Osaka, Japan

                                                Wednesday, October 12, 2 PM

                                                Kaze Tea Ceremony House

Hikari sets several teacups down, then kneels to practice her bowing for guests. Her knees ache, and her feet sleep. She attempts to hide her discomfort by smiling. The tea kettle begins to steam, and Hikari crawls over to pour it out.

The sensation of pins and needles flows over her legs, signaling her to let out a loud cry. The tea kettle tips water on Hikari’s kimono that barely misses her knee. Hikari curses herself, then carries on with whisking the hot water into the matcha powder. She stops and begins speaking.

“Grandpa, I’m sorry, I’m trying my best, but I cannot get any better. What is wrong with me? I’m failing everyone. How can I even call myself part of this family if I can’t even kneel for five minutes?”

Tears well up in Hikari’s eyes and plummet into the warm tea. She pushes the mixture aside, wanders to her bedroom to replace her outfit, and pulls out a manga.

Lives in manga seem easier to her. They can overcome any obstacle. I wish I could know what that feels like. Hikari puts up the manga and observes a kokeshi doll her grandfather gave her. She picks the doll up and remembers her grandfather sharing his love of tea with her while she carries it. She holds it close to her chest while staring at its playful eyes. Hikari looks at the ceiling and sighs.

Hikari wanders outside the house wearing a pink top and jeans. She stares at the mountains ahead of her. Leaves are falling around her. Hikari walks through them, enjoying the familiar crunch beneath her feet. She decides to get some Momiji Tempura* for a snack to cheer herself up.

Walking towards the town, she notices the mailbox is open. She checks for any letters. The first one she pulls out freezes her in place and washes away any idea of eating maple leaves.

This wax seal has a small symbol of a red diamond.

*(fried maple leaves popular in Japan)