Falling Petals and the Train
Two women quietly make their final journey together.
My body moves better than I expected. Even the fingers gripping the steering wheel aren’t trembling.
“You didn’t have to drive me.”
“Come on. At least let me do this.”
The steering wheel feels stickier than usual.
The road we always take.
The traffic light that always takes forever to turn green.
“Yui. The light’s red.”
“Yeah.”
I press the accelerator.
You usually sit in the passenger seat.
Today, because of your luggage, you’re sitting in the back.
We’ll be at the station in another ten minutes.
My foot eases off the accelerator.
I didn’t object.
I don’t even know exactly why.
I didn’t ask you to stay, either.
When you spoke, your voice was calm.
So I answered just as calmly.
A few days later, we went to city hall and completed the paperwork.
Then we each went home.
“We’re here. The station.”
“Thanks.”
I park nearby, and we walk into the station together.
“Let me carry that. It’s heavy, isn’t it?”
“I’m okay. I appreciate the offer.”
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“Okay.”
We arrive at the platform.
The pollen in the air irritates my eyes and nose.
The weather forecast had been right.
Of all days, I’d forgotten to take my allergy medicine.
Unlike me, you seem completely unaffected.
Your glossy silver suitcase.
It suits you so well.
“How much longer until the train gets here?”
“Let’s see… about eight minutes.”
We spend the last few minutes making small talk.
“What are you having for dinner tonight?”
“Hmm… I haven’t decided. Probably a salad.”
You always loved vegetables,
and you kept all kinds of dressings.
The only one you could never stand was wasabi dressing.
“Wasabi dressing again today?”
“No. Yogurt dressing.”
“I see.”
The train arrives.
The wind picks up, and the back of my nose starts to itch.
“Take care.”
“Yeah. Bye.”
Neither of us says, “See you.”
When I lift my eyes, cherry blossom petals are drifting through the air.
My eyes itch, just a little.
The train doors slide shut with surprising ease.
You’re gone.
I put in some eye drops.
