clang-dong

A woman had entered the café alone. She was wearing a beige cardigan over a pale aqua shirt-dress and crimson trainers, and carrying a white canvas bag. Her eyes were round and sparkling like a little girl’s.

“Hello.” Kazu’s voice rang through the café.

“Hi, Kazu.”

“Sis! Hi there!”

Kazu called the woman sis, but actually she was Kazu’s cousin’s wife, Kei Tokita.

“Looks like the cherry blossoms have had it.” Kei smiled, showing no grief at their passing.

“Yes, the trees are pretty bare now.” Kazu’s tone was polite, but not the same polite, civil tone she had used when speaking to Fumiko. Her tone now sounded softer and more like a dove.

“Good evening,” said Hirai as she moved from the seat at Fumiko’s table to the counter, appearing to be no longer interested in laughing at Fumiko’s misfortune. “Where have you been?”

“Hospital.”

“What for? Just a routine checkup?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve got a bit of color in your face today.”

“Yes, I feel good.”

Glancing over at Fumiko still limp at the table, Kei tilted her head inquisitively. Hirai gave a slight nod, and with that, Kei disappeared behind the counter and into the dark room.