What's a lifetime?

Dear Nezumi,

It's my first birthday since you departed on your journey. Five years ago today, you and I met for the first time! So I was so happy to receive your second postcard. It must be nice to be staying by the sea. One day I'd like to go there, too. Maybe you could show me around.

I've received a lot of gifts for my 17th birthday. I'm kind of surprised, actually. It made me realise I've never had so many friends in my life, all at once. I am grateful for that.

And since we don't know little Shion's actual date of birth, Inukashi decided to celebrate on my birthday too! I gave them a computerised puzzle game that challenges a child's recognition of patterns in colour, shape, and musical notes. For now, it's just bright lights and sounds to a baby, but mother said I loved those kinds of toys when I was really little. I hope little Shion does too. Inukashi said I must be trying to make the kid into a "weirdo" like me, but she and little Shion were already playing with it a lot during the party.

For my birthday, Inukashi gave me a new coat! For a long time, she kept saying she'd give me back my old one after she finally "remembered" to wash it, but I guess that was just an excuse. Not only was the old one getting pretty worn, but she wanted to save it to show to little Shion one day! At first I was embarrassed, but now I'm kind of glad she's preserving it. After all, for me, that coat holds memories of my time with you. Of course Inukashi said she made sure to get a red one again because she wouldn't recognise me otherwise. (Ha ha ha.) The new coat's really nice. Brand new, and good quality. Her small parcel delivery service has really taken off, so I guess she could afford it.

I also got a basket of berries from the South Block, hand-picked by your favourite house guests (joking!); Karan and Rico. We had reading time here a couple of times but then mother introduced them to a local girl she sees in the bakery a lot and since then, I've seen more and more of those two in the neighbourhood lately. That girl, Lili, has also joined us for reading time now. She helped mother make the cherry cake for the party.

Rikiga-san sent me concert tickets. You'll be pleased (or maybe just surprised) to know he's renounced his pimping and is finding his way into becoming a promoter for touring entertainment events. (I think he's still making those magazines though.)

He apologised and said he was too busy to make it to my party or come see me today, but I think Rikiga-san is just afraid to see my mother. He still hasn't visited her even once! The concert's in a month. Think you can make it? (Hey, it's worth a shot right?) If not, I might bring my mother along. Rikiga-san will probably be there. What do you think he'd say then?

There were a few more people who came along that I know from citizens' groups and committees I've been working with. I've been getting as involved as I can in the reorganisation and restructuring of the city. I'm going to make this city a place you'd be proud to live in, Nezumi. That's a promise. But first I need to work on my speech making skills! I want to sound more persuasive. Have you got any tips for me? I wonder what a star actor can tell me about it.

That reminds me, I've been seeing your face a lot around the West Block over the last few months. Well… not -your- face really, but Eve's. We've been working on clearing and rebuilding the West with proper streets and plumbing and electricity. The theatre posters were all in very bad shape but I managed to save one for myself that only got soiled and torn up around the edges. "Shakespeare's Hamlet, featuring Eve as Ophelia." Eve is so pretty. But it's the real you that I'd really like to see again. A poster won't allow me to look into your eyes, but for now I guess it's the closest I can get.

I have so many questions— what kind of job you'll pick up in this seaside town, the food you like there, the kinds of people you meet, how long you think you'll stay… anything you don't mind telling me, really— but as long as you at least send me a simple postcard now and then, I'll be happy.

I know you're the careful one and I'm "reckless" and "defenseless," but still… Take care of yourself, Nezumi.

Shion

I guess that does it for that letter. It's way longer than I intended, but I don't think he'll mind... I just… I wish I could know what you're thinking about these days, Nezumi.

I'm so thrilled you write and reply to my letters every so often, but I wonder if you will ever respond to my feelings. How long must I wait to see you? Will you stay with me? What will I be to you when you finally return? When can I call you by your real name? I wish I knew the answers to these questions.

But if I have to, I'll wait a lifetime to be with you again, just as you risked losing yours in order to save mine.