Traveler
Cast:
Cure Beauty, Aoki Reika - age 18
Aoki Soutarou - Reika's grandfather - age 79
Nathaniel Wright - age 19
October, 2016
When Reika's grandfather arrives, for a moment she almost does not recognize him. It is not as if his face has changed: He is still the same serious old man, with white hair and a white mustache. It is just that she has never seen him wear western clothing before. The grey single breasted suit, skinny tie, and pork pie hat make him seem like a character out of an old movie.
"Grandfather. I am glad to see you again."
"Reika. You have grown taller and prettier since I saw you last. I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too."
"Would you introduce me to your young man?"
The boy who has been waiting with Reika has blond hair and emerald green eyes. He looks to be the same age or a bit older, and is tall enough to look her grandfather in the eye.
"Grandfather, this is Nathaniel Wright, an upperclassman from my school. I've asked him for help in showing you around. Nathaniel, this is my grandfather, Aoki Soutarou."
The boy extends his hand. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Your granddaughter speaks highly of you."
The old man accepts the handshake with a firm grip. "I am pleased to meet you as well. I have not met such a polite young man in some years now."
They collect Soutarou's luggage, then Nathaniel leads them to the rail station. After they board the train, Reika asks her grandfather: "I was very surprised when you announced that you would visit, since you've never traveled outside Japan."
"I suppose you were very young. It has been years since I did travel, but I have been all around the world. Rhodesia... West Germany... the Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong... They were all quite interesting."
"Grandfather, none of those places have existed since before I was born."
"Is that so? All the more reason to stretch my legs a bit."