The second echo...

They had already gathered around the sofas in the common areas as I and Airi-chan walked out. They were looking disappointed at us, who were not showing a hint of coming to them to hear the story.

"Where are you going, Katsuhito?", Teiji asked me.

"To granny's! It's been long since I have met them."

He looked saddened and disappointed. "Won't you be staying here and hear with us?"

"I have already heard it a thousand times now. It has become boring. Besides I have to visit them once in a while."

"Okay."

I didn't look back and went out with Airi-chan outside the mansion. The bright rays of sunlight hit directly in my eyes, blinding me for a moment. I almost forgot how hot the noon time of my hometown gets. It was scorching hot. I started sweating already.

"Are you going to be okay in this heat?"

"You should ask that to yourself first."

We walked through the narrow roads through the greens. The roads were shaded by the trees, lessening the heat substantially. It felt nice in there, it felt like home. Maybe the fact that my hometown didn't change that much was also the reason. The colourful roofs and the trees were still there. The humidity of the air was still as high as ever, as if I am inhaling liquid air. I sweat more too because of that, which I hate. That's the only thing I want to change about it.

"Oohh, I didn't know there was a lighthouse here!", Airi looked amazed. I could see the lighthouse too, which meant home was near. My heart was throbbing indefinitely like the metallic train, but this was a much more lively beat. I didn't think I was going to be nervous to visit my home, the place where I spent my childhood.

It didn't take much time at all. Funny that the first thing I recognised was the boundary wall I used to sit on when I was a child. I looked down the road. The sea was only just a few minutes of walking distance away.

"Don't ever let the sea touch you... if it does, it will kill you...", a voice echoed in my ear.

The heck... why is this thing in my head now? I thought I forgot about that thing... why is this coming back?

"Is something wrong? You look worried...", her voice brought me back to reality.

"Its nothing." I shook my head and wiped off the sweat that was developing in my forehead before barging in.

"Sorry for the intrusion!"

Ahh... the smell of home... the antique smell of the old traditional Japanese house didn't fade away. It might have increased.

"Ehh?? Who is this?", my grandmother made small yet quick steps towards us with her bent back. She was caught by surprise. Well it's no wonder. Nobody comes so suddenly at noon. It's normally when people rest. I think she was sleeping too. Now I'm feeling bad waking her up.

"I'm back!", I exclaimed, opening my arms hoping for a hug. I could see her face brightened up as she saw my face. My face muscles let out a smile on my behalf without my consent. I guess it's not that bad. She returned me the hug as fast as she could with her little steps. She was now older, I could see it on her face. The skin of her hands now wrinkled too.

I could sense Airi-chan giggling at me now.

She took us to grandpa's room. "Dear, look! Katsuhito came to see us!"

I remember this place too... grandpa locked himself in that room after my mother passed away. She was their only daughter, and they lost her in their old ages. I can't imagine the pain they must bear now that they are living more than their daughter. Grandpa was the best fisherman in our town. Him abruptly retiring took a toll on others, or so I had heard.

"I see...", he let out a sigh, not saying anything any further. He was lying down facing the opposite side to us. Grandma left after a while, and Airi-chan followed her. I was the only one who stayed there.

He looked back at me without interest, seeing that the door was not closed yet.

"You should visit your mothers grave sometime while you are here. I am old, I couldn't visit her for quite a while now."

He spoke! That was a feat of itself! I guess my mission was successful here.

"I was planning on visiting too. I will visit father's grave too."

"I see... do as you wish. Now close the door."

That itched my childhood self. I should be annoying him or so what my intrusive thoughts led me to. As as I'm an adult now, they can't do anything to me.

"I think I wont", I crossed my arms and looked around the room, acting like I am a professional. "A well ventilated room is required for elderly people, so I will keep it open. And also, don't try to close it yourself. I am not a kid now, I can take out the door myself."

He frowned. "Why are you like this..."

"This is for your own good, grandpa. Now I will go."

I followed grandma and Airi-chan.

Just then, I overheard my grandpa laugh after a very long time. "Yuki really gave birth to an energetic child..."

I stood beside his room for a moment. That was the best compliment I could ever get... I was proud of myself.