Matters of Life, Death, and Anime

He got off his flight in a dizzy haze.

These people, all around him- coming from or going to, most wore his trickery- most didn’t look at him. But some did, and when they did it hurt.

Nothing matters. Nothing matters. He reminded himself.

Trudging out into his old stomping grounds, they hurt to look at even more than they had back then. His increased age paired with their increased neon made for even more of a disorienting experience than the first time he’d visited this lovely place- one of the only parks he’d ever liked.

The old man got into his hotel room as fast as he could. It wasn’t late, but he couldn’t bear to do much of anything anymore. He laid in bed, the muscles and machinery in his skin trying their best to relax. He wondered if they ever would again.

The phone rang. Even though he wasn’t currently being employed, he picked it up. The genius would never admit it, but he wanted someone to be with him in these times.

“Joseph?”

“Hiromaki… how’d you know I was here?”

“I couldn’t well ignore it when I saw you booked a stay.”

“I’m sorry… sorry I left for so long.” He scratched his beard. “I didn’t know what was important… back then. Couldn’t see it.

“I’m impressed to see you’re still able to change.”

“Look, I know… you weren’t happy with our project, but I’m glad it made you enough money to get to this point.”

“Don’t worry. I’m still trying. One of these days… I will top Celestial Orchestra. I just need a little more time.”

Dr. Joseph Arrow went silent.

“Joey?”

“I’m… I’m sorry, Miyano.” He sniffled. “It’s nothing.”

“You know your kendo club is still going strong. And we’ve still got those Die Ranger figures you reserved but never picked up.”

“Oh. That’s… that’s good.” He said, trying to laugh, still a little embarrassed at his late-onset mid-life crisis.

“And I’m sure you saw just how many people have installed your products. You should be proud. Stay here awhile this time, will you?”

“I’ll stay for as long as I can. I’ve… retired, so…”

“What? What about Kidn-“

“I’m gonna stay here. I’ll stay as long as you want.”

For the first time in years, Miyano’s heartbeat skipped for a moment.

“Uh… yes. That’s fine.”

Arrow chuckled.

“Maybe I’ll visit you tomorrow. For now… I just want to lay down. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Rest well, Joseph.”

He nodded and hung up.