Nostalgic Shores

I awoke to sunlight streaming through the oversized windows into my eyes and birds chirping loudly outside. Not far in the distance, I could hear waves crashing along the shore. The idyllic and nostalgic murmur felt like they would be found in soundtracks to sleep aid videos online.

It’s hard to convey just how much I had missed the sounds and sights of nature. Compared to the din of car horns blaring and distant shouting that I have grown accustomed to in Tokyo, these sounds were a much more pleasant soundscape to awaken to.

Yesterday afternoon had flown by so quickly, I hardly remember what happened. My presence in Kamogawa still feels like a dream.

After arriving at the station, I was quickly embarrassed by both my grandparents. When they saw me, they rushed to my side, causing quite a commotion. As much as it felt a little embarrassing, I did really enjoy seeing them- it felt nice to have someone make a fuss over me after the week that I had.

My grandparents in Kamogawa are my mother’s parents; I don’t have too many memories of my father’s family- they passed just after I was born.

My father’s decision to uproot our family to Tokyo hit both my grandparents harder than anyone else- it crushed them knowing that they would not see our family as much. The family had been in Kamogawa for many generations, and all loved this beachside lifestyle that Chiba had to offer.

Despite coming to visit our family occasionally for holidays in Tokyo, I always felt the tension between my grandparents and my father palpable. Eventually, as I got older, they stopped coming to visit, I’ve seen them at most twice in the last five years.

My grandparents quickly hustled me into their van from the train station and took me straight to their house. I had forgotten what a wonderful view they had from their home- their front door looked straight out to the ocean across the road.

The waves broke just beyond the large rock wall about fifty meters away. When we arrived, my mind was transfixed by the sounds of the ocean. It was like hearing the voice of a long-forgotten family member again.

Heading inside, Grandma went off to prepare dinner for the three of us. Just by looking at the ingredients, you could tell how special of an occasion this was for them- she definitely spent the day going around the various farmer stands in the area to get the best ingredients.

Grandpa and I sat at the table and started up a conversation while grandma worked away behind us. The first thing my grandfather asked me was why I had made the trip down to Kamogawa and why I had so much luggage.

I proceeded to fill them in on what had happened over the last few years. I had called them from time to time, but we never really had an in-depth conversation in years.

They were eager to know how my life had gone after my graduation from university. Now that I thought about it, I think that was the last time we all saw each other.

I went on to say how I had started working in Tokyo after university and ended with everything that happened in the last few days. As I spoke, I chose not to omit any details from my grandparents and recounted everything including the false accusations from my manager, and the surprise job offer I received.

“...and that’s the reason I came here, I thought that this might be my only chance to follow my own dreams, and I kind of thought that this was really liberating from the sheltered life I had under my father.”

After I had finished my spiel, both my grandparents looked at each other and smiled as I have never seen before.

“She is really finally chasing her dreams! I was always so worried that she would never be able to follow her dreams because of him.”

“Yes, Kayo, I am so proud that you’re starting to find your own feet in the world. Your grandma and I couldn’t be happier for you! We knew since your childhood that you had a love for the ocean, and we think that the most important thing in this world is to always pursue happiness.”

Seeing their faces light up with glee from the news made my eyes water. However, this time they were tears of joy rather than those of sadness. My grandfather immediately moved over and gave me a hug to calm me down. Just a few months ago in Tokyo, I felt like I had no one in my corner but now, I really see that I have so many people there to support me.

After excusing myself, I took my bag upstairs and arrived at the bedroom I would now call home for the next few weeks. It’s just how I remember it from when I was younger, except a little smaller. I guess I am a little bigger now than I was back then.

The room had the basic amenities of a guest room, kept tidy despite being mostly empty after all these years. There was a single bed, a basic desk with a desk lamp, and a bookshelf in the corner.

I quickly glanced at the books occupying the shelves and started to smile when I noticed my old textbooks from middle school, still in the same condition that I left them. I chuckled to myself and thought that after all these years, they still wanted to keep them just the way I left them.

As I started to unpack my phone vibrated on the desk with a reply from Doctor Kokomi.

Dear Kayo,

Just sending you a quick reminder for tomorrow to print out the documents I sent you to show to the front counter when you arrive. This is so we can get it stamped from security at the front and let you in when needed in the future. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Doctor Kokomi Mizushima

Hmm, there was still no mention of the interview. It’s like I already have the job. That can’t be true, right? I guess I will find out more tomorrow when I arrive, but I need to prepare for anything. That’s right I need to print out these documents to take with me. I peeked my head out from my room and shouted down the staircase.

“Grandma, do you have a printer in the house I can use, I need to print some documents for Oceanworld tomorrow.”

Not a second later, I saw my grandmother’s head peek out from the bottom of the staircase.

“Down in your grandfather's study, you can use his laptop for the documents to print out. Maybe you’ll have better luck with those computer machines. I never can get them to work on the first try.”

I headed back into my room satisfied with her answer and continued to unpack. However, my eyes began to wander with such a beautiful view right outside my window. It’s hard not to get distracted by the scene of crashing waves on a pristine beach. Golden hour was just beginning, and the water glistened with a yellow and orange glow. It was just magnificent to look at. I felt completely at ease being back in this town with the waves of the Pacific Ocean welcoming me home.

After listening to the sounds of nature in bed, I decided that I had better check the time. It was just past six-thirty A.M. My body had become so used to waking up early for work it doesn’t remember what a sleep-in is anymore.

I hadn’t seen the city in a long time and since it was a beautiful day out, I decided that I would go for an early morning run. It would be a nice way to see the beach and town again, as well as catch the sunrise over the Ocean.

I put on my training gear, grabbed my headphones, and headed downstairs. I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a note to grandma letting her know I will be going for a run and would be back later. After that, I headed to the door and quietly exited the house as I stepped out into the embrace of this perfect early summer morning.

The wind was gently blowing from the east across the ocean, the swell was coming in and I could see surfers down the beach enjoying the early morning surf.

I could taste the salt in the air and feel the strength of the wind. After finishing my stretches, I put my headphones in and started to run down the scenic ocean road towards the beach and the middle of town.

The promenade that runs between the main road and the beach at this time of day is full of people enjoying the early morning sun. To my right, in a small patch of grass, there was a small yoga class going on and I could see kids running past me, eager to get down to the surf for a quick jump in the ocean before school started.

I remembered doing the same when I was their age, regularly jumping into the embrace of the ocean just before school. Early morning surfs meant you felt nice and refreshed before you had to sit through six-plus hours of class. It would really wake you up for the day.

However, sometimes I would forget to shower off after getting out of the ocean and I would sit in class all day feeling a bit sticky from the saltwater. Those were the days. It was always the thing I looked forward to most during school times.

Reaching the end of the beach, I came to a beautiful small island shrine with a connecting bridge. Looking down at my watch, I noticed that it had barely been forty-five minutes since I left the house. I decided I would go up to the top of the island and see what the view was like there.

The beautiful red torii gates stuck out against the lush green landscape of the island, guiding those who came to the top to see the view.

Reaching the top and looking at the wonderful vista, all I could do was stop and admire it. I wonder what the people who built this shrine were thinking when they placed it here so many years ago.

Sitting up here and basking in the ocean view again after all these years made me never want to leave. Finally, I could reach out and touch my beloved ocean once again and it was just as wonderful as I had remembered.

Arriving back at the house from an exhausting run, I cautiously creaked the door open to ensure that I would not wake anyone if they were still asleep. Slipping off my shoes, the wonderful aroma of hot breakfast cooking welcomed me at the front door.

“Oh, welcome home Kayo. How was your run? You always were an early riser! We thought you would sleep in today after all the stress you have been under! Your grandfather should be up soon so why don’t I serve up your breakfast first. You still love fish and rice for breakfast, right?”

I smiled at grandma while she was speaking and took a seat at the table before replying. This was a welcome change from the grab-and-go convenience store food I would usually eat for breakfast.

“You know me so well grandma! I don’t think I’ve had a breakfast like this in a long time. I never can find the time before work to prepare something like this, so this really is a special occasion!”

“Well, you need to eat up, you have a big day ahead to look forward to. I need to make sure you’re fed nicely before you go in for your big job. What time do you have to arrive?”

“The letter says I need to be there by one P.M, so I was hoping to arrive around noon and enjoy the scenery on the beach before I head in. That should give me a little time to collect my thoughts and prepare for the interview. I’m sure I will need to calm down before going in; I always remember being the most relaxed whenever I am at the beach.”

“Well, make sure to take your time before going in, I’m so proud of you for following your dream and coming down here! I can’t say it enough.”

I smiled at her and started to eat my breakfast. After finishing the meal, I went upstairs to take a shower and started to gather my things for the interview. After so many years of working at a large company, I started to feel nervous about what I should wear.

Normally, I would just wear a suit to work but, I don’t know the dress code for working at an aquarium. I don’t even really know what my role will be at this place. I better play it safe and dress as formally as possible. This is an interview after all.

I wonder if I will get a uniform if I get the role or would I just wear my wetsuit all day? What am I saying? I just came down here to have the interview to get my mind off work back in Tokyo.

Your life is in Tokyo, remember? You came down here to satisfy your curiosity. That’s it, nothing more. So, you shouldn’t be worried about what you wear, right? Whatever happens, happens. I will just go with the flow.

Ahhh, why does this have to be so hard!

Alright, I’ve decided. I’m going to be more casual since summertime is approaching. Nice-length shorts and a button-up shirt should work. Flat shoes should mean it’s easy to walk around the aquarium and a wide brim hat so I can walk along the beach before the interview. This should do just fine. I grabbed my backpack and headed downstairs to put my shoes on.

“Oh, Kayo before you go… I have this for you. A little snack bag and some drinks. I hope it goes well and we look forward to seeing you when you get back tonight.”

“We can’t wait to hear how it goes today. I’m sure you’ll do great!”

I took the bag from grandma and gave them both a hug before turning and heading out the front door.

“I’ll see you later tonight! Wish me the best!”

I waved to them as they stood in the door before I started my walk towards the aquarium. I have well over ninety minutes before I’m scheduled to arrive. This will give me plenty of time to prepare as well as plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beach to calm my nerves.

Checking my watch, I see that I still have plenty of time before my meeting time. Coming up from the beach, I finally laid my eyes on Oceanworld just off in the distance. I had forgotten how big the grandstands were and just how overwhelming the building was.

People were arriving by the busloads, alighting, and heading straight to the front entrance where a long ticket line awaited them, here to see all that the aquarium had to offer. Incoherent chatter and yelling overtook the sounds of the waves nearby.

As another new group pulled into the parking lot and exited the bus, I followed closely behind them and headed towards the front entrance.

I spotted the advance tickets counter and moved directly to that window.

“Hi there, welcome to Oceanworld! How may I help you today? Do you have your pre-purchased tickets with you?”

“Oh, umm, good morning. My name is Kayo Suzuki and I’m here for a job interview with Doctor Kokomi.”

“Ah, welcome Ms. Suzuki. We were told that we would have someone arrive today to meet Doctor Kokomi. Do you have the security form with you so we can stamp and verify your arrival?”

“Sure thing! Let me just get it from my backpack.”

I swung my backpack around and placed it on the counter in front of the window. I opened the backpack to pull out the forms but, looking inside I couldn’t seem to find the proper forms. I took a closer look but, still, there were no forms.

My heart immediately began to sink, and I started to frantically search through my bag. No matter where I looked, my forms were nowhere to be seen.

“Uhhh, that’s strange. I can’t seem to find the forms in my backpack.”

I tried to play it off with my terrible acting skills, but I don’t think I'm fooling anyone. I can’t believe that I forgot to print out the documents!

“I’m sorry Ms. Suzuki, however, to let you inside the aquarium, we need to have a physical print-out signed by you so that we can give you security clearance for the park while you are still a guest. I’m afraid you’re going to have to print the forms again and come back.”

This was no good! How could I make such a simple stupid mistake at a time like this! I have never done something like this!

“Could I just show you the email I have, since I have the form in my inbox?”

“I’m really sorry, but you need to have that form on you when walking around the park. I’m afraid there is nothing I can do.”

My shoulders begin to slump as I realize there was nothing I could do in this situation. Just then I hear a voice addressing me from behind.”

“Hey, are you Kayo Suzuki?”

“Yes, that's me.”

“Wonderful, I was able to find you in the crowd! My name is Toya Kamito and I’m Doctor Kokomi’s assistant. She asked me to come find you in the crowd. What seems to be the issue here, Miyuki?”

My head swivelled back to the lady who was behind the counter. Maybe today really was my lucky day!

“Unfortunately, Ms. Suzuki forgot to bring the security forms so we can’t let her in without the forms that are required for entry into the aquarium.”

Toya seems to think about my dilemma for a second. I could see the puzzled look on his face. I hope he wasn’t silently judging my mistake too harshly.

“Then how about this, I will take Ms. Suzuki in myself, and I will print the form for her before coming to hand it to security. How does that sound?”

“That’s not protocol, Toya and you know that.”

“I know Miyuki, but Doctor Kokomi really needs to meet Ms. Suzuki. I promise I will make it up to you. Can we just let it slide this one time?”

Immediately I saw Miyuki start to put her head in her hands and huff loudly.

“Fine, but only this once. Ms. Suzuki, you may proceed with Mr. Kamito for today, but make sure to get that form to me as soon as possible. You know how important these forms are. Toya, I will see you soon then.”

“Thanks Miyuki, I will see you later. Now, Ms. Suzuki, please come this way and follow me. Doctor Kokomi is very excited to finally meet you!”

I couldn’t think of anything to reply to Toya. All I could think about was how I was about to take my first step into what could be my first true decision in life, and I couldn’t be more excited and yet terrified at the same time. What have I gotten myself into?