"Are you two ready yet?"
I asked while waiting in the living room. It didn't take long for me to prepare for our trip today. It's a bit longer wait than the usual for their preparation.
"Just a little more" Yukinoshita replied. I could hear a constant ruffle of clothes from the bedroom
The bedroom door swung open revealing the girls I see everyday dressed for a special occasion.
"How do we look papa?"
She wore a red dress with a frilly design that suited her age and a white straw hat to top it all. Judging by the cover of clothing I guess Yukinoshita considered the chances of someone recognizing Rumi. It can't be helped for even if the possibility is minimal we should not take any chances. Inconvenience would be an understatement if that were to happen and would turn this day into a sudden 180. Aside from that it was also practical for the purpose of protecting her young face from the heat.
Yukinoshita's appearance on the other hand is quite similar to back when we were shopping for a gift for Yuigahama's birthday. The satin folds of the dress embraced her figure following her curves and the darker color theme complemented her ivory skin. Her black hair hung proportional as it was tied in a twin ponytail fashion. This is the second time I've seen her tie her hair like that and to be honest I did sort of missed seeing her appear like that again.
"Hmmmm… We're waiting for an answer" Rumi, sounding impatient, continued to inquire.
"F-Fine. I guess you both look great" I looked away instinctively as I'm not used to give compliments to others so casually.
"Mama did you hear that papa praised us." Rumi turned to Yukinoshita and smiled upon hearing my reply.
"Okay-okay ,There's no need to be flustered about it" Yukinoshita commented while looking away. You know you would be more convincing if you didn't act exactly like the opposite of your claim. Is melting to this extent the full effect of Rumification on you?
"Eh-ehem… so are we ready then?" I asked to gather their attention and skip the awkward situation.
"Yes, ready" Rumi replied
"I'm prepared. I have all the necessary belongi…"
Ring… Ring…
Her phone interrupted her.
"One moment please" she replied and distance a little bit away from us. It didn't take long before she returned.
"Sorry it was a minor disturbance from my sister, shall we go now" her tone was tinged with minor irritancy. I'm not one to pry with other people's business so I didn't inquire about it.
With everyone ready we went on our way.
Come, Hear my voice, we welcome you in our land
Witness our haven ever so grand
Feast upon the banquet on our booth
Be careful for it might get stuck on your tooth
Wipe your frown and put a smile on your face
For you'll always have a place in our space
See the dancers perform in their prime
I promise that you'll have a good time
A rhyme echoes from the entrance as we made our way in.
There are booths filled with prizes so peculiar you'd desire one for yourself. The games vary having a gimmick for each one to entice potential customers not to mention a host so eager to call you and let you have a try for the right price of course. In the next line of stalls the smell of popcorn, cotton candy, peanuts and other various foods mixes in the air as you pass by each establishment.
All around are sights to tantalize your eyes, colored light flickered with hypnotic rhythm that would charm your inner child. The designs had a magical theme to them that complemented the park from the amusement rides, the stalls to the attire of the staff and performers.
The streets are lined with costumed performers dancing exceptionally while audiences at the sides cheer their hearts out for the spectacle before them. You can hear the sound of children's laughter and murmur of families and friends spread through the air along with musical notes chime from the instruments.
A place design to spread joy to seduce anyone and everyone away from the monotone of life and welcome you in an enchanting dream to fill you in a special kind of feeling…
Fantasy Destiny Land Dreams
We walk together with Rumi positioned between us. We both held her hand as we stride across the amusement park careful not to lose her in this crowded place. It looks like going in early had little effect for this place is already packed by this time. We looked out to see if there's a less crowded ride so we can have our turn as soon as possible.
"Papa, mama where should we go first"
"Rumi keep your voice down when calling us, understand?"
"Hmm?" Rumi was puzzled with Yukinoshita's reply
I can't blame her though. Every time rumi addresses us as her parents I could feel some looks linger at us. I heard a comment earlier about how young we look like despite having a child on primary-school age already or how cute that we spent the time with our child on this amusement park. Honestly I don't care about other people's opinion about me but if it's teasing us about how we're like a young married couple then I'd rather avoid the embarrassing stares.
It took us a long time to find an amusement ride that we'd all agree with to ride. Some of the rides have height requirements which irritated Rumi, while some of the other rides like the newly built monster roller coaster are too intense for some of my party members namely Yukinoshita.
Merry-Go-Round
"Why don't you ride that one Rumi" Yukinoshita offered.
It wasn't the regular merry go round that was near the middle of the park. This one was less grand than the main attraction and was designed for kids only as the mounts are custom sized for children.
"I'm not interested" Rumi replied in a low tone and looked away.
"That ones for kids"
"You are a kid in terms of age. Are you in denial?" I retorted
"Are you sure you don't want to?" Yukinoshita inquired one more time
She didn't move from her spot and spoke no further
"We won't force you if you don't really want to, let's go then" Yukinoshita said then we walked away. Before the ride is out of our sight I noticed that Rumi kept glancing back at the Merry-go-Round. I began to understand the situation along with what her excuse might have meant earlier.
"You must have hated your prior experience with carousels to avoid it like that"
"Huh? Well no… actually I haven't ridden one before" Rumi looked away quickly so I won't notice that she was stealing glances at the ride when I talked to her
"Then why are you prejudiced about trying it?"
"I… well…I'm just not comfortable to go alone just because I'm the child"
"Rumi, are you making excuses to us… or to yourself?"
"Eh? No… its not like that… I mean what about you two?"
I knew it. It's not that Rumi thinks that the ride is below her because it panders to a specific age but she felt that it would be unfair to be the only one to experience joy in a ride while the two of us wait for her. She must have been aware that about this so she adamantly tried to deny her feelings for our sake.
Yukinoshita picked up on the situation and chimed in on our conversation
"Rumi we'll be perfectly fine to wait for you here. Have fun for your sake okay?"
"We went here to enjoy the rides together. It doesn't feel right for me to go alone" Rumi said as she continued to look down.
It's a bit uncommon for a child to be selfless like that which made me respect her a lot more. However this is not the right circumstance for that behavior. We wouldn't normally insist on her to try things she's not comfortable with but this time that wasn't the case as it was us who held her back. So we reasoned with her to try it at least once.
"Rumi you can't expect all of us to experience the same level of happiness based on trying the rides all together. I understand that you have good intentions and you are only looking out for us too but we'll be just as happy to watch you in the sidelines. So go ahead… try the carousel"
She eventually agreed.
The music started slowly when the ride began and seems to rise in tempo as time passed. The machine revolved around while the stallions and unicorns jump inside. Lights and colors blend with the next one for every rotation.
We would anticipate Rumi for every revolution. Yukinoshita would take pictures of her every time she was in front of us. She didn't looked any different for every one of them but I gradually I saw a subtle change on her feature on the last ones. She was smiling
We rested in a bench after waiting in lines and going from ride to ride trying to maximize our time together here. After a brief time we then proceeded to find our next amusement ride to try. Rumi noticed one and pointed it for us to try next
"How about that one"
The Tunnel of Love
We stood there reading the sign filled with hearts and cupids. Captions like 'Let the love begin' and 'Have this moment to treasure for eternity' littered across it trying to bait its target participants.
The line composed of obvious couples with their arms or hands linked with one another. Their eyes are locked with each other with sweet sickening affection that will kill onlookers with diabetes.
"How about it?" Rumi tugged are hands to grab our attention. We looked at her and gave a humble answer.
"No" We both replied in sync
"But why? it has a short line, it looks like it doesn't have a height requirement and the ride is gentle and…"
"No" we replied again in sync with our hands pulling Rumi away from the ride
I managed to get separated from them both because the line for the ride is too crowded and most of the passerby were unruly. I caught up to them but before I could walk forward a staff member suddenly cut me off.
"I'm sorry sir but the number of passenger for this ride is full. Please wait for the next one"
Both Yukinoshita and Rumi looked back at me with concern but I urged them to carry on without me for now. They were a bit hesitant but proceeded once I distanced myself. I already told Rumi that it's futile to achieve the same amount of happiness for all of us so she should understand.
I lost the motivation to go to the ride so I walked away from the line and tried to look around to see something that would entertain me while I wait for them.
Now that you see everything is clear
Don't hold back and let out your cheer
We'll lift the sadness from its guise
Now wipe those tears off your eyes
Watch the games and see their ploy
Now admit it this is something you enjoy
Oh tis a sight to hear you laugh out loud
It makes us happy and be so proud
I heard again the rhyme from earlier echo somewhere near me
One way or another I ended up on a place that looked like the backstage of some show. I must have unconsciously come here to avoid the crowd and the noise for a while. Not long after somebody stepped outside and looked at me. He was a middle aged man that looked tired.
"There you are. We've been looking everywhere for you"
"Pardon?" He then grabbed me
"Can you imagine the stress you put us into…? Well come on hurry up. Let's go now" his hold tightened as he pulled me inside.
"What are you doing? Stop!" I spoke louder trying to convince the staff to stop pulling me further until I was inside the room. After I was dragged along inside against my will more staff members immediately crowded all around me.
"Well it's about time!"
"Everyone now hurry. Get him ready!"
"Huh? What's going on here? ... Get away from me!" My reply might as well fell on deaf ears as nobody heeded my words with any attention and they proceeded to do whatever they're doing.
They grabbed my arms and legs to keep me from squirming around. They placed me inside something furry despite my protests. I couldn't describe what exactly they put me in but it felt hot inside and it was covered with a fuzzy exterior. Before I could examine more, suddenly the room darkened as something was placed on top of my head that covered my line of sight. I'm not claustrophobic but this was a good reason to suddenly become one. I couldn't help but breathe heavily.
"Can you move your limbs? Try turning your head."
"Can you breathe properly?"
"Are you comfortable? Well… You look like you're having a tough time but still try to endure okay"
I was bombarded with one question after another by the staff that was dressing me. My head was jumbled and their questions added more to my confusion. I managed to see a mirror and was surprised to see a familiar panda… Oh no…
"I gave her the signal. Everyone get in position now"
"That's your cue. Go get em boy"
He then proceeded to push me towards the curtains at our side earlier. I now noticed that there's a commotion outside that I must have ignored earlier.
"Boys and Girls of all ages the time has come…He's finally here…. are you reeadeeaaay?"
"Yeeeeesss!"
Beyond the curtain in front of me I heard a female announcer speaking in a microphone followed by a loud cheer from young voices. I felt a shudder as I was forced to walk towards the curtains. I tried to resist physically as hard as I could but moving in this suit restrained me.
"Please… listen to me… You've got the wrong guy" I pleaded to the staff as my last act of desperation
"Stop fussing already. You're already late now go"
With one final push the guy directly behind me shoved me out.
My hands instinctively covered the front of my face against the light concentrated on me upon my entrance. It was very bright despite the translucent cover of the headpiece I wore.
"Huuurrraaaayyyy"
As I lower my hands after adjusting to the brightness I was greeted with a loud cheer from a crowd of small children. I stood there dumbfounded by the sight and felt as if I've fallen into a wonderland filled with panda themed designs and children. The sea of lively little kids immediately swarmed all around me.
"Pan-san… It's really you…"
"What took you so long? I've been waiting for soo…."
"Pan-san! Pan-san! Pan-san! Pan-san! Pan-san! Pan-san! Pan-san! Pan-san!"
Their shrieks overlapped making it hard to listen and speak out. The parents in the distance laughed at the sight while some took pictures. The kids closest to me held me. I was hugged from all around. I got pushed, pulled, grabbed, by everyone in different directions which made it hard to balance and almost made me fall.
"Calm down everyone… Calm down…" The lady in a bamboo themed dress tried to control the situation but to little effect.
I spun around as a result from all commotion. As I turn, I saw a sign for this event.
No… This can't be happening…
The final piece of the puzzle lined with the rest that confirmed my suspicion that I dreadfully hoped was wrong… Honestly how do I get into situations like this…
The Pan-san meet and greet event
The sign designed with bamboo-like sticks said.
After what felt like an eternity of purgatory specially designed for me to cleanse me of my sins, the staff finally managed to organize the mess and proceed with the event. They made me sit down in my bamboo throne. The kids lined up and proceeded to come at me one at a time. The lady announcer from earlier stayed by my side to escort the kids towards me. She would then proceed to take pictures and offer to the family or friends if they didn't come prepared. Her acts and mannerisms kind of remind me of Yui. It's a bit funny now that I thought of that.
Some parents would take tons of pictures with their child in various angles and poses. The more cruel ones would force me to pose along their precious child. Saying no to their ridiculous request was a luxury taken away from me. My dignity was chipped piece by piece every time I conform to this. The madness my position caused sucked away my strength to plea and escape. But I swear to kami-sama if anyone orders me to dance I will retreat my head into the costume's body and pull pan-san's head from its body making this meet and greet the headless Pan-san an event they'll never forget.
"Thank you for coming, have a great time in the park and hope to see you again" My assistant said to the kid that from my lap earlier.
"Bye bye Pan-san, bye Onee-chan" The kid waved to us before holding his parent's hands and walk away from us with a smile.
The next one then came forward and sat in my lap. This one kept looking down while the parent urged him to step forward earlier. I looked at his demeanor and he looked a bit stiff like he doesn't want to be here.
"You don't need to force yourself. If you don't like it"
"Eh?" The kid looked at me after I said that.
"I said you don't have to come here if you're against this"
"Uh…really?..." the little kid timidly replied
I nodded
"But it's my mom she keeps telling me to do this to have fun… but I just don't feel it… but she keeps telling me I'd eventually have fun and… and…"
"Then tell her an alternative where you will. She keeps on bugging you because she only wants to see you happy and not because she wants to see you in this embarrassing event. It's better that way rather than faking a smile just to please her"
"O-okay" the child nodded and ran off
"Eh wait where are you going?" The kid ran past my assistant who returned after waving and entertaining some of the guests to endorse this event. She was surprised to see him run off without even taking a picture.
"Why did he suddenly run off?" She inquired to me
"I gave him an advice that he followed instantly" I said to her
"An advice?" Before she could ask further the next child was already onto me.
"Pan–san pan-san" the kid hugged me right after sitting on my lap.
"I'm so happy to see you. I thought you might not appear today…" The little girl continued to talk swiftly. Her eyes were moist as she held me
"There there little girl you're here now and that's what matters" my assistant told the child in a comforting tone.
"I -I'm sorry… it's just that some my classmates earlier teased me continuously for trying to go here... I invited them to come together with me but instead they laughed at me and called me names. So I had to go alone… but then you weren't here when I arrived. I waited so long. I was scared that you won't show up at all… so… so…"
"Don't cry anymore I'm sure they don't mean it. I'm sure you can be great friends with them if you..."
"No, avoid them they're not worth it"
"Eh?" My answer surprised the assistant.
"Don't bother to befriend them, they are only some of your classmates. They share the same room as yours for half a day to receive the same education and then after middle school you'll probably never see and hear from them again. "
They looked at me listening attentively. The bamboo girl more so because of how jaded my advice was.
"If you really want friends then I suppose you could find someone that shares some common interests with you. But you're better off as a loner if an activity is the only excuse you can come up with to spend time together. That way you'd avoid the trouble of keeping appearances for them and train to not be dependent on other people in order to have a good time."
"I see. Thank you for the advice Pan-san" The girl then proceeded to hop off now that her time is done. I noticed all the while my lovely assistant has her mouth partially open in shock of what I said.
"You know a fly might enter your mouth if you keep it open like that" I remark snapping her from her trance.
"No… that's not right… Why… Why did you say something so negative to a little child?" she protested at me
"It's good advice. It might not make her a loner but she at least would choose more wisely who to spend time with"
She then proceeded to whine about me while I ignored her throughout. I then waved to signal the last kid to step forward and get this over with.
The next child look troubled while he timidly walked towards us. He looked around as if confirming that it is indeed his turn.
"He-hello. Can I sit in your lap" At least he has more manners than the earlier ones that clung on to me. After I nod he then proceeded to sit on my lap. He looked a bit tense. His hands are holding each other and his eyes can't seem to agree on whether to look away from me or continue to stare as they dodge my direction despite stealing glances from time to time.
"What's wrong" The lady assistant asked
"Well… It's just that my friends all agreed that we should go on this ride earlier however I didn't like it. They tried to convince me to join them and they said it will be fun but it's just that I really really didn't want to. They're nice and all but after the ride they all talked about how fun it is and that I should have gone along with them. I know I don't regret not going with them but this had me thinking… I'm not sure if I did the right thing or not"
"Listen kid…"
The assistant looked at me with a glare that means I better say something inspiring or else.
"The important thing is to take part."
My assistant then breathed in relief upon hearing an agreeable answer coming from me.
"However if the most important thing is to take part, then surely one could find meaning in not taking part as well. And if everything's worth experiencing, then there's little doubt that the feeling of not experiencing something is, in it, worth experiencing. In fact, you could even call it a valuable experience to not experience something everyone else does."
"What! No he doesn't really mean that..." the Yui-clone tried to deny me and convince the child otherwise
"Listen to Pan-san little child I assure you that you're better off with my advice. Now shouldn't my assistant capture this moment with a photograph"
She looked like she wanted to complain more but instead reluctantly took a picture of us. The kid then hopped off, bowed with respect and proceeded to walk away. Now that the last child was gone my assistant then stepped in front of me.
"That's it… I'm reporting you to the manager" she then scurried off
I'm fine with that. I shouldn't have been here anyway. I then tried to remove the mascot head.
"Mama look its Pan-san"
"Wait… Rumi"
I stopped when I heard familiar voices. I turned around and saw them heading towards me. It was Rumi and Yukinoshita. There's a bit of a distance between the two with Yukinoshita behind Rumi because of all the Pan-san merchandise she's holding that they must have bought together at the Pan Corner Souvenir Shop.
What should I do? I wonder which choice will have no consequence. Should I just take off this headgear and explain to them how this happened or should I keep acting for now, finish the role, and never speak of this again.
Before I could come up with a decision Rumi hopped and sat on my lap.
" Pan-san mascot sir I have a question to ask"
"Hmm… mmm.. ehmmm" I nodded my head and gurgled incomprehensible noise that sounded far off from what I want, a panda noise, and ended up sounding like a morning grunt. I urged her to continue.
"It's about my father have you seen him? He has a half decent look, black hair with a single ahoge and rotten eyes"
I nodded left and right meaning no. Also is that the best you could do to describe me? I know it's not wrong but you could at least embellish it better than that.
"We got separated a while ago after being cut off from the line of a ride but after the ride we couldn't see him anywhere. My mother said that he probably just wandered off somewhere and would contact us eventually with his phone but I'm still worried" she paused for a little before continuing. Near us Yukinoshita now had her camera up ready to take pictures.
"maybe papa prefers to be alone… away from us"
"It's true that he does prefer to be alone but not in this case. He only got himself into another situation while waiting for you two. Besides it would look conceited if the guy that invited you to come to this place would avoid you right after"
I then removed my headwear partially to reveal my face to Rumi
"Papa!"
"Hi… Hikigaya-kun" I saw the flash from the camera while she uttered my name in shock
Then right on cue my assistant came back with a guy most likely the manager.
After clearing the misunderstanding we finally went on our way to continue our journey in the amusement park. I noticed that Yukinoshita is trailing a bit behind us.
"I could carry that bag for you if you want"
"Hmph. Haven't you had enough in desecrating pan-san's image. No I don't want you anywhere near these" Yukinoshita hugged the bag full of pan-san merchandise to deny my offer.
"You weren't there to know what I've been through. Instead of hating me you should give me merit for taking a moment to help them out made sure the event started at all."
"Then what about the part where you had a moment for every kid. I heard you taught them your usual flawed cynical advices. I shudder at the thought that one of them might eventually become like you"
"Those kids enjoyed their time with me and some learned valuable lessons"
"The lady host of the event didn't agree with that. If you take her word in account then you dishonored pan-san's image with your rotten attitude"
"She just has conflicting principles with mine. If you're going to be critical then remember that not a single child complained and the staff was grateful in the end after the mistake they made"
"That's right papa was only helping them out. That event was saved because he was there to be pan-san"
What's this? Rumi is actually on my side for once. Now I can say for sure that I'm proud to have you as my daughter
"I still won't accept that. You still could have gotten out of that situation a lot earlier if you wanted but instead you opted to use pan-san's image to promote your twisted logic. I can sort of understand your secret desire to become pan-san but your looks and attitude is nowhere near as charming"
"No I don't have a desire be a toy panda and I doubt anyone actually wants to" Though I did once write an essay that I'd rather be reincarnated as a bear but that's different. I want to be an actual bear not a stuff toy merchandise used to entertain children and one teenage girl in front of me. I walked faster to increase our pace.
"If you look at it then I think papa looks like pan-san. They already have the same eyes"
"No they're not the same" Yukinoshita denied
"I understand now. You adore papa's looks because he reminds you of pan-san's appearance right?"
"Eh! No I'm telling you they don't resemble each other, not one bit. He is nowhere near as adorable as pan-san"
I managed to see a our next ride while managing it ignore the cringey conversation they are having.
"Hurry up you two we're almost at Universe mountain"
I tried to hold Rumi's hand while we went on our way to the mountain ride but the hand I held felt a bit larger than normal. I looked back to see that it wasn't Rumi's hand I held but Yukinoshita's. She had a flushed expression on her face staring directly at our entangled hands unable to speak properly.
"Hikki…"
I let go immediately.
"Sorry" I apologized in a low tone
She looked away embarrassed
"Mama papa hurry up" I looked back and saw that Rumi had already gone ahead of us. We complied and didn't speak anymore of the incident that just happened
Universe Mountain
The Universe Mountain attraction is one of the most massive rides in Destiny land. The outside appearance is structured to appear like an actual mountain with a cave like opening as entrance. Inside is a large expanse to accommodate a huge number of people. The air is cold inside and the walls appear to be coated with an ice-like cover to emulate a winter mountain theme which makes this popular in summer season.
The carriages are driven in a pathway filled with water to for a river ride experience. Though they are only designed only for two passengers, the staff at the entrance allowed to us ride altogether since Rumi is still a minor and doesn't take up to much space and weight for there to be a safety issue. We went inside and lined up.
"Does this ride still bother you?"
"No. It doesn't bother me"
"Are you sure? You don't really handle these things well"
"I'm fine"
"Will you go with us?" Rumi asked in concern after hearing our conversation
"Well, a long time ago, my sister would always mess with me when it came to places like this but I'm over that now Rumi after all you're here with us"
Rumi smiled upon hearing that.
While we waited in line I took out my phone to check the time but greeted me was something unexpected. There were several missed calls and unread text messages from Yukinoshita. This is probably the most number of messages and calls combined in one time that I received from someone other than my family... It looked like she was somewhat concerned at my disappearance by judging the construction of the messages or is it only my imagination?
It was our turn next. The carriage was designed to look like floating glacier. After we got in the ride it then moved slowly in the river. The tunnel we drive in had ice covering the walls and there are stalactites designs in the ceiling adding authenticity to the place.
"You don't have to hold the bar with tense Rumi. It's not gonna drop yet." Yukinoshita remarked
"Uh. Yeah… You're right" she then let go of the bar.
I recall something like this happened before.
Our carriage ascended slowly towards the waterfall descent at the edge. I remembered the last time we were on this ride. I look at her now and see how much she's change. For the girl who asked to be saved someday it's charming to see her doing just that to someone else. She's outgrown her dependency issues and now she had become someone you can rely on especially in Rumi's eyes.
As we went over the edge Rumi grabbed me and Yukinoshita instead of the bar in front.
We head over to the photo booth section of mountain universe. There s snapshot for every carriage that passes through waterfall descent. You can get said photo in this booth and you can also ask the staff to modify it for effects if you wish. Now that I think about it shouldn't there have been a photograph of me and Yukinoshita when we went through this ride before? Then again I guess it doesn't matter anymore since neither of us must have bothered to get it at that time.
"Here's our picture together"
Rumi grabbed the photo and studied it. It was a simple photo of the three of us lined together, but more than that this is proof of our moment together at this ride.
They both looked at it with a smile on their faces.
Ferris Wheel
The sky turns dark blue as the sun is halfway hidden in the east. Night was about to come to end this day. Some of the street lights have begun to turn on and shop owners would do the same. Slowly the park's theme subtly changed when new luminescence sprung out everywhere.
We walked slowly across the street. My body has started to feel tired after a long day and I could say the same for my companions especially Rumi with her lack of energy most noticeable.
We arrived at the Ferris wheel. In one glance you can say that it is one of the tallest structures in this park. As we lined up it sparkled with light as night descended giving a new aura different from its appearance earlier this day.
It didn't take long till it was our turn. We stepped into the carriage and positioned ourselves in with Rumi besides Yukinoshita and me opposite of them. While we settle down we could feel the fatigue build up from the day and so we relaxed on our position in the cart. If we continue this further then I might end up carrying Rumi in my back again on some of our walk back. We agreed that this will be the last ride for tonight. We each looked out the window looking at the view appearing as we revolve to the top.
"It's been a good day" Rumi talked to break the silence
"Yeah… overall it was" Yukinoshita replied
"Did you enjoy your time here?" I asked Rumi
"I did… I'm glad that the three of us got together to have this. I've lost count on the number of times I felt my emotions peak like never before throughout the day. None of this would have been possible without you both so thank you for being here with me to experience this altogether."
We smiled in satisfaction upon hearing her heart out.
Rumi then let out a wistful sigh.
"I wouldn't mind if this goes on forever"
"I don't think that's for the best. One of the reasons you feel this happy is actually because of the little amount of time you've spent here. You treasure it more because it's special from the rest.
Our past might be filled with regrets and we fear what the future may bring us. So cherish the opportunity in making the best out of the present"
"I see… however it just feels kind of sad that it will be over now"
"This doesn't have to be the last Rumi. Would you mind if we do this again someday?" Yukinoshita asked Rumi
"I'd love to go here again… but only if we all agree to go together again" Rumi responded
"Of course… we all will return someday"
In the distance I heard the last verse of the rhyme one last time.
Magic looms as far as you can see
Filling everyone further with glee
In this land of Destiny that set your release
Accept this time as a moment of peace
Alas you can't always stay in dream
But at least you'll always remember this theme
Now that the day have lost its light
I bid you farewell and a solemn goodnight
As we're nearing the top we felt the gentle gust of wind pass us. We welcome the breeze that soothe our head and body to blow away the summer heat. In front of me I could see their hair flutter through the hair. Rumi secured her hat and took it off letting the breeze blow through her hair.
Near the top we experience a momentary silence away from the noise below us. We could now see the entirety of the park underneath us. The darkness of the night has enhanced the lights beneath making this park a sea of sparkling stars. Below us are masses of friends and families, each borrowing time to enjoy life as much as we did.
All of a sudden what started as a whistle turned to a loud rumble that echoed and followed with is a flash of light in the sky.
"It looks like it has begun" Yukinoshita stated
Rumi's eyes widen at the sight all around her.
We watched the show unfold around us. Sparkling tracers arc upward before they explode into a floral shape of fire. It was a different experience to witness fireworks when you're in a Ferris wheel. You can clearly see each explosion bloom magnificently, one after another, dancing around the night sky.
The fireworks continue to shower the sky around us with vibrant colors of red, blue, white, green, and yellow each shaped in all manners like stars, circled and patterned.
You could hear the shouts of glee down below as people stop their activities to witness the spectacle before them. For minutes everyone in the park were dazzled by the sheer brilliance of the event.
In a short moment I forgot to look at the light show all around as the strobe of colored lights plays across the happy faces of Yukino and Rumi. I never would have expected to see the sights with these two on the best possible vantage point. In this instance, in this moment between us, I felt something warm in my chest that I never experienced before.
The fireworks display ended as quickly as it began and with that heralded the beginning of the end for our journey today.
