No movie!

Yesterday, Yada helped me consolidate my resolve. So, even though I woke up earlier than usual, I’m extraordinarily energized and have already gathered all the tools I need for the chores I’ve set out to do today.

Rolling up the sleeves of my coveralls and blowing air through both nostrils, I pump myself up for the first task, which was the hardest.

What is currently being used as a storage room is actually a glass greenhouse. In the past, Grandpa planted all sorts of vegetables and herbs there. My grandparents would often pluck them and sip tea at a small round patio table near the end of the greenhouse.

One time, when I stayed here during summer, they accidentally used herbs so spicy that I felt I was spewing fire. We drank all the milk they had in the house and had to go to the store to buy more.

Piles of paraphernalia have accumulated inside this so-called storage ever since. Getting all the junk out will be a nightmare, but it is something that I should have done ages ago.

More than half of these things are broken and cannot be repurposed. I'll sell or give away most of what is in good condition to someone who needs it.

I’m only setting aside a few things that might be useful for the rest of the garden. All that remains inside are the shelves for vases and ornaments, a cabinet where I’ll store the work tools, and the table with the matching chairs they used to have in the back.

The vegetables for Baba will be planted in elevated seedbeds, standing in rows in the center of the greenhouse. I also installed some roll-up shades to protect them from stifling days.

Let's take a look at the exterior.

Fortunately, not a single glass has shattered. They’re only slightly dirty. It will take time to clean them all, but that won’t be a major problem.

The real issue is the framework that supports the glass. It’s made of wood, and some parts have broken down, so I’ll need to repair them. Also, the roof vent won’t open, and I must fix its hinges. That shall be the main focus for now.

Meanwhile, since Yada agreed to help me, I gave her a simple task. She was just supposed to water the lawn.

It ended up a failure because she stayed in the same place, lying in the bean bag and forming a lake in front of her.

I expected something like this to happen, so the first thing I did this morning was to build that.

“Yada, I have something for you!” I bring it hidden under a mantle.

“3. 2. 1. Ta-da!!” I quickly pull the cloth to reveal the Yadamobile.

It’s an ingenious apparatus, if I may say so. Using a spacious mechanic's creeper, I tied together some pillows and glued a shovel handle to move it around.

She stares at the contraption with her mouth wide open and disgust in her eyes.

"No!" she hides her head in the bean bag.

“What, you don’t like it? Believe me, it’s very comfortable. I’ve tried it myself! Just give it a chance.”

"No!" she frantically kicks her legs.

I bump the Yadamobile against the beanbag so she drops into it.

“See? It’s not that bad... Now, would you be so kind as to water this side of the yard? I'll move you to the next spot when you’re done.”

She pouts and low-effortlessly swings the hose back and forth.

After getting back to work and repairing everything outside, the only thing remaining is to plant the seeds I bought from Niwashi. I carefully sow them in seed trays with compost and label each one.

The tasks have been completed successfully. Even Yada managed to do her part!

I prepared wooden planks to transport the Yadamobile into the house through the patio door. As it's getting dark, I push it inside, drop her on the couch, and enter the kitchen.

“While working outside, I left some brownies baking in the oven. You can eat them as a reward if you’d like.”

The bunny, smelling them, comes in as well. I dump treats I bought in a bowl. Hai would kill me if I gave him even a crumb. Then, I grab a beer from the fridge and sit in the living room, resting while they eat.

Yesterday, Yada finally opened up a little. Maybe I can also get something out of her today.

“Thanks for helping me. Honestly, even though you promised, I didn't believe you would do it.”

Nothing.

“Do you like the brownies? I hope they turned out well. It was the first time I made them at home.”

She doesn’t answer, but given she’s busy munching them, I take it as a good sign.

Let’s try a different approach.

“Is there anything you like to do besides… hmmm… nothing?”

Again, no answer.

This is getting too awkward. I don't know what to say anymore, and after my last question, we've been silent for a painful amount of time.

“Oh! Maybe you like video games? I'll see what I can find in my room!”

While searching, I briefly heard the phone ring. If it's important, they’ll call again. I can’t miss this opportunity to get her to talk to me.

“I’ve found some! Do you want to play... Let's see... Kingdom Hares?”

“No!”

The television bewitches her. She's watching the movie, “Zombie Family”.

I remember this one.

Decades after a zombie apocalypse, humanity has finally triumphed and managed almost to defeat all the zombies. This zombie family is among the last survivors hiding from the humans, trying to exterminate them by crushing their brains.

I imagine she identifies with them because the main characters barely do anything for most of the movie.

There are quite a few gruesome scenes halfway through the movie between other surviving groups of zombies and humans. I expected her to be bothered by it, but she doesn't look scared in the slightest.

We are now reaching the climax of the film.

“Brbarbrab Dad… brrbagbra We cannot continue hiding here. We have to find a place where we can live without fear. We need to do something! DO SOMETHING bragagdbn!” declares the protagonist to his zombie father.

Out of the blue, Yada hugs Baba tightly and shakes in fear.

“Why is the idea of wanting to do things the only thing that frightens you...?”

Ultimately, the only zombie survivor is the protagonist, who finds a peaceful land but is left to live all alone.

“It’s such a depressing ending. Well, it’s getting late. It’s freezing tonight, so you both can sleep inside if you want.” I try to get up to go to bed.

“No!”

She grabs me by the arm and won’t let go. Her demeanor shows she was more affected by the movie than I thought. It wouldn't feel right to leave her feeling terrified.

“All right, all right… I’ll stay for a while longer.”

I wasn't planning to, but I was so tired that it just so happened that I fell asleep by her side, our heads against each other.

In the morning, someone knocking on the door awakens me.

"Yes?" I asked, scratching my eyes.

"Congratulations, you won our contest!”

“What contest? I don’t recall participating in anything.”

“No, no, we ensured we were at the right place! We are from Radio 1, and every day, we call a random number live on the air. If the person answers the phone with anything besides “Yes?” or “Hello?” they are picked as contestants. We were shocked when you brutely shouted “No!” and abruptly turned off the call. Nevertheless, you won fair and square!”

“Hmmm... From what you have told me, it sounds plausible that I’ve indeed received that call. What did I win, then?”

“Nothing yet! You passed the first stage and must play the final game to win our mega prize! You have to participate in an Escape Room with a team of five players, including yourself. If you manage to escape within the time limit, the prize is yours! Here is all the paperwork regarding this contest. I only need you to sign this paper here, and you’ll be registered to play.”

After reading what the prize was, it would be foolish not to accept. After all, it will only take a few hours in a closed room. It could be much worse, and it is definitely worth the hassle.

“Count me in!” I declare, not realizing what I had got myself into.