A Second Chance
I looked up; was it raining? It seemed odd; there was not a cloud in the brilliant aquamarine sky, and the sun was shining warmly. Lazily I strolled down the sidewalk. It was a rare time for me, and I savoured it; usually I would be out here on a mission or investigation. A warm breeze plucked playfully at my chestnut hair.
I my pensive daydreaming, I didn't see where I was going and collided head-on with someone rushing the other way.
I fell on my rear, and the other went tumbling back. I jumped up, regaining my composure quickly, and began to rant at the culprit.
"Ow . . . Hey! Hey, you! Watch where you're going! You . . ."
"Klutz?" finished a familiar voice. "No, that would be Sakaki, but that wouldn't be me. And it was an accident, geez!"
I did a double take. My jaw dropped.
Walking down the streets of surreal
Still trying to work out its appeal
Things that never were have come and passed
Such things as reality do not last
"Michael!"
"That's my name, don't wear it out!" he replied. "And hello to you too, Karasuma."
I shook my head and laughed.
"You seem happy," Michael observed.
"And so do you," I answered. "Finally let you out of the bag?"
"Yeah . . ." He scratched the back of is head in an embarrassed sort of way, and shrugged. "Guess Kosaka trusts me enough. He told me I could go out anytime I like. It's not like I'd leave or anything," he said quickly, as though I would protest. "STN-J's my home now. I love it there."
We walked together in a comfortable silence, savouring the glorious day. Suddenly a watch beeped. Michael jumped in surprise.
"Oh, I almost forgot! I have to bring doughnuts and coffee for Kosaka and Hottari! Gotta go!"
"Bye!" I called after him, waving as he dashed across the street.
He waved without looking and disappeared into the crowd on the other side.