Rings Around The Pool

With the arrival of the email, the question of how I was going to tell Kokomi seared through my mind.

With the late arrival of the email that evening, I had rushed back to the office only to realise that everyone had left for the day. Usually, Kokomi is the last to leave, but with consideration of her recent condition, having just been released from the hospital, it was fair to say she wasn’t going to have the strength to stay any longer than she needed to.

I sat in bed that night reading over the contents of the email over and over again, trying to read between the lines and trying to figure out how the investigation had gone just from Morikawa-san’s words. Even though I’m certain I know which choice I want to make, the question still stood at the forefront of my mind, is it really the best option?

What if everything in Tokyo goes smoothly upon return? What then? Things could improve after I am found not guilty… What about telling my family about this job? Can I really stand up for myself this time?

For the first time in my life, I really felt I’m on the right path in Kamogawa.

Why do big decisions like this all have to be the hardest…?

I walked down the promenade once again towards the aquarium.

Just like any day, I tried to be early for work but today I was dreading the thought of approaching Kokomi. What would her response be? I wonder how she will handle this situation.

As the aquarium came into sight, I could see storm clouds brewing on the horizon, coming closer to shore every minute. Best I get inside before I get soaked. This incoming storm seemed to mirror my own anxiety, was this storm foreshadowing what was to come?

Walking through the front gate, I greeted the ladies at the entrance like I usually do and swiped my way into the lab area. It really does feel so natural now, almost as if I have been made to do this.

I walked into the lab area and saw Kokomi alone checking over some of the data on a laptop. I paced over and greeted her, “Morning Kokomi. How are you feeling today? Hopefully better than the day before.”

Kokomi looked up from what she was focused on, and she smiled in response to my greeting, “Oh, Morning Kayo. I’m feeling pretty much back to full health. I just received an email from the hospital with my results. It seems I’m back to full strength which is great news.”

“So, let’s get down to today’s plan.”

Kokomi paused as she prioritised what she had on her mind before she spoke again, “Seeing as though I’ve been cleared for diving again, I think it’s best I get back into the water slowly. I need to take my time with this and take baby steps. So, since we have an hour before the doors open and the weather forecast isn’t pleasant; let's head over to the tropical area and give the big tank and clean from the inside. How does that sound to you?”

I silently pondered the plan that I had just heard; while I’m worried Kokomi might be rushing to get back into the water, I can respect that she wants to do it slowly. Plus, if we do it here at the aquarium, I can keep a close eye on her this time. Just in case something happens.

“Sure, that sounds like a great plan. But I want to stay close to you during the dive. I don’t want you having any trouble. I’m sure you won’t need it with all your diving experience but I’m just worried since it is your first one back.”

Kokomi seemed satisfied with the response, so she closed her laptop and we both began to move towards the dive locker.

We suited up in our thinner wetsuits since the water in the tropical section was a lot warmer than other areas of the aquarium.

Next, we moved onto our gear and filled up a few tanks of oxygen. We didn’t know how long we would be in the water or what else we might need to take care of, so we grabbed a few large tanks and a few small tanks in case of an unexpected situation.

We wheeled the cart with the gear into the giant tropical exhibition. The area was completely covered so the weather did not affect the exhibits. The building was about three floors deep into the ground and the walkway spiralled down. In the centre of the spiral was the main attraction.

The twenty-five-meter-high giant tank housing thousands of different types of tropical fish from around the world towered in front of us. The tank was about fifty meters in diameter. Housed in the centre of the tank was a large coral reef which the fish swam freely through. The reef teemed with life with fish popping in and out of the cracks. I was told that all the coral in the tank was rescued from the ocean after a big storm. Above the tank was a mesh metal catwalk. This gives the best view into the tank from above. The walls of the catwalk extended to the roof so there was no chance to accidentally fall in the tank.

On the side of the water, there was another platform off-limits to the public. This is where Kokomi and I were heading with the cart so we could enter the water.

Kokomi then looked at me and gave me a little smirk. I have a feeling I know what she is going to say next.

“So, I heard Beni is back in America now. Are you two chatting at all?

I felt my face redden in response to her question, “...Well, I sent him an email. I hope we can keep talking a bit…”

Arriving at the platform we started to get our gear ready for the dive in the tank. For some strange reason, I felt now was the time to get the conversation going about Tokyo.

I don’t know why I felt the urge now, maybe because we could talk while working underwater? Whatever the reason was, I decided to go for it. As Kokomi brought the tank over to the water’s edge I started up the conversation.

“So Kokomi, there is something I need to talk to you about. Do you remember when I wanted two weeks to decide if this role was for me or not?”

Kokomi paused as she looked up at me, “Yeah, I remember, it’s coming up on two weeks now, isn’t it? I had completely forgotten, have you made up your mind?”

“That’s the thing, I wasn’t fully truthful with you when we spoke.” I paused as I hesitated, unsure about how I could best continue,

“The reason I came down to Kamogawa for this role was due to a suspension from my previous role in Tokyo due to an ongoing workplace investigation. My office accused me of a terrible act that I honestly didn’t commit but I felt I needed time away from the city so coming down here was the best solution.

They went on to tell me the investigation would take around two weeks to complete, that’s why I asked for that amount of time to decide. When we arrived onshore from the research vessel, I happened to meet the man in charge of the investigation from Tokyo! I found out that in the largest coincidence of all, that Daiki is his son.

We spoke about the situation and he kind of brought me back down to earth when he reminded me that I would be needed back in Tokyo soon…”

The words that I had held back just came out in a tumble, it felt like a relief to finally have them out in the open, though I was nervous about where things would go from here.

Kokomi thought my words over as she replied in a serious tone, “Let me guess Kayo, you received the notification you need to go back?”

“Yes...Today is Saturday, they’ve requested that I be back for the wrap-up on Tuesday to see the outcome of the investigation. I wanted to know if you’d let me go up for that and see how the outcome is?”

I could see Kokomi process what I had asked very carefully. She let go of her diving equipment as she thought long and hard about it.

“Look, I wish you had told me sooner, but I can see why you didn’t want to say anything. Give me till the end of the day to think about it. Do you know what you’ll do after the investigation?” She looked at me almost hopefully, as though she was worried about losing me after everything we had been through together.

“Honestly, I’m not one hundred percent on either of my options, I want to come back here if I can, but I will have to see how the investigation concludes first. As of right now, nothing has been decided yet.”

Kokomi chuckled and I felt relieved to hear her laugh, “Well, that’s promising then. I guess I enticed you enough that you want to stay then. I’d like you to stay but I can’t force you. Let’s talk again at the end of the day. Now, let's get in the tank and clean before the doors open.”

With that, we both strapped our gear on and dove in, not another word on the subject was brought up during the dive. I feel like that went better than expected.

Finishing up the dive, Kokomi and I put the dive equipment back on the trolley and had a small debrief from a staff member. I was amazed to see how well Kokomi got back in the water, but I can’t say I was too surprised given how long she’s been diving for.

“Thanks for your hard work this morning Kayo, it looks like we made it just in time. The doors are going to be opening in about three minutes. Why don’t we switch it up for a change and have a walk around the exhibits here? Part of the role you haven’t done much yet is to help spread information about all the wildlife here so we can help inform everyone who comes through the door. That shouldn’t be too hard for you right? After all, it is what led you here in the first place all those years ago!”

Kokomi began to chuckle at her little remark, but she was right. Ever since I had arrived here, we had done nothing with the general public so I think this might be a nice change of pace from the usual activities.

“Alright, let's do it Kokomi. I’ll follow your lead!”

“Excellent. Since we don’t have time to change, best to roll the wetsuit halfway and just put the aquarium shirt on. It’s what I normally do anyway.”

I grabbed a shirt from the bottom of the cart and headed out onto the now busy main lobby area with Kokomi, about to start another new experience for the role.

After about thirty minutes, we were beginning to become overwhelmed with the number of questions we were getting. The rain had started to pour outside so almost everyone in the aquarium rushed into the dry tropical exhibits. In some areas, it was hard to move in the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

Kokomi and I were mainly sticking around at the bottom of the spiral against the glass of the main big tropical tank. Kokomi was a natural with the crowds though. She handled all questions with ease- thoroughly answering all the questions thrown at her, even the silly ones from younger patrons.

I had been relegated to assisting once again but I was thankful this time around. While my knowledge of fish is adequate, I don’t know how I would answer some of the technical questions she was getting asked!

Suddenly, we heard a round of applause coming from the catwalk above. Peering through the mesh flooring, I could make out a man down on one knee giving a ring to a girl. They embraced and the crowd went crazy with cheers.

A proposal! Everyone downstairs, including Kokomi and myself, joined in with the celebrations. It’s times like these I remember how much fun it is to visit an aquarium with someone you deeply care for!

However, no more than fifteen seconds later those cheers turned to a loud commotion. Kokomi and I darted our eyes once again towards the couple. They were pointing down into the tank but neither of us could hear what they were saying over the noise of the crowd. We both ran up to the catwalk to see what was going on.

“Excuse me miss, my name is Doctor Kokomi Mizushima. This is my assistant Kayo. We both work here with the exhibits. What seems to be the issue?”

The lady wiped a tear from her face and pushed herself out of her boyfriend's shoulder to answer the question. Through the cracks in her voice, she muttered out a reply.

“My boyfriend just proposed to me here and as I went to put the ring on my finger, but it slipped and went between the mesh floor and into the tank below. I just feel so devastated! I don’t know how something like this could happen. Is there anything you can do? We must get that ring back!”

Kokomi did her best to reassure the lady, “Don’t worry, Kayo and I are trained on the tank below and dive regularly. We can check the tank after the aquarium closes and see if we can find it. If you’ll come with me, we can…”

Amid the sobs, the lady interjected, “Is there ANYTHING you can do now!? What if it gets lost forever?! It could get eaten by a fish!”

Seeing her dejected face, I felt sympathy for her, I couldn’t stand to see her like this at such an important moment in her life. It was at that moment I decided to do something about it.

Kokomi attempted to console her, “I’m sorry ma’am, there’s nothing we can...wait Kayo, where are you going?”

I felt convinced of my decision, “Kokomi, you look after the couple and keep a watch from up here. I'm going to go find the ring. Miss, was it a gold or silver ring?”

I called back to both of them as I started to push through the crowd on the catwalk.

“Kayo, was it? It’s a gold ring!”

“Good luck Kayo, I’ll keep a watch for you!”

Hearing both of them reply I sprinted to the platform beside the pool.

Opening the door in a hurry, I ripped off my shirt and rolled my wetsuit back up. I grabbed one of the backplates and tanks that I had been using earlier. The gauge showed about half a tank which should give me about fifteen minutes. Hopefully, that will be enough time.

As I slip the mask over my face, I look up at the catwalk and I can see the couple with Kokomi. They are pointing where it fell. I give a thumbs up to them and then take the plunge. As I start to swim down, I start to keep my eyes open for any shiny metal pieces. The abundance of marine life swimming around me didn’t help me see the bottom.

Within three minutes, I was at the bottom of the tank. Since the catwalk is close to the edge of the tank, I began swimming about three meters away from the large glass viewing. I can see that a large crowd has begun to form beyond the glass, watching my search expedition commence.

I start to swim around the area I think it will be. I checked my gauges, and I could see I had about ten minutes of oxygen left. On my first pass across the bottom, I saw nothing. I start to ascend a little along the coral reef which is about four meters off the bottom. Maybe it got caught on the top?

After searching the top, I once again head back to the bottom. I’ve got about five minutes of oxygen left before I need to head to the surface. Another pass, and still nothing. I can feel the mounting eyes watching my every move. It’s a little nerve-wracking being in the spotlight, I better find this ring.

As I finished my final pass, I looked up to the crowd and I could see them all pointing to my left. I swam over to where they were pointing. To my surprise, in the sandy bottom, I could make out the gold ring. I grabbed the ring and held it up. I couldn't hear the crowd, but I could see by the movement they were all going crazy! What a thrilling experience!

I started to head to the top of the tank with the ring in my hand. When I broke the surface, I could hear the roar of the crowd. I held the ring up to show the couple above. I could see the tears on the lady’s face, her expression full of relief and joy at seeing the ring again.

However, only one person’s gaze mattered to me- and I could see Kokomi just looking down proudly at me as she stood beside the couple. I felt my heart swell proudly in response.

The cheers were deafening and not something I can say that I am used to. I think after all this time, I’ve found the place I feel I truly belong!

I think that I have made my decision about Tokyo before I have even arrived there. Kokomi approached me on the catwalk with a very happy expression painted on her face. When she got close to me, she looked me dead in the eye.

“Kayo. I just want to say how proud of you I am.” Kokomi wrapped me in a warm hug.

“What you just did back there was amazing. Even as a little girl you inspired me to be a better person and then you went on to save my life. You came here very unsure of yourself and with a lack of confidence but now you are really growing as a person.” As we broke apart from the hug, I could see she was emotional.

“The change from when you first arrived is night and day. I really would like for you to become my full-time assistant and travel the world’s oceans with me. However, if you do decide that you want to stay in Tokyo, just promise me that you’ll be happy and come visit me down in old Kamogawa from time to time, okay?” As she turned away, I noticed that she had tears in her eyes.

I don’t think that I have ever had someone direct such words to me in my life. It was truly touching to hear that from such an accomplished person as Kokomi.

She was quickly becoming a very important person in my life, and I don’t think I will be able to stay apart from her. I gave her another hug and thanked her for her kind words and selfless well-wishes.

I smiled shyly at her, suddenly embarrassed by the sudden overflow of emotions, “Don’t worry Kokomi. I will make the best decision I can, and I will let you know how it all goes. Thank you for bringing out my true colors and believing in me. It means the world to me.”

I thought back to the conversation I had with Kokomi on that catwalk while everyone cheered below. Here I was, hours later, on the train headed back to Tokyo.

Of course, I want to hear what they have to say about the investigation, but I think I already know what I want to tell them.

This time I spent here in Kamogawa, while short, has been life changing. I feel like a brand-new person and it is all thanks to this little aquarium. I don’t think I can let them down after all they have done for me.

However, there is the threat of my parents looming over me.

The thoughts of abandoning and quitting my boring job in Tokyo caused another surge of worry to wash over me. Surely if I do decide to quit, my parents would surely explode with anger.

Here is my one chance to see if I can really show the world who I am. Do I have the courage to stand up for myself? What will the concrete jungle have in store for me this time? I guess it's  time to see what the future holds for me...