Clear Summer Sky

There’s no chirping of birds and the sun is unlawfully boiling. Coupled with the embedded burn marks across both of my eyes, it is definitely not morning.

“Ugh. Remind me not to open the blinds ever again!”

The cooled chill from under the blanket helps with the heat, but the thought of being buried in sweat the whole night made me shiver a bit. Seeing the blankets on the floor as I jump out of bed adds on to my list of morning irritation.

“12:45 pm, huh.” I knew it was not morning, but I’m finished. Completely gave up. Just take my soul at this point.

Sigh. There’s definitely nothing to be done about it, but I wonder why. It must be because of the dream, but it’s also true that I was up a bit late last night.

Today seems to be different. The familiar fragrance within the room is gone, only left with a sight embolden by the sun’s radiance.

Along the hall, I could vaguely remember last night’s dream. I was sitting across from three mirrors. They did nothing, only stared at me with a smile that consumes living souls.

There’s nothing much I could recall but touching my lips ensues a faint warmth. All of a sudden, the heat makes its way to my face.

“Something must’ve definitely happened…”

Regardless of what it is, I can’t focus my mind like usual. Having missed breakfast had taken a toll on me, no doubt. “Argh! This is so annoying! Why am I so annoyed?”

Whatever, the silence of the hall calms my mind down anyway. It isn’t much of a new occurrence, just something that belongs to me. To be honest, I love it this way, but it could use a bit of life. “This place is way too big for just three people.”

“Woah, that was amazing! Nothing beats morning refreshment.”

It was a bit cold, but precisely what I needed. After all, what better way to wash down yesterday’s past than a cold shower. Leaving behind faint footprints as I walk towards the kitchen, hair still half covered with water droplets.

Living in such a big place came with its own merits. One being that each room is given its own individuality, serving a purpose of its own. The kitchen in particular held multiple personalities.

“Hmm. Thanks, Mom. But I’ll pass on the leftover soup.”

I love her cooking, I do. It’s just… I can’t quite put clarity into my words but it’s summer, and I’d love to have some summer food.

Dialing the only restaurant I knew sent a sharp reminder of how I’ve degenerated over the past years. Still, it wasn’t just the food that I desire, I want something a little warmer despite the heat.

“Gramps, come on. Pick up the phone.”

I knew the reception over here is terrible, but walking on thin ice today is the last road I want to take. Multiple attempts passed, yet the call responded with its familiar rings.

“There’s nothing to be done. Let it go.” Reception is bad up here, it’s understandable. Today started off derailed from its course, I wonder what else lies beyond the curtains. Strangely enough, I find myself yet again in fate’s hands.

“Alright, this white top will do just fine.”

For this kind of weather, anything thin will do. With headphones in hand, I’m ready to drown in music. As if color had replaced the warm sunlight, the stretching hall was much more vibrant with beating melodies.

I don’t often visit Gramp’s place, only ever ordered on a delivery-based service. I’ve only ever been there once, counting this one as the second. I have vivid memories of the first since it was years ago.

“I should stop doing it. Having Gramps come all the way up here would only hurt him.”

Feeling a slight twist in my stomach as sweat starts to flow down my face. I didn’t know guilt and the afternoon sun would be such a menacing duo. “Well, I can’t say I don’t deserve it.”

Everything appeared so different despite the short days of summer. The sky clears ever so brightly, revealing the reflection of the ocean above. Fresh scent of leaves bathing in the sunlight lingers in the air as rows of trees cast shadows along the descending hilltop path.

“The town’s beauty really illuminates from afar, huh.” Different from the sight behind a car window. It's reflecting gold off of the glasses captured my eyes as though I’m the picture. Before knowing it, I entered the home of those who live in tranquility.

“Okay. If I follow along this path and turn left, I should arrive at Gramp’s place.”

If memories serve me correctly, this place should look at least like one out of the Heian era. But damn, Gramps. “He’s even had the front door fixed. Looking much better than the shrine it used to be.”

“Good going, Gramps! You’ve renovated the place!”

Ouch. The stares of a buzzing afternoon restaurant penetrate deep, what a lively place he has.

“Apologies, everyone.”

The inside looks really modern; I can't believe what I’m seeing. My god, even the walls are covered in paintings. “What is this?” No way, he even has a lived octopus in the tank! This place is crazy, look at how cool the ceiling is.

“That voice! Akio! What a rare surprise to see you here. What’s the special occasion? Don’t tell me you’ve found a girlfriend and wanted to celebrate.”

“You’re as lively as ever gramps. How are you doing?”

“Never better. I live by cooking as usual. How about you? Don’t tell me you only came to ask me that.” I see his sharp wits are still with him.

“Screeching hot. And no, I just wanted a meal.”

Gramps brings out his usual laugh as always, Miyazaki place really is lively in the afternoon.

“Find yourself a seat, Akio. Would you like the usual?”

“No, Gramps. Something new.”

“Something new! Alright, Akio. I’ll whip something up for you.”

With an ever so carefree smile, he returned beyond the white covers. It’s been a long while so the dazzling light and voices made my head spin a little. Conversations about day-to-day life, and clashes of sake shots are all over the place; paired with the warm aroma.

Even if my senses were assorted, I could never miss the hot dish coming towards me.

“Okonomiyaki, it looks great. Thanks Gramp!”

“You’re welcomed.”

The voice is soft, much like a bundle of flowers. Turning to my right, she stood there ever so calmly. Her pale blue hair is tied up into a bun that matches her white uniform and crystal eyes that stretch far beyond the ocean.

“Enjoy your meal!”

“Ah, wai-”

Finding herself back behind the white covers, leaving behind no trail of hesitation within her steps.

“I wanted to say thanks... I wonder who that is.”

Well, that’s a thought for another time. Now, Okonomiyaki. The first bite was rich and sweet, melting my mind from within with its warm steam. Paired with the surrounding laughter made it taste much, much better.

“Thanks for the food!”

His cooking is as amazing as usual. I would never compare Mom’s but Gramps scores a point today.

“Gramps!”

Emerging from the white blinds, he made it to the counter. It wasn’t much of a catch-up, rather I told him that from now on I’ll be taking deliveries hands-on due to the distance since it’s summer.

His face appeared reluctant, but quickly he agreed to it with a lovely smile filled with approval.

“By the way Gramps, when are you going to tell me about the little scheme you pulled earlier?”

“You’re bright, Akio. I knew you’d catch on.”

“Come on Gramps. Out of every server here, the only time she ever appeared was when my food’s ready.”

“So fess up, who is she?”

Ah, so it was Gramp’s granddaughter. Now that I think about it, he’s told me of her before, but I never knew she lived in this small town. He’s never told me much of his personal life, but I didn’t mind much.

“I thought maybe you might find things in common with her.”

“Thanks for today, Gramps. I’ll visit when I can.”

“Don’t sweat it. Tell Miyu to visit when he comes back!”

Leaving behind the warmly lit box, I wonder what Gramps meant by finding things in common.

Sure, her beauty struck out but what did the most was her expression. She looked so happy in there as if nothing could ever take away that happiness.

Knowing that it left me wondering what brought her so much joy. To work so earnestly, it was the first I’ve ever seen. Much like the open sky above me, it’s the first time that I feel light walking forward.

“I’ll head to bed early today.” A smile slowly appeared on my face; I had forgotten how nice it is to eat with others.

“Miyazaki Selene. What a beautiful name.”