Kirishima Seijiro gazed out the window of the train, watching the landscape blur into a tapestry of greens and browns as the Shinkansen sped toward Iwate. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the reunion with his grandmother, his only remaining family member. After the tragic accident that took his parents when he was nine, she had been his anchor, guiding him through the tumult of grief and confusion. At sixteen, he had moved to a small apartment in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where he had begun to carve out a life of his own. Yet, as he journeyed to visit her, a sense of belonging tugged at his heart, reminding him of the years spent in her care.
As the train hurtled forward, Seijiro's mind drifted to an eccentric old man he often encountered in Iwate. Known for his wild theories and rants, the townsfolk dismissed him as a madman. But Seijiro had always been drawn to the man's peculiar obsession with humanity, who he insisted were parasites of the earth.
"Humans are parasites," the old man would declare with fervor, his eyes glinting with a mix of passion and despair. "We are ungrateful beings. The earth gives us air to breathe, bears fruit for us to eat when we're hungry, provides the materials for our shelter and comfort. And what do we do in return? We cut down trees, fight wars that cause destruction, pollute the air, water, and land, and hunt down its animals to extinction."
Seijiro remembered how, even as a child, he was captivated by the old man's speeches, filled with fiery rhetoric.
"Wouldn't you agree?" he would ask, a smile playing on his lips, as if inviting Seijiro into his way of thinking.
In those moments, Seijiro could hear his grandmother's playful but stern voice chiming in, often interrupting the old man's tirades. "I've told you to stop filling this kid's head with your nonsense! The last thing I want is for him to end up like you!" She would pull Seijiro close, rubbing his head with a mix of affection and concern. "Seijiro, don't become like this bad man," she would murmur, her tone shifting to one of genuine worry.
The old man would then retort playfully, "And what's wrong with me?"
His grandmother would shoot back with mock indignation, "Everything!"
But the playful banter would always shift when the old man revealed his deeper pain. Seijiro remembered one particular moment when the atmosphere turned somber. "Shintaro, you weren't like this before," his grandmother had said, her voice a mixture of sadness and seriousness. "I know you lost your son and his family in that war between Ukraine and Russia. They were innocent. They didn't deserve to die when missiles rained down on the city. You have to get yourself together."
The old man, his face shadowed by regret, had taken a slow sip of his beer before responding. "You think I don't know that, Haruka? It's not as easy as you think. I can't help but feel like it's my fault. I killed people when I was in the special forces. I knew they had families." His hands trembled as he spoke, haunted by memories that lingered like ghosts. "But I killed them anyway. I think this is my retribution."
An oppressive silence followed, a chasm that seemed to swallow the light of their banter. Seijiro's grandmother squeezed his fingers gently, then began to walk away, guiding Seijiro alongside her. They moved in silence, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air between them.
They began to walk away together, Seijiro's heart heavy with the echoes of the conversation. Then his grandmother paused, turning to look back at the old man one last time. Her expression was a mix of sorrow and concern, as if she felt a deep empathy for the man still sitting there, trapped in his own memories.
"I hope you find peace, Shintaro," she whispered, her words barely audible, but laden with meaning.
As they reached their house, Seijiro felt a pang in his chest as he stepped inside.
"Grandma, do you think he'll ever be alright?" Seijiro asked, his voice tinged with worry.
His grandmother looked down at him, her brow furrowing slightly. "Everyone has their battles, Seijiro. Some are just harder to fight than others."
Seijiro nodded, but the weight of the old man's words clung to him. He could feel the heaviness of unspoken truths in the air, a tension that hinted at things he wasn't yet ready to confront.
As the train approached its destination, he turned his focus to the view outside, where the rolling hills began to take shape against the twilight sky. The conductor's voice crackled over the intercom, announcing their imminent arrival.
"We will be arriving in Iwate in 30 minutes. Please prepare to disembark."
Seijiro's heart raced. He had come to see his grandmother, to be there for her in her time of need, but the memories of that old man's words lingered in his mind.
Finally, the train arrived at Iwate, the familiar landscape greeting Seijiro as he stepped onto the platform. The cool, crisp air of the countryside hit him immediately, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Tokyo. He stretched his body, feeling the stiffness from the long journey start to melt away.
After taking a deep breath, he picked up his bag and began walking through the quiet streets, heading straight for the hospital. The small town was peaceful, almost too peaceful, with the gentle hum of cicadas in the background. It made Seijiro's heart feel lighter, though a nervous energy still lingered inside him.
When he finally reached the hospital, the sterile white walls and the faint smell of disinfectant greeted him. He quickly made his way to his grandmother's room. As he entered, he found her resting peacefully in bed, her face calm and relaxed.
Her fragile form under the thin sheets made his heart ache. He hadn't seen her like this in a long time, and the sight stirred a mix of emotions—love, fear, and helplessness.
Seijiro quietly pulled up a chair beside her bed and sat down, careful not to disturb her sleep. The soft rhythm of her breathing was the only sound that filled the room. He glanced at her hand resting on the blanket, thin and delicate, a stark contrast to the strong hands that had raised him.
As he settled in, waiting for her to wake up, he leaned back in the chair, his mind wandering back to the train ride and the memories it had stirred. He tried to push them away for now, focusing instead on the present, on being here for her when she woke up.
Time seemed to stretch in the quiet hospital room, but Seijiro didn't mind. All that mattered was being there when she opened her eyes.
As Seijiro sat quietly by his grandmother's side, the soft hum of hospital machines and the rhythmic ticking of the clock created a peaceful, almost hypnotic atmosphere. He had planned to wait patiently for her to wake up, but the long train ride and the emotional weight of the day were taking their toll. His eyes grew heavy, and despite his best efforts to stay alert, his body betrayed him.
Before he realized it, Seijiro drifted off into a light sleep, his head resting on the arm of the chair. The quiet room and the gentle warmth made it impossible for him to stay awake. His breathing slowed, and soon, he was lost in a dreamless slumber, the worries of the real world slipping away for a brief moment.
As he slept, the soft rise and fall of his grandmother's breathing continued, and the world around them remained still, as if time itself had paused.
Seijiro stirred awake to the sound of his name being called softly. "Seijiro," the voice repeated. He blinked a few times and sat up, pulling his head forward from where it had rested. As his vision cleared, he saw his grandmother awake, lying on her bed, looking at him with a gentle smile.
"Grandma, when did you wake up?" he asked, his voice still groggy.
"Not long ago," she replied. "Don't worry yourself. I had a lot to think about while I was awake."
Seijiro's brow furrowed with concern. "What do you mean, Grandma? What were you thinking about?"
She looked at him, her eyes filled with a quiet resolve. "Seijiro, no matter how bad things get, don't turn your back on everyone."
Seijiro's face paled, a shocked and worried expression taking over. "What are you talking about, Grandma?" he asked slowly.
"I'm not sure, but I can feel it," she said softly. "I don't have much time left."
Panic gripped Seijiro. "Don't say that!" he shouted suddenly, his voice louder than he intended. The room fell into a heavy silence for a moment, the tension almost tangible.
Seijiro, realizing his outburst, quickly lowered his head. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to." Tears welled up in his eyes, and soon they began to roll down his cheeks. "It's just… I got that call that you fainted at home, and the next thing I knew, you were in the hospital. I was scared, Grandma."
His grandmother gently placed her hand on his head, her touch warm and comforting. "It's okay," she whispered. "I'm sorry I worried you."
After a few moments, Seijiro wiped his tears and gave her a sad, but calmer smile. "I'm sorry you had to see that," he said, his voice quieter now.
She smiled softly. "It's okay, Seijiro."
Trying to shift the conversation to something lighter, Seijiro cleared his throat and asked, "Ah, I haven't seen old man Shintaro around lately. Have you seen him?"
The air in the room grew still, and a gloomy silence settled over them. His grandmother's face darkened slightly as she looked away toward the window.
"He passed away about a year ago," she said quietly.
Seijiro's heart sank. "Oh... I'm sorry to hear that," he said, his voice laced with sadness. "I should have been there for his funeral."
"It's not your fault," his grandmother replied, her gaze distant as she continued to look out the window. "Though, I hope he was able to find peace," she added softly, her voice filled with sorrow.
The room remained quiet after that, both of them lost in their thoughts, the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future hanging over them.
Seijiro shifted awkwardly in his chair before standing up. "I'm thirsty," he said to his grandmother. "I'm going to get a drink." She nodded softly, watching as he left the room.
Seijiro made his way to the hospital vending machine, only to find that it was completely out of cola. He paused, contemplating heading back to the room, but the memory of the earlier heavy conversation with his grandmother stopped him. He didn't want to return just yet. So, instead, he decided to go to the convenience store in town.
When he arrived, Seijiro picked up some snacks along with a drink and made his way to the counter. As he approached, he was surprised to see a familiar face—his former classmate and close friend, Sae Kushida. He called her name with a smile. "Sae? Is that you?"
The girl behind the counter looked at him with a puzzled expression before her eyes widened in recognition. "Huh? Seijiro? You're Seijiro, huh?"
"Yeah, it's me," he replied, amused by her surprise.
Sae glanced at the clock. It was almost 4 p.m. She turned back to him with a warm smile. "Can you wait a little? I'll be off work soon."
"Alright," Seijiro nodded, before remembering something. "Oh, before I forget, could you add this beer?" He placed the bottle on the counter.
Sae raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Beer? But you're still 17. Or are you in a gang now?" She leaned closer, pretending to scrutinize him.
Seijiro shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks flushing in embarrassment. "No, no. It's not like that," he stammered. "It's for someone else." His voice grew softer, a hint of sadness creeping in.
Sae quickly caught the change in tone and gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm just teasing. I didn't take you for that kind of guy. Seems like I was wrong, huh? My bad."
He waved off her apology with a slight grin, and after paying, Seijiro promised to be back before 4 p.m., heading out with his purchases.
Instead of returning to the hospital immediately, Seijiro went to the cemetery to visit shintaro's grave. It had been some time since Shintaro passed, and he had never been able to attend the funeral. After walking for a few minutes, he finally arrived at the grave, standing before the headstone of the old man who had been like a mentor to him.
With his head lowered, Seijiro whispered, "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when I was supposed to be there." His mind was filled with memories—good times with Shintaro, the strange speeches, and the life lessons wrapped in eccentricity.
"You were always there for me," Seijiro said, his voice soft as he knelt down, his fingers tracing the letters on the headstone. "I got emotional earlier… I'm sorry. I forgot you didn't like that much."
Reaching into his bag, he pulled out the bottle of beer. He opened it and looked down at the grave. "Here it is. Your favorite." Slowly, he poured almost all of the beer onto the headstone, leaving just a small portion in the bottle. He took a sip from what was left, the taste bitter but comforting. "I'm sorry I couldn't have a drink with you as an adult," Seijiro said with a sad smile. "But I guess this is our second time having a drink together."
As Seijiro said, "This is our second time having a drink together," a fond memory surfaced in his mind. He was 11 years old then, sitting on the porch of his grandmother's house, watching Shintaro drink his usual beer.
With a curious look on his young face, Seijiro had asked, "Is beer really that good?"
Shintaro chuckled at the question, raising his bushy eyebrows as he stared at the boy. "Why don't you find out for yourself?" he said, offering Seijiro the bottle with a mischievous grin.
Seijiro hesitated for a moment before taking a sip. The moment the liquid hit his throat, his eyes widened, and he started coughing after swallowing. "It's bitter!" he exclaimed, spitting out what little remained in his mouth. "And it burns!"
Shintaro erupted into laughter, his deep, hearty voice echoing through the quiet afternoon. He patted Seijiro on the back, still laughing, and said, "That's why it's not for kids!" The memory faded, leaving seijiro standing in front of shintaro's grave.
As Seijiro turned back to leave, a sudden breeze swept through the cemetery, rustling the leaves and cooling the air around him. He stopped and turned, catching a fleeting glimpse of what looked like Shintaro's figure standing by the headstone, smiling at him. Seijiro blinked, knowing it was just his mind playing tricks, but the image lingered in his thoughts.
"I see… You were always that kind of person," he murmured with a small laugh, looking up at the sky. "I hope you've found peace… wherever you are."
With that, Seijiro turned and walked away, the weight of both grief and comfort settling in his heart.
Seijiro left the cemetery with a strange, yet calming sense of relief. It felt as though a small weight had been lifted from his chest, but the lingering sadness still clung to him. The air was cooler now, the breeze gentle as it brushed against his skin. The town seemed quieter than before, almost as if it was holding its breath.
When he arrived back at the convenience store, the clock on the wall inside read 4:23 PM. Standing just outside, arms crossed and leaning against the wall, was Sae Kushida. Her lips were wrapped around a lollipop, which she promptly removed when she caught sight of him.
"You're late," she said, her brows furrowing with mild irritation. "What took you so long?"
Seijiro scratched the back of his head, his other hand tucked awkwardly in his pocket. "Sorry, I didn't realize I'd take that long."
Sae's eyes narrowed in curiosity. "So? What were you doing?"
He hesitated for a moment, his voice dropping slightly. "I went to visit an old friend." There was a note of sadness in his words that Sae didn't miss.
She studied him for a beat, her curiosity still piqued, but she chose not to pry. Instead, she sighed dramatically, stepping away from the wall. "Alright, I'll forgive you if you buy me dinner," she said with a playful smirk. "Come on, let's go."
They began walking side by side, and the town's peaceful atmosphere enveloped them. It was a stark contrast to the bustling energy of Tokyo that Seijiro had grown accustomed to. Sae filled the silence with casual chatter, talking about her work and updates on some of their old classmates. Despite her efforts, Seijiro's thoughts were elsewhere, his mind wandering back to Shintaro's grave, the weight of memories still fresh in his heart.
"Hey, Seijiro, Seijiro?", she called again before her voice broke through his thoughts.
"Huh?" He blinked, snapping back to reality. "Yeah, what's up?"
"You've been really quiet. Are you okay?" Her expression softened, concern flickering in her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he lied, forcing a smile. It was unconvincing, even to himself.
Sae frowned, unconvinced. "If you're not feeling up for it, we can skip dinner. I don't mind."
"No, no," Seijiro quickly waved his hand dismissively. "I'm alright, really. I was just... thinking. What were you saying again?"
Sae studied him for another moment before deciding to let it slide. "I was asking how life's been for you in Tokyo."
"Oh, right." Seijiro nodded and began talking about his time in Tokyo. He mentioned how overwhelming the city was at first, how hard it was to adjust, but over time, he'd found his rhythm. He told her about his new friends, the ones who helped him get through the tough moments.
Sae listened attentively, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Looks like you've been doing fine, even though it was hard at the start."
"Yeah, more or less," he said with a small chuckle, feeling a bit lighter as they continued to walk.
Eventually, they arrived at a small diner, the warm glow from its windows spilling onto the street. As they stepped inside and took a sit, a waitress approached them with a polite smile. Sae immediately asked about one of their mutual friends, Shiho takina, who often worked at the diner. But the waitress informed them that today was Shiho's day off.
They moved on to place their orders—Seijiro asking for a simple sandwich and apple juice, while Sae opted for a slice of cake and an orange juice.
As they waited for their food, Sae leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table. "It's been a while since we've talked like this," she said, a playful glint in her eyes. "You disappeared off to Tokyo, and I didn't hear from you for ages. I missed hanging out with you."
Seijiro glanced at her, a genuine smile tugging at his lips this time. "Yeah, I missed it too. It feels like forever since we've had a chance to just sit and talk."
The waitress interrupted briefly to bring them their meals, and they resumed their conversation. They spent the next hour reminiscing about their school days, laughing at old memories and stories that now felt like they belonged to a different life.
Then, Sae's tone shifted slightly as she leaned back in her chair, her gaze more serious. "I've been meaning to ask... why did you come back?"
Seijiro's expression darkened as he stared at his glass of apple juice. "My grandma... She's not doing well. She collapsed at home and was admitted to the hospital. I came to see her."
"Oh..." Sae's voice softened, her earlier playfulness replaced with genuine sympathy. "I'm really sorry to hear that. You must've been worried sick." Her face fell slightly, and she bit her lip, looking apologetic. "And here I was, getting all mad at you earlier."
Seijiro shook his head. "It's fine. You didn't know."
Sae suddenly perked up with a determined look in her eyes. "I know! How about we visit her together? I'm sure it'll cheer her up to see another familiar face."
Seijiro looked at Sae for a moment, surprised by her sudden suggestion. He hadn't expected her to offer to visit his grandmother, but the idea brought a small sense of relief. Maybe it would lighten the mood.
"You don't have to do that," Seijiro replied softly, but Sae waved her hand dismissively.
"Nonsense! I haven't seen your grandma in forever. Besides, it'll take your mind off things. Come on, let's go after this!" she said with a bright smile.
He hesitated but eventually nodded. "Alright. She'd probably be happy to see you too."
Before Seijiro could respond, Sae was already standing up, looking as if she'd made up her mind. He couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Alright," he agreed, feeling grateful for her support.
Before heading to the hospital, Sae suddenly tugged on Seijiro's arm, stopping him in his tracks. "Wait! We can't go to visit your grandma empty-handed," she said with a mischievous grin. "Let's get her some flowers."
Seijiro blinked, then nodded, realizing it was a thoughtful idea. "Good thinking. There's a flower shop a block away."
They made a quick detour, heading toward a small flower shop nestled between some old buildings. The shop had a charming, rustic feel with wooden shelves filled with colorful blooms. As they walked in, the scent of fresh flowers filled the air.
Sae immediately gravitated toward a bunch of vibrant yellow chrysanthemums. "These are cheerful. I think she'll like them," she said, picking up the bouquet.
Seijiro looked around for a moment, considering. "She always liked lilies too," he said, picking up a few delicate white lilies to add to the bouquet.
They brought the flowers to the counter, and as the florist wrapped them up, Seijiro felt a small wave of gratitude wash over him. It was a simple gesture, but buying the flowers made him feel like he was doing something to lift his grandmother's spirits.
After they paid and left the shop, Sae teased him lightly, "See? You would've gone without flowers if it weren't for me. I saved you."
Seijiro chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, I owe you one."
With the flowers in hand, they headed back toward the hospital.
After they purchased the flower, the florist escorted them out saying please come again, they started walking back toward the hospital. The sun had begun to set, casting a warm orange hue over the town. The walk was quieter this time, and though Sae tried to keep up the conversation, Seijiro's thoughts kept drifting back to his grandmother. He couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him, especially after her ominous words earlier.
As they approached the hospital, Seijiro slowed down. Sae noticed his change in pace and glanced at him. "You sure you're okay?"
Seijiro nodded but didn't say anything. They walked into the hospital together, the sterile smell of the building hitting them as they entered. After checking in at the front desk, they made their way to his grandmother's room.
When they entered, Seijiro's grandmother was sitting up in bed, looking much more alert than before. Her face lit up when she saw Seijiro.
"Seijiro! You're back," she said warmly. Then, her eyes shifted to Sae, and her smile widened. "And you brought a friend?"
Sae stepped forward with a grin. "Hi, Grandma! It's been a long time, hasn't it?"
His grandmother laughed softly. "Sae-chan! I didn't expect to see you here. It's good to see you. How have you been?"
They exchanged pleasantries for a while, Sae chatting away about life, school, and work. Seijiro stood by quietly, feeling a little lighter as he watched his grandmother smile and laugh. It was a welcome sight after the worrying tension earlier in the day.
After a while, his grandmother turned to Seijiro. "You've always had such good friends. I'm glad you came to visit."
Seijiro smiled softly and nodded. "Of course, Grandma. I'll always be here for you."
For the first time that day, Seijiro felt a sense of calm. Whatever the future held, at least for this moment, everything seemed right. And for now, that was enough.