Episode 105: My Birthday (2)

I got off at a station about three stops away from the one nearest my home. The ticket gates were unmanned, and as it was just past midday, there was no one around.

Takizawa had been following me in silence ever since we set off.

Her face, which had been smiling at the aquarium, had returned to its usual serious expression.

We walked along a road dotted with rice paddies and the occasional detached house, with hardly anyone else in sight. I glance over at Takizawa, who looks rather puzzled.

And no wonder.

I haven’t told her where we’re going, so it must be a mystery to her why I’ve brought her to such a deserted place.

“Takizawa, could you wait here for a moment? There’s something I’d like to buy.”
“Right.”

I pop into a small, cosy florist’s shop situated along the straight road.

Takizawa waits quietly outside.

　Takizawa is being very obedient today.

The thought that I might never see Takizawa like this again makes me feel a little sad and amused, and a smile slips out.

‘Hello, Hashinuma-san. The usual, please?’
‘Oh, Hina-chan. I was expecting you today and was waiting for you. But isn’t this unusual? You usually come early in the morning, don’t you?’

Hashinuma-san runs the only florist’s in the neighbourhood; she’s a very friendly and kind lady.

‘I had plans this morning.’
‘Oh, Hina-chan… was that with the girl outside?’

　For some reason, Hashinuma-san was looking outside with a smirk on her face.

‘Yes. We’re out together today.’
‘Why don’t you introduce her sometime?’

　Hashinuma-san said this and ruffled my hair.

‘I’m so glad to see Hina-chan looking so happy. Here, your usual order is ready.’

　Hashinuma-san handed me two bunches. She had looked after me on this day every year. And I intend to keep stopping by here in the future.

‘Hashinuma-san! If I get into university, I’ll be moving to another prefecture next year. I might not be able to come on this exact day, but I’ll definitely come every year, so would it be alright if I asked you again then?’
‘Of course. I’ll be looking forward to it every year.’

　Hashinuma-san’s eyes widened, then she smiled, came over and gave me a hug. I hugged her back just as tightly.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s fine.”

　With the florist’s behind me, I set off. After walking alongside Takizawa for about fifteen minutes, we arrived at a fairly large temple.

　Takizawa, who had been silent the whole time, had her eyes and mouth wide open.

“The person you wanted to meet, Endo-san…”
“Yeah. Sorry for bringing you here without saying anything. Every year on this day, I come to visit my mum and dad.”

　I filled a bucket with water and placed a small bowl inside it, all the while chatting with Takizawa.

　As I started walking, Takizawa snatched the bucket from behind me.

‘It’s fine, Takizawa. It’s heavy, isn’t it?’
‘Where is it?’

　Takizawa, who didn’t know the way, was walking ahead. I broke into a light jog to catch up with her.

　My father and mother are buried a little way up the hill.

　Summer was over, but the temperature was still high, and sweat was dripping down my face. Takizawa, carrying the heavy bucket, looked to be having an even harder time.

‘It’s here—’

　I swept and polished around the grave and placed a bouquet of flowers there. Takizawa helped me without saying a word.

‘I’ve got this strange obsession with doing it on this particular day… I’m sorry for dragging you along.’

　Actually, there is a proper reason.

　On the day my parents gave birth to me, before anyone else celebrates me, I want to tell my mum and dad, ‘Thank you for bringing me into this world.’

“It’s fine. It’s just that I’d prefer you to let me know about things like this in advance. I’d have liked to prepare the offerings properly.”

　Takizawa lit the incense I’d brought out and pressed her hands together in prayer. I really love that kind, gentle side of her.

　I placed my incense on the altar and pressed my hands together too.

Mum and Dad, how are you both?

　I turned eighteen today.
　I’m an adult now.

　I can’t drink yet, but I’d like to have a drink with you both when I’m old enough, so I’ll bring some alcohol then.

　There’s someone I’d like you both to meet, so I’ve brought her along.

　Takizawa Hoshizora

　She’s a classmate of mine, and I’m in love with her.

　If it’s possible, I’d love for us to become each other’s, and have a relationship like the one you two had.

　There have been many hard times and painful moments, but I’m glad I’ve made it this far.

　I’m glad I’ve met such wonderful people.

　I’d like to say this to you both once again.

　Thank you for bringing me into this world――.

　Tears were streaming from my eyes, which I’d closed without realising, and I couldn’t stop them.

When I gently opened my eyes, my vision was blurry, and I felt as though Mum and Dad were standing there in front of me, smiling.

I wiped away my tears and stood up.

But the tears wouldn’t stop, and I just stood there, frozen.

I wish Mum and Dad were still alive.

I wanted to tell them these words whilst they were still here.

‘……hh, ugh……’

The emotions inside me overflowed so much that I couldn’t hold them back, no matter how hard I tried.

As I struggled to breathe, Takizawa’s scent drifted gently into my nostrils. Takizawa held me tightly yet gently, so I ended up burying my face in her shoulder.

‘T-tears…… I’ll get your clothes wet……’

　I tried to pull away from Takizawa, but she wouldn’t let me. Her warmth wrapped softly around me, making my chest feel all warm and cosy.

　Takizawa said nothing, but kept holding me close.

　The sunset turned a deep red, and the sun was about to set.

　My emotions had settled down by then, and although I didn’t want to let go, I released Takizawa.

“Sorry. I’m fine now.”

　I don’t know what she thought of my words, but Takizawa picked up her things and started walking.

　The fabric on Takizawa’s right shoulder had changed colour.

　So as not to be left behind, I said a final goodbye and ran after her.

‘Dad, Mum, we’ll be back again next year.’

　I told them that, and walked away.