Longing

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

One Fine Day

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.