Chapter 3

Leaving the academic grounds behind, Yoriko—like a leaf swept away by the autumn wind—began her journey home. Her mind was filled with thoughts of a hot bath to soothe her tired muscles, a delicious dinner to satisfy her appetite, and a restful sleep that would carry her into the arms of Morpheus. Every step brought her closer to the comfort of her house, to that sense of peace and tranquility she only found there. The image of her bed, soft and welcoming, filled her with a sense of well-being—a relief from the day’s fatigue. Yoriko longed for the moment she could leave her worries behind and immerse herself in the warmth of her home, a place where she could be herself, without masks or pretenses.

As Yoriko walked through streets lit by lampposts that looked like earthly stars, the city stretched out before her like a nocturnal canvas. Cast-iron poles, adorned with intricate designs, held the fixtures that cast an amber glow onto the cobblestone sidewalks. The shadows of the tall, majestic buildings stretched out like sleeping giants, their dark windows resembling closed eyes.

Each of Yoriko’s steps resonated in the silence of the night like a sigh in the wind. The cool air caressed her face, carrying away the day's concerns and making room for stillness. In the distance, the sound of a solitary violin rose above the silence, a melancholy lament lost in the night.

The city, in its nocturnal quiet, seemed to breathe. The scent of jasmine flowers peeking from balconies mingled with the smell of damp earth and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the bakeries. The tree leaves, still green despite the autumn, moved gently in the breeze, whispering secrets to the wind.

Yoriko paused for a moment to admire the city's beauty. The night sky, peppered with brilliant stars, reflected the city lights, creating a magical spectacle. The lampposts, with their orange halos, illuminated the streets like a path into the night. In that instant, Yoriko felt a deep peace wash over her—a sense of belonging to that silent, magical world.

She cherished the peace provided by the solitude of the night; it was a time to connect with her inner self, to reflect on her day, and to dream of the future. The beauty of the twilight sky, the soft breeze against her skin, and the stillness of the sleeping city filled her with harmony. It was a moment to be grateful for life, for the beauty surrounding her, and for the hope that kept her moving forward.

Crossing the threshold of her home, she was greeted by the comforting presence of her grandmother, a woman nearing eighty. The wrinkles on her face were like lines on a map, each telling a story of lived experiences and lessons learned. But despite her age, Yoriko’s grandmother was a force of nature, an inexhaustible source of energy and vitality. She was always in motion, always ready for a new adventure. Her grandmother was a beacon of wisdom and love for Yoriko, a source of inspiration and unconditional support. Her words, full of experience and understanding, always found a place in Yoriko’s heart, guiding her through difficult times and celebrating her achievements. Her presence, like a warm hug, filled the home with a special energy—a feeling of love and security that made Yoriko feel protected and cherished.

The scent of green tea and cypress wood enveloped her instantly, evoking the warmth and familiarity of a traditional Japanese home.

The house, a two-story wooden structure with an interior garden, stood with simplicity and elegance. The walls of translucent rice paper allowed the moonlight to filter through softly, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The floor, covered in straw tatami mats, invited one to take off their shoes and feel the soft, pleasant texture underfoot.

In the entryway, a small altar dedicated to the ancestors, adorned with fresh flowers and a smoking incense burner, welcomed visitors. In the living room, a tokonoma—a space dedicated to displaying art or flowers—held a seasonal floral arrangement, an ikebana, reflecting the beauty and harmony of nature.

In the dining area, a low wooden table, a kotatsu, was covered with a quilted comforter and an electric heater that provided warmth on chilly days. Around the table were traditional zabuton cushions for comfortable seating. In the kitchen, a small gas stove and a variety of traditional utensils were kept in perfect order. The home was a space of peace and harmony, a reflection of her grandmother’s simple and traditional life. Every corner was filled with details that spoke of the wisdom and beauty of Japanese culture.

Sitting together at the table, amidst an exchange of words and laughter, Yoriko couldn’t help but share the feeling of emptiness that haunted her. The old woman, with the wisdom of years in her eyes, took her hand and assured her that she, too, had experienced that feeling in her youth. She explained that she had been lucky enough to find her soulmate, and when she did, she knew from the very first moment that they were destined to be together. She assured Yoriko that when she least expected it, she would find someone who would help her fill that void—or perhaps, she would learn to find happiness in her own company.

After dinner, Yoriko retreated to her room, her thoughts fluttering like butterflies in her mind. Soon, the embrace of sleep enveloped her, carrying her away to a world of dreams.

She found herself walking across a moor, a place that felt strangely familiar and gave her a sense of safety. The stars in the sky seemed brighter, as if they were guiding her way. But something was different this time: a solitary silhouette stood out in the distance. Despite the gap between them, something deep inside told her she should move closer—that what she would find at the end of her path would be worth it.

With every step, she felt more certain of her decision. As she drew closer to the figure, a feeling of peace and tranquility flooded her—a sensation she had never experienced before. The wind whispered words of encouragement, carrying the promise of a transcendental encounter.

But just as she was about to reach the figure, her world began to fade. The deafening sound of the alarm clock tore her away from her dream, announcing the start of a new day.

Now, Yoriko would have to wait until the next night to try and discover the identity of the figure in her dream... or perhaps, she would never dream of him again. But in her heart, the seed of hope had been planted. She knew that fate held unimaginable surprises for her and that the universe was conspiring in her favor.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***