ace asked as he scanned the open room.

“It is definitely a great deal compared to our apartment…” Tatsuo agreed.

Shuhei tossed the last key ring to them.

“Mortgage is paid off. All you’re paying for is the asset and city planning tax, plus insurance. Don’t be stupid and I won’t raise the rate. Don’t bring any one-offs back here for after-hours activities, Ace. Save that for the love motels.”

“No idea what you’re talking about. I gave up pickleball. Too many police investigations with the new rules…” Ace said with a devious smirk.

Airu and Yutaka entered behind Shuhei, sweaty and breathing heavily.

“Holy shit, that was a heavy couch. But thank you for the freebie. Keiko said to tell you that you had great designer taste,” Airu said with a smile.

“I’m glad she likes it. Tell her I’ll miss her and her dancing.”

“We’ll miss your tips,” Airu laughed.

Shuhei inhaled and held out his arms. The four young men walked forward for an embrace.

“Don’t be too stupid,” Shuhei said as he rubbed their heads.

“You know us. Just the right amount of stupid,” smiled Yutaka.

The four of them escorted Shuhei out of the house and to his simple blue flatbed work truck.

“None of us are offended that you won’t tell us where you’re going, but we will pray that you get there safely,” Ace said as they waved him goodbye.

Shuhei nodded and started the truck’s ignition. It rumbled to life and said goodbye to the house he had once called home. Driving away gave him a sense of release that caused the day’s tears to return.

Soon, he was out of Tokyo and heading north. A three-hour drive into the mountains awaited him. As he drove, he sipped on his afternoon cold brew and played a CD from a Kyoto-based jazz quartet. His phone buzzed and he dared to look while he sat at a red light.

“How does it feel?” Kaho asked.

“It feels good. How are you? I miss you,” Shuhei replied.

“I miss you always. I’m doing well. I started helping at the school today,” Kaho replied.

Melancholy happiness floated in Shuhei’s chest. He wished he could be there to celebrate her, but this would have to suffice.

“I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait to talk about it tonight.”

“Me too! I cherish you. Safe travels. And tell Sayane I said hi!”

Red turned to green, and Shuhei set off for Nikko once more. 

This trip to the treatment center would be different. There, he would spend a week resetting and working through a few remaining mental blocks, while also visiting a few houses that were for sale in the surrounding area.