Fifty Words for Rain(69)
But she was not sure anymore.
He had become so unpleasant towards her lately—never in front of Akira, of course—that it had become second nature to avoid him. Their nighttime meetings were gradually fading away to nothing.
Thankfully, he had chosen not to come.
Nori did not have to share her brother with anyone, and that was just the way she liked it.
Akira cast her a suspicious glance. “You’re awfully quiet today.”
He was carrying a pack full of things he’d bought for her on his back. It was already fit to burst. He was carrying three yakitori skewers wrapped in paper in his free hand.
She stuck her tongue out. “I’m not plotting anything, Oniichan. I’m just happy to spend time with you.”
Akira’s face softened and he smiled. “I am sorry I’ve been so busy. Composing is difficult. And I’m just a few exams away from finishing school. I just want to get things right.”
“You do everything right,” she assured him. “I am sure this will be no different.”
He kissed her knuckles. “Ever the optimist, aren’t you, little one?”
She beamed. Akira’s mood had been sunny for weeks now. He always had a kind word or a fleeting touch; sometimes he even gave her little pieces of candy or bows for her hair.
“Not so little,” she protested playfully. “Catching up to you every day.”
He laughed. “Not quite.”
She pressed her palm against his heart. “It’s time to make my wish. Will you get me a lantern?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Do you still believe in that kind of thing?”
“Hai.”
She expected a reprimand, but he just sighed and went off to do as she asked.
A group of boys ran past her and knocked her off-balance. She took two steps back, trying not to fall, and felt a hand grasp her elbow. Her right ankle rolled and she felt something twist. She turned to face a short man wearing a large pair of glasses.
“Ah . . . arigatou. I didn’t mean to.”
He showed her a gap-toothed smile. “You’re welcome, chibi hime. It’s no trouble at all.”
Little princess.
She frowned. “You . . . you know who I am?”
He bowed very low. “Only in passing. I am Hiromoto. I own the antique shop on the other side of Chiba. I used to see your noble brother’s father from time to time. You would have no way of knowing a poor man like me.”
At once she felt her guilt flare up. “I’m sorry, I . . . I didn’t . . .”
“No, no, no need. I won’t keep you. But if you ever have a free afternoon, I would be honored if you would stop by my shop.” He smiled at her again. “I think you will be impressed. I have a large collection of rare and beautiful things.”
She inclined her head. He swept her another bow and disappeared back into the crowd.
She felt Akira tap her lightly on the top of her head. “Aho. Why are you standing in the middle of the road?”
“Gomen, Oniichan. I didn’t notice.”
He handed her a blue paper lantern with a lit candle already inside. “Are you ever going to tell me what you wish for?”
Nori was indignant. “No!”
He laughed at her. “Well, get on with it. We should get home before it gets too late.”
She squeezed her eyes shut and let the lantern float upwards until it was lost among all the others and there was no way of telling them apart.
Dear God,
Please don’t change anything. This is just fine.
Ai,
Nori
She opened her eyes and yawned.
“Home?” Akira asked.
She nodded.
“Well then, you walk ahead. You should know the way.”
Nori hesitated. “I twisted my ankle.”
Akira frowned. “How?”
“I tripped. Back there.”
He rolled his eyes.
“Come on. I’ll carry you.”
She tried not to look eager but obviously failed.
Akira shifted his pack to the front to make room for her on his back. “It’s just for today. Ne?”
“Mm-hm.”
“I mean it, Nori. It’s ridiculous.”
“I know, Nii-san.”
He crouched down, and she hopped onto his back, wrapping her arms and legs around him like a koala clinging to a sturdy branch.
They walked all the way home like that, and she let herself drift into a half sleep, basking in the smell of his bath soap and the smoky aroma of barbecued meats from the festival.
They went in through the back gate, through the garden. He laid her underneath her favorite tree, and she realized that he had never stopped watching her. He still knew her better than anyone. The rift that had been growing between them had all but mended, without a single word needing to be said.
He handed her a lollipop. “Don’t stay out here too long.”
Nori smiled up at him. “Strawberry?”
“Of course. Oyasumi.”
“Good night.”
She watched him slide open the wooden screen door. The light hit him and his shadow fell over her. Then the door shut and he was gone.
Nori finished her candy and watched the stars. She liked to imagine that if she could climb to the very top of the old tree, she would be able to grab hold of them and stitch them together.