Midnight Confidential

Another Interlude

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
January 30

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

A curious piece of correspondence arrived today.

It goes on to explain -- quite in detail -- how Mr. Midnight went undercover to look for Yamato Aki-san. I wonder why he felt the need to go on the defensive. I certainly wasn't asking for an explanation. Anyway, Aki-chan is a wonderful girl and I am extremely glad to hear that she is safe and that she did not run away from home. Extremely. Over the moon with joy.

Maybe I am just a tad disappointed that I haven't gone to anywhere exciting since I started working for him. Lucky mistaken-runaways.

Midori

Home

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:57:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
January 3

To my dear family:

I am writing this two days since I said goodbye to you. It was indeed very nice to be back home, spending the holidays with all of you and forgetting about the city's problems. Kumiko-san and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you again for all your presents. Please don't worry about us too much. We hope to be back there very soon.

Enjoy the new year!

Always,
Midori (with Kumiko right beside me)

Rainy Days and Sundays

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:03:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
November 23

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

Just a short note so I won't worry you again. It was a lovely rainy day today so Chris-neesan took me outdoors. She says she still owes me since we never got to celebrate my birthday but I assured her that it was all right with me.

Kumiko-san is out looking for a job now that she's here in Faux-kyo. I want to write to Mr. Midnight and recommend her but I can't seem to get a hold of my employer these days. I wonder what he's up to...

Your Midori

An Apology

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:20:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
November 13

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

First, an apology. I have absolutely no excuse to cease writing for nearly half a year. No excuse. Has it really been that long? I am extremely sorry. I am grateful, though, that Ojiisan hasn't stormed Faux-kyo to look for me. Did you have anything to do with that, Chihiro-basan?

I know you'd like it better if I wrote more, aside from making the occasional phone call. I will attempt to remedy that by giving you a summary of the things that I have not spoken of during our phone conversations.

First, Mr. Midnight returned from his unexpected trip to Vietnam. He brought home a dog, perhaps as an apology for his abrupt departure. A few months after, he took another trip, this time to Singapore -- but this time, he did manage to say goodbye. In his own way. I'll try not to go into the details; you might find it boring. He has not shown his face since then, so I've been left to deal with a few odds and ends at work and have devoted more of my time to my studies. You will be proud. Only, I wish my employer was back -- and only because I have other things to attend instead of minding his business! You understand, don't you?

Second, I was surprised to find Shin-chan here! Of course, he hates that I call him -chan, but I guess I haven't broken the habit. He will always be such a little boy to me! He says he joined a rock band, and I'm quite excited to hear him play. I suspect I might not like those bars he's always in, but I am determined to support him in this endeavor! Have his parents mentioned anything like this to you?

Finally, who else would come to Faux-kyo but Kumiko! Yes, the same Kumiko who has lived right next door to us nearly all my life! I must admit that thought she was a thief at first, so you can imagine my extreme relief to discover that I was wrong. Kumiko confessed that she had followed Shin to Faux-kyo. Who knew that she was so head over heels in love? I wouldn't have figured out on my own. Kumiko is usually glued to her computers; I never thought she would find anything -- or anyone -- half as interesting as them!

Anyway, that's all that's been happening around here! I hope things get a little livelier soon. I never thought I would say something like this but... it's too quiet. But please don't worry. I promise that I won't give you anything to worry about in the future.

Forgive me?
Your Midori

An Interlude

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Sat, 10 May 2008 05:47:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
May 9

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

Eager as you may be to know what happened to Ms. Vance's case, I am still in the process of organizing my notes. I wrote, however, to tell you that once that case had been wrapped up, my employer suddenly disappeared. Oh, of course I don't mean disappeared as a coin would in a magician's hand -- more like he just left without telling me where he was going! The nerve! Yes, I know, I am well aware that he is under no obligation to tell me what he does in his spare time, but I just thought... well, never mind.

So you can imagine my astonishment when I received this:

It was rather thoughtful of him, wouldn't you agree?

Fondly,
Your Midori

Case 01: Scarlet's Letter (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:48:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
April 22

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

Where was I? Oh, yes.

After we said goodbye to Miss Scarlet Vance, we immediately got to work.

Seth: Midori, I want you everything you can dig up on Simon Yamada. There's something I want to check out on this blackmail letter Miss Vance received.

Midori: Acknowledged.

He did some scribbling on the blackmail letter while I scoured the internet and the local paper. A few minutes later, he glanced up at me smugly.

Seth: My suspicions have been confirmed. An indentation of Simon Yamada's signature was left on the letter. Even if he didn't write this, we can be certain that this page was indeed from his own stationery. But why resort to blackmail if he's so rich--?

Midori: Not according to this gossip column. It seems that Yamada-san is quite the gambler. This insinuates that the only thing keeping his investments -- including the Hub -- afloat are the fundraising efforts done by his secretary, a Miss Naomi Snow.

Seth: Why don't we go to the Hub and pay Miss Snow a visit? Let's see what she has to say about all this.

So Seth had me disguised as a reporter doing a feature on the Hub. As luck would have had it, we immediately ran into Snow-san.

Naomi: Excuse me, but the club opens at 10 PM.

Midori: Ya don't say? You're Naomi Snow, right? Recognized ya from the paper. I'm uh... Maddie Moore from uh... Midnight Daily. Think ya can gimme an interview on the new fundraising event Mr. Yamada's cooked up?

Naomi: Always a pleasure! I'm glad the press has caught wind of this great event; I sent out PR materials a week ago but no one's really contacted me for a story--

Of course I had to let Snow-san talk on about their fundraiser. Her eyes lit up as she babbled on and on about Simon Yamada's visionary leadership; the woman obviously had it bad. I knew, though, that sooner or later I had to move in for the kill.

Midori: So, yeah, ya think Mr. Yamada's latest squeeze will be there? His new girl... uh, Scarlet Vance?

Naomi: Where did you hear that? Mr. Yamada and Miss Vance have absolutely nothing to do with each other. There are more things worthy of Mr. Yamada's time than that two-faced spoiled brat. Please do not mention a word of her in your paper -- having her name linked to Mr. Yamada's will certainly be his undoing. Well, if you'll excuse me...

Seth came up to me as Snow-san walked away.

Seth: She may have done her job to deny the rumors between Simon and Scarlet, but it looks like there's no love lost between her and our client, huh?

Midori: And let's not forget that as Simon's trusted secretary, she'd have unlimited access to that stationery.

Seth: But... Midnight Daily? That makes no sense at all. Was that the best you could come up with?

Midori: If you don't like it, then maybe you should do it next time.

Seth: Where did you get those hideous glasses anyway?

Midori: From your desk.

Seth: Oh. Okay.

I'm sure Seth of the I-made-certain-those-glasses-were-hidden fame would have my head once he gets wind that I am sharing the details of this case with you, but I don't care! I would love it if you were here with me every step of the way.

Midori

Case 01: Scarlet's Letter

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:51:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
April 13

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

She had legs up to here and lips the color of an angry sky. When she entered the room, she didn't even glance in my direction; she headed straight for Seth, as if she knew instinctively who was in charge. Or maybe I really look like the hired help.

She said her name was Scarlet Vance.

Vance-san pouted her blood-red lips as she laid out her dilemma before us. It seemed that she had received a blackmail letter a few weeks ago.

Eager to shut the blackmailer up, she placed one thousand dollars in an unlined envelope, which she slipped into a garbage can in the park. She thought that was the end of it. A few days later, the blackmailer had written back, asking for more.

Seth: What was he blackmailing you over, Miss Vance?

Scarlet: My father owns the Vance Group of Companies, which runs restaurants and clubs and other establishments in the city. A young upstart named Simon Yamada has been aggressively challenging him and my father hates his guts. Simon also happens to be my boyfriend. We've always been very discreet! But this blackmailer sent me a photo of us together and threatened to send it to Daddy. My father would kill me -- or worse, take away my inheritance -- if he found out!

Was I supposed to say poor little rich girl? Vance-san didn't seem to strike as one who was looking for sympathy.

Seth: Can you tell me a bit more about this photo? Where were you? Who could have seen you together then?

Scarlet: It was taken at Simon's club called Hub. We've always had absolute privacy. No one knows we're dating, except for his secretary.

I asked if we could see the letter. Vance-san looked startled, as if she had forgotten all about me. She handed the letter to Seth, who examined it carefully.

Seth: What's this mark here?

Scarlet: Oh... I've never noticed that before! It's Hub's logo. It's printed on all their correspondence.

Midori: The dance club has official stationery? No matter how many people go there every night, I don't suppose just anyone could have access to the company stationery.

Seth: Then we know where to start looking.

Well, one thing's certain: things are starting to heat up at Midnight Confidential!

Midori

Longing

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:28:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
April 6

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

Nothing makes me more homesick than an afternoon at Little Tokyo. There is little in the city in the way of greenery, so I crave for every little hint of home. Last weekend, my employer and I joined a few of our other friends and acquaintances for an afternoon of food, photography, and good company. I saw Sachiko-san again, but she was quite preoccupied elsewhere. Seth was unbent enough to accompany me the entire day.

Again, Chris-neesan wanted to document each moment, and she wasn't taking no for an answer! But it was obvious that I found myself an unexpected ally in Mr. Midnight.

Midori: Excuse me, Chris-neesan? You really want me to sit on this rock? Aren't you afraid I'll fall?

Seth: Uh... I suppose if I put my arm here, you'd be better supported.

Midori: Okay... Thank you, then.

Midori: What a great shady spot! Let's take a picture... but uhm, you can remove your arm now, Mr. Midnight.

Seth: There was a beetle.

Midori: What kind? Is it a Trechinae Carabidae?

Seth: More like Invisibilae.

Midori: An Invisibilae Carabidae? I don't recall being familiar with one of that species.

Seth: Recent discovery.

Was he laughing behind my back? I really have no idea what to make of him. One minute he's very solicitous of others, the next one he gives me the brush-off. I'm still glad that he was more than civil that day. Towards the end of the afternoon, we realized that we had somehow broken away from the others, but that didn't seem to bother my business-like employer. We ended up spreading a picnic blanket on the ground; I presented him with some cakes and pastries that I made for the occasion. Seth seemed to like it. He seems to like a lot of things these days.

And somehow, at the end of the day, I wasn't really as homesick as I thought I was.

Always,
Midori

A Day at the (Other) Office

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:09:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
March 12

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

Perhaps taking pity on my overworked state, Chris-neesan took Seth and me to her new office. The place is a rather big studio of red and white walls. So very industrial and modern. I confess an ignorance to interior design, but from the approving looks of Chris-neesan's colleagues, it must be quite impressive. Large block letters that spell out their company's name greets visitors at their reception area, which Chris-neesan declared the perfect place for our photoshoot.

Notice that Seth and I were joined with another person. He was Mr. Grey St. John, but there was barely enough time to speak with him. I found it quite rude that Seth insisted on staying away from him. I was too tired to argue with him this time, but I do hope that I'll have better sense than to listen to Seth the next time we encounter Mr. St. John. I am not quite sure if you will approve of him, Obaasan, with his wild looks, but he gave me no reason to doubt that he was a perfect gentleman.

Maybe I'm not giving Seth enough credit, though. For all his cool posturing, he does seem to look out after me. Of course, he looks out for the Agency first and foremost, but perhaps I come a distant second. Today he made sure that I ate properly and he never left my side even when Chris-neesan did. Now, now, don't get mad at Chris-neesan; she had other things on her mind. Besides, as I pointed out, it was not as if I was really alone.

Yours,
Midori

The Different Roles We Play

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:24:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
February 27

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

I suppose I should have clarified what it meant to be Seth Midnight's assistant. After a few days of filing his paperwork, he hands me my first 'assignment.'

I should not have been thrilled. Here was how our conversation went:

Midori: You want me to go to a garage? Was there a car theft?

Seth: No, they need someone to fill in during the 3-6 shift for the next five days.

Midori: So I'm to go undercover? Why, is the boss harassing his employees? Is the garage a front for a drug-smuggling operation?

He clears his throat, looks deeps into my eyes, and says...

Seth: Midori, we operate a detective agency that just might find us dealing with the other side of the law. We can't very well advertise ourselves as such. We let our clients find us -- and believe me, if they're desperate enough, they will find us. So to the rest of the world, Midnight Confidential doesn't exist. What does exist is the Midnight Cleaners and Temp Services.

Midori: The Midnight whatta--?

Seth: (goes back to reading his paper) I knew from the get-go your obsessive-compulsiveness was just what I needed to operate. I'm temping you out at 3 PM. I hope that I will not need to remind you to be punctual.

So there I was, unaware of what dual overhead cams were, and suddenly I needed to know how a car worked. And we never even owned one! I suppose Ojiisan's prediction that 'we're going to need one in the future' was somehow right, Obaasan. Anyway, it was lucky for Midnight Cleaners and Temp Services, I was a quick study -- at least, enough of a quick study to tell the camshaft from the crankshaft and not be an embarrassment to anyone. I rather thought I did well, all things considered.

(Except for that time when I forgot to change a client's piston rings. I did apologize profusely.)

Of course, being a garage mechanic was only the beginning. Fortunately, though, Seth seemed to pick up that I wasn't too keen on getting jobs like that so the next one he gave me was comparably cleaner -- I worked as a waitress at a sushi restaurant. It was a good thing I had previous experience waiting on people that this time, it didn't seem like a task at all.

I discovered something surprising, though. When I returned to the office late one night, I found Seth Midnight sleeping on his desk.

Funny how he didn't look the least bit cold or sarcastic while he was sleeping. I suppose it would have been strange if he did. I often wondered what the man did during the day aside from read his newspaper or scribble his notes while I slaved away on his temp jobs but there was something almost vulnerable about him in that position that I lost my irritation.

I thought maybe I would just tell him tomorrow.

Your Midori

His New Assistant

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 06:13:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
February 9

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

When Mr. Seth Midnight unexpectedly called and asked me to meet with him, I was more than prepared to engage in a verbal tussle. I am aware that I had let my emotions get the better of me during our previous exchanged but I was now ready to meet him head-on.

So imagine my surprise when he said he wanted me to be his assistant. It seems that Mr. Midnight is a detective, and he was pretty impressed with the way I broke into his office. Also, he claimed that my paper showed clear thinking, excellent organization, and an almost obsessive attention to detail. I was floored.

(Again, I shall quote him verbatim. I suppose if I will be recounting all my conversations you shall have to get used to this.)

Seth: So will you take the job, Midori-san? Or will you have to consult your grandparents in Miyajima first?

Midori: H-how did you know that?

Seth: When I said I was in the business of investigating, please don't mistake it for haphazard fabrication of theories. I am good at what I do. You smell distinctly of vanilla, and you left that scent in this room when you personally delivered your paper which, by the way was impeccable, save for that tiny smudge of food on the last page. Upon closer examination, I deduced that it is dragonfruit-flavored momiji manju. While momiji manju is not exclusive to your island of Miyajima, the only shop to produce such a flavor is located there. Someone must have sent it to you. And since Miyajima is so small, a quick look at the registry shows only one listing for a Mori family -- an elderly couple and their locksmith daughter, your aunt. Am I right?

I couldn't even nod. But was this man ever long-winded!

Seth: Or actually, I could have just called your former employer and asked. She did mention that one of your best qualities was that you were even-tempered and practical. You no longer have a job. I am offering you one. While it seems that we have started off on the wrong foot, I can assure you that as long as you do as you're instructed we will have a very efficient working relationship.

Put like that, how could I refuse? So that was how I ended up working for Midnight Confidential.

Practically,
Your Midori

The Insufferable Seth Midnight

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:23:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
January 29

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

It is quite possible that I have met the most insufferable man on the planet.

By now you know how much I've enjoyed working at Barbie's. Well, I was eagerly on my way there when I noticed a strange sight. The sign on the cafe door read 'Closed", which was a shock in itself, but there was also the fact that our chairs and tables were piled outside.

When the door opened, I came face to face with said insufferable man. I immediately demanded to know where Barbie-san and the others were and what he was doing to our cafe.

(At this point, I feel compelled to repeat our argument verbatim so that you may the kind of person I was dealing with.)

Seth: My name is Seth Midnight. The previous proprietor agreed to sell the building to me, so I've shut down the the establishment previously operating here. As to her whereabouts, it is of little significance to me so I didn't bother obtaining that information.

Midori: B-but this is where we work! This is what Barbie-san does for a living!

Seth: True, the owner was a bit discombobulated when I paid her cash for this space, but she seemed only too happy to take the money home.

Midori: I don't know where you're from but around here, those things just aren't done without proper notice.

Seth: May I point out that the fact that it has happened constitutes a possibility?

Midori: You can't just do that!

Seth: I think you have a severe problem accepting facts.

The man was infuriating! I stomped away. I knew I wasn't going to get anywhere.

Instead, I made sure I had the right ammuntion. I went home and researched ideal courses of action that would benefit all parties involved -- and if he wasn't satisfied with that, I also detailed legal actions that I would take for Barbie-san's sake. It took me all day and all night but the results were worth it.

But the building was locked when I visited it the next day. But did I let that stop me? Of course not. Chihiro-basan, I hope you know that there is an exception to every rule and Mr. Seth Midnight is one such exception. So I used everything you taught about lock-picking, broke in, and left my excellent paper on his desk. Believe me, that's ALL I DID! I certainly refused to touch anything else in that office.

You see, I was pretty sure that he would have just thrown my paper away if I had left it outside his door. I had to make sure that he read it, and of course, I wanted to get his attention.

That got his attention all right; he called me that evening and offered me a job.

I swear, he is the most irritating, impossible, -- confusing -- man that I have ever met.

Midori

A Home of My Own

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:15:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
January 23

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

Now I know what the surprise Chris-neesan had been cooking up! She has given me my own personal space. Not that I didn't have my own room before, just that it wasn't as private as this one. Isn't it lovely?

The room was bare when I first saw it, as expected, but Chris-neesan and I still shared a small housewarming meal to get things going. Then we slowly added some stuff here and there: green wallpaper (as it has always been my favorite color), a cozy pink bed, a small green and blue vanity table, and even prints of my favorite Van Gogh paintings. I bought the prints with my hard-earned money from my part-time job; I am so pleased.

Chris-neesan had asked me to sew a few things a few weeks ago, and I suspect that they will find their place here. She promises that we will have curtains and other things soon, and I can't wait. Even if this room still a work in progress, I've realized that it's lovely to have all this space to myself. I can slip off my shoes and just relax -- and find things to ruminate over!

I don't have enough room for you right now, but I'd love for it if you can come visit me sometime. Please say you will?

Your Midori

Being Mori

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:57:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
January 21

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

Chris-neesan had her good friend Brian-niisan over this weekend. Delighted to have someone to show around, she took us to a mangrove forest that covered the coastline. It was my first time at such a place. There were almost 70 hectares of mangroves stretching out to the city; the thought is simply mind-boggling. The forest loomed thick and tall around us but it was comforting, in a way. Maybe this comes from being a Mori, ne? ^^ ; (Forgive my silly jokes, Chihiro-basan; I know you're not laughing!)

It was a long walk through the forest as we made our way across a narrow foot bridge. We even crossed a river to get to where we wanted to go! You know that I normally do not shy away from hikes, but that foot bridge seemed too rickety to me that I stayed close to Chris-neesan.

I felt better when we reached the beach. Chris-neesan and Brian-niisan rented a small cottage where they could just talk and eat banh mi, some Vietnamese sandwiches they brought from home. It was quite windy that morning, which Chris-neesan seemed to love because it was so relaxing. She let her feet dangle from the cottage as she leaned out over the beach. She bid me do the same, gesturing towards a nearby tree. I had my fears, of course, but I still gave it a try.

Finally, when they had exhausted nearly every other topic of conversation known to man, they decided that it was time to head home. This time, I wasn't so dubious of the foot bridge and took a couple of tentative steps of my own. Somehow, Chris-neesan had goaded Brian-niisan into taking a few photos of me. There were definitely more photos of me than there were of the two of them!

Was I exhausted after that long walk? Not a bit! I suppose when I think of how important such a mangrove plantation is in protecting the coastline, I feel rejuvenated that there are still a lot of things that we can do. Itsukishima is not the only natural treasure I know!

Waiting for the world to change,
Your Midori

A Cultural Experience

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:36:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
January 13

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

I hope you don't think that I've forgotten to write you. Chris-neesan has been grinning madly since we returned from the beach, and I've been quite at a loss as to what this bodes for me. She has gotten me to sew all sorts of things like curtains and mats and pillows. Being a dutiful guest, I can only comply.

In between all the sewing, I have been dutiful attending my classes. Work at Barbie's has gotten much more fun lately. A co-worker celebrated his birthday there recently so I have photos of myself in my uniform. I know you've been asking me to send more photos of the cafe, Ojiisan, but I can hardly find a reason to take a photo of myself at work. Thankfully, now, I can send you some, if you can wait for those pictures to be developed.

Here is something to tide you over, though: a photo of me getting a cultural education, as Chris-neesan puts it. I've viewed icons from Russia, tribal masks from Africa, antique carvings from Mexico... a delightful study aid. Here, I am standing before a Southeast Asian chest with mother-of-pearl inlay. The chest is beautiful, but it is only one of the many treasures I've seen recently. I think you'll remember, Chihiro-basan, that you once made a lock for something similar.

Speaking of locks, I am happy to report that Chris-neesan has not locked herself out of her room in two weeks. It is quite the record.

Your Midori

Life's a Beach

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:24:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
January 2

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

So this is how your Midori got to spend the new year -- at a beach! Chris-neesan has been laboring to keep me out of the doldrums ever since I found out that Eowyn-san wasn't coming. So she took me to the beach to lift my spirits, and it certainly worked wonders! We had to leave Tonic behind, though, since it was quite difficult to bring a cat with us.

When we got there, we were welcomed by Chris-neesan's friends, Jamie-neesan and Gino-niisan, who were on their honeymoon. I'm glad that they didn't seem to mind we were there.

Chris-neesan and I took a walk by the beach, where she insisted on snapping a few photos of me by some rocks. I am a bit embarrassed to be sharing them with you because I seem to be overly preening here. Not at all becoming of a young lady. But Chris-neesan assures me that the shots are tasteful and flattering, so I suppose that's fine. I was a bit afraid of falling into the water Chris-neesan and her friends made sure that no harm came to me.

Later in the day, we took it easy and spent a few minutes just relaxing under the shade first. I even fell asleep on a cozy hammock. It was so perfect! You'd love this place, Chihiro-basan; it just takes all your stress away.

I took home a little souvenir with me, a tiny shell that Gino-niisan found by the shore. I think it is a Nassa verrucosa or a Strombus variabilis. I hope you're not too disappointed with me, Ojiisan, for forgetting my sea lore. I promise to study up on them when I find the time between classes and my part-time job.

I wasn't eager to leave this paradise of a beach just yet, but all good things must come to an end. But I know that this is only the beginning of a new year -- I'm sure to see more surprises come my way. Life is interesting! So I do hope you're enjoying your new year as much as I am and that we'll see each other soon.

Your Midori

A Midori Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:12:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
December 27

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

A very merry Christmas to you all! Have you received my presents? I made sure that I used the special delivery option so that you could receive them in time for the holidays. I hope you like the model car, Ojiisan; I know that you've had your eye on that particular one for ages now. I think that Obaasan won't mind you tinkering with it too much, though, since I got her a Luciano Pavarotti CD to keep her occupied as well. I can imagine her listening to it over and over again.

Chris-neesan and I spent a delightful Christmas together. She gave me a bit of bad news, though. It seems that Eowyn, the roommate that I was expecting, may not come after all. I had such high hopes that I would meet her soon. Perhaps the time is not right.

However, she did give me a cat for Christmas. You know how I've always wanted one since I arrived here. I think I'll call her Tonic. At least now I'll have someone to keep me company every day.

I do hope that you are all in the best of health and that you'll continue to enjoy your holidays. I only wish that I was there spending them with you.

All my love,
Your Midori

Carol Singers

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:43:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
December 17

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

How are you doing? Look at what the holidays have done to me! I've taken to conducting a choir of angels. Their voices are lovely but their playing needs more work. So I took it upon myself to instruct them on the finer points of classical music. While we are not exactly of orchestral scope and quality, we do have big plans.

Yesterday's practice session did not go perfectly, however. One of the angels lost a trumpet. As I am a firm believer that nothing is ever truly lost, I meticulously scoured Chris-neesan's home for the missing instrument. Thankfully, I found it after the session is over. I berated Chris-neesan for not keeping a better watch on the angels.

But because I felt guilty for lecturing her, we ended up practicing her favorite carols, like What Child is This, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and Carol of the Bells. She was polite enough to compliment us after each practice session and even take some photos. She has been so busy lately -- as have I -- but last night, she paused in the middle of work to hint that she had a surprise for me in January. I wonder whatever she could mean. And I do hope she meant that in a good way.

I am sending you your Christmas presents via the post. I hope you get them soon!

Your Midori

Room to Share

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:05:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
December 13

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

I found this lovely tweed coat tucked among the clothes that you sent me. You must have bought it, Ojiisan! You always know what I like. Well, I am happy to tell you that it fits me perfectly, as you can very well see. I love how it makes me feel very grown-up. You wouldn't guess that I worked at a tiny cafe now, would you?

Chris-neesan locked herself out of her room once more. She's turning me into a regular lockpick because of her disturbing habit. The funny thing is that she will realize her mistake a second after she has closed the door behind her. The strange thing is that she carries a key around her neck often. When I asked her about it, she admitted that it was a promotional souvenir from some movie. She carries a fake key and refuses to carry the real one. Sometimes, I wonder about her. I must invest in a torsion wrench if this is to be an involuntary profession of mine. Will you send me one, Chihiro-basan?

Oh, but I have the most amazing news! Chris-neesan says that I'm to have a new roommate. I can't wait to meet her. She only sent us her picture so that we will recognize her once she arrives, but I don't know anything else about her except that she's named Eowyn. I'm anxious to know what she's like. Will she like me? Will we get along? Much as I like my new friends, it will be nice to finally have a roommate -- it's like having my own sister!

Did I tell you how excited I am? Oh yes, I just did!

Your Midori

Meet the Pullips

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:41:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
December 10

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

How are all of you? The nights are cold here, but I am warmed by the thought of my new friends. As Sachiko-san promised when we last saw each other, she brought me along to meet a lot of new people. I joined Sachiko-san and her crew before we drove up to meet the others at a coffee shop at the Mall of Asia. I was definitely excited at the thought of making friends.

First, Sachiko-san introduced me to her best friend, Aki-san, and their other friends, Seiji-kun and Junpei-kun. Seiji-kun is Aki-san's older brother while Junpei-kun is their childhood friend (and I suspect, a 'special' friend). I caught them in their own little world more than once. Now, now, Chihiro-basan, I know what you will say: it is not polite for a lady to intrude in other people's business. You must understand why I did it. Aki-san is a sweet girl and I wasn't too comfortable with her being alone with Junpei-kun until I saw how solicitous he was of her. They make such a nice pair that I ended up being envious of their caring glances!

But it was not as if Sachiko-san was going to let Aki-san and Junpei-kun have all the fun! I caught her madly jealous as Seiji-kun politely conversed with the ladies there. She was glaring at everyone! Later, she latched on to him and never let go. I certainly gave her a piece of my mind about the inappropriateness of her behavior! She just looked at me strangely and held on to Seiji-kun even tighter. Seiji-kun seems like such a sensible guy, though. I do hope he can talk some sense into Sachiko-san and soon learn to curb her impulsive manner.

I also made friends with fashionable Cinnamon-san, fun-loving Darcy-san, self-assured Skye-san, and gregarious Jin-kun. Well, kind of friends with Jin-kun. He was begging me for food while I was eating lunch! I found it so improper. Needless to say, I did not give him any. I had a feeling that he enjoyed bugging me. But other than that, he did try to be charming. The girls were a lot of fun as well, as they showed me the latest fashions and gave me tips on where to shop. Being the new girl wasn't as dreadful as I imagined it would be because of their friendly suggestions and their hilarious stories.

Later in the day, we were joined by two other couples, Mimi-san and Stephen-kun and Chikaru-chan and Ryo-kun. Accompanying the latter couple was the biggest surprise of my life. I met my 'twin'! Her name is Shizuka-san and we looked surprising alike for strangers. She is heterochromatic as well (her right eye is purple and her left one is green). She also has the loveliest hair I have ever seen. I should get ask Chris-neesan advice on getting my hair treated soon because a girl must always present her best side to the world. But though we look alike, we have totally different personalities. She is quite mischievous and actually likes getting into trouble. Imagine that!

Our numbers dwindled as the day ended, and pretty soon all that were left were Sachiko-san-tachi, Darcy-san, Skye-san and me. We went outside to chat under the Christmas lights, content with the fun day we spent together and the knowledge that we will be seeing each other again. Now, aren't you glad that your Midori isn't lonely in the city anymore?

Happy but still missing you,
Your Midori

One Fine Day

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:06:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
December 5

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

How quickly your package arrived! I am surprised to see my old clothes from home so soon after writing to you. You must have anticipated my needs. Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness. Chris-neesan requested me to tell you that we shall be sending you pictures of me wearing those clothes. She insisted; I could hardly say no. Please pardon us.

I am delighted to report that it has been very pleasant here in Faux-kyo. After a tiring first day at the cafe, I took a day off and went on an impromptu picnic. It was quite a delightful experience. I was able to get some coffee and bread from the cafe at a discount, but of course, prices here in the city are much steeper than they are back on our island. I was quite surprised!

Being outdoors is enough to revive my spirits, truly it is. I espied an Agraulis vanillae as I ate. What a lovely sight on such a bright afternoon! It almost made up for my desire to have a pet cat. I wish that I could spend more time outdoors, but with work and a new semester starting soon, I know that these precious days are coming to a close.

I know that it is your fervent desire that I find more friends here in the city. Please do not worry. I look forward to chatting with Sachiko-san soon. She has also invited me to meet new people come Sunday. I shall write all about it then.

Your Midori

P.S. Chihiro-basan, you will be pleased to note that I successfully opened the lock to Chris-neesan's door, which she had accidentally closed with the key still inside. Apparently, this happens to her often. I am appalled that she seems so forgetful, but I am happy that I was able to help in some measure.

Working Girl

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 08:20:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
December 4

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

I am glad to hear that you are all well. But I am even gladder that you have taken the time to e-mail back, after hearing Chihiro-basan going on and on about the evils of the internet for years now. It is not too bad, is it?

I would love it if you sent me more warm clothes from home. I did not expect the weather to be this cool so it will truly be a great help if you do. Chris-neesan already had some clothes ready for me when I arrived. I was truly surprised. To show her my gratitude, I agree to wear a new one for her every day.

Even though Chris-neesan offered to let me stay at her place for free, I still can't help but feel that I'm taking advantage of her hospitality. So I decided to get a job, and it was quite fortuitous that I found one nearby.

The place is called Barbie's, a small cafe that serves amazing pastries. Of course, no one can beat your momiji manju, Obaasan. The manager says that the owner (whose name is the same as the cafe's) is kind, but I haven't caught a glimpse of her yet. All I know is that she is blonde.

How I wish you could come and visit me at work. The food is truly delicious. The coffee is enough to wake even you up, Ojiisan! It certainly feels nice to be useful. Work keeps my mind properly occupied.

Your Midori

My First Day

noreply@blogger.com (dementedchris) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:40:00 +0000

Mori
Itsukishima
Hiroshima Prefecture
December 2

To Ojiisan, Obaasan, and Chihiro-basan:

Please forgive this letter's lateness. I meant to write as soon as I arrived but it took me a while to get my bearings. But please do not worry about me. I have now settled comfortably at Chris-neesan's home. I hope she does not mind if I get a cat to keep me company.

I was already feeling pangs of homesickness the minute I left Itsukishima but that was easily driven away by the lovely girl who sat beside me on the plane. Her name is Sachiko-san, and she is on her way to visit a few friends. I must say that she is quite an animated talker. I think you would have liked her much, Chihiro-basan. She has what you call a potty mouth, Obaasan, but I must applaud her for her efforts to keep her rough language to a minimum as she regaled me with tales of her friends. I am very glad to have made my first friend in Faux-kyo.

We arrived on time but Chris-neesan and Sachiko-san's human, Kaoko-neesan, were both late in picking us up. I never condone tardiness, but I suppose I am not one to talk, seeing that I have also been late in sending you my regards. Perhaps it is a city thing? The welcome we received was enough to assure me, and our oneesan-tachi eagerly showed us around.

Oh my! There were certainly a lot of tall buildings and bright lights around. I was certain I would be lost if it were not for my companions. The lights make the city look beautiful, but it doesn't compare to Itsukishima. Oh! I should stop feeling sorry for myself. A lady does not sulk. Please know that I will do my best to enjoy my stay in the city and I will make every effort to turn this into my second home.

I woke up early the next day. I was immediately calmed by our peaceful surroundings. It reminded me a bit of home, even if there are no mountains nearby. Later in the day, Chris-neesan and her friend Ryan-niisan took me on a leisurely drive to help me get better acquainted with the city. I understand what makes people here so late! The traffic on the highway is atrocious! But despite this, we were all in high spirits because it was such a bright and sunny day for a drive.

Oh! What a long letter! Please forgive my rambling. I will write another day. I send you all my love and good wishes.

Your Midori