At the Edge of the World
Disclaimer: CCS is not mine.
Chapter Thirty Six – Nadeshiko
Sonomi and I take the train back to Tomoeda. There is something soothing about the rhythmic sway of the carriages, of the wheels clacking on the railway track. The scenery flies past us in green and grey blurs and we are lulled into a state of inertia.
"I'm so bored," I whine.
"Me too. Want to play snap?"
"No energy."
"I-spy?"
"Too much thinking."
Silence settles between us. Clackety-clack goes the train. I feel like this moment is important. I look over at my cousin, her face squashed by the palm of her hand; her elbow resting precariously on the window-ledge, and feel a surge of emotion for reasons I don't quite understand. I feel like we are outside reality - in transit, if you will. I feel like I need to tell her something, but I don't know what it is. I feel like I'm running out of time and I don't know why. Sonomi is so precious to me. She has been my lifeline in a frightening world; she saves me from myself – my own doubts and fears. When I am with her, I do not feel so alone, and realize with a jolt that I love her more than anyone. I suddenly have an overwhelming urge to reach across the gap and wrap her in an embrace, but she chooses this moment to notice that I am staring at her stupidly.
"Now what?" She grumbles.
"Tell me a story."
"Nadeshikoooooo," she whinges.
"Pleeaaaaase?"
"Fine," she huffs. She sprawls out across the seat and lays her head back on her arms. Her braid dangles off the edge of the seat. "Once upon a time there lived an annoying girl named Nadeshiko…"