Adrift

Takaki was decidedly nervous. To be fair, he had never appeared in front of this many people ever.

A week ago, it had been decided that his book, which he entitled "Adrift: A Collection of Short Stories About Life," would be published and released. The programmer turned writer was now to make a short speech to a small group of press. Small, meaning only about fifty magazine, television, and radio reporters would be in the room.

"Nervous, Tono-kun," a female voice said from behind him. He recognized his employer's secretary, Yuki.

"No. Nervous was an hour ago. Right now I feel like I might throw up."

"Oh, my. I hope you didn't eat too much."

"Just a joke, Yuki-chan," Takaki said, smiling. Truth was, he hadn't eaten much at all. It was all he could do to force down a slice of toast. He would have had coffee to wake him up, but he was smart enough to know that that would have just made his stomach hurt worse than it was now.

"Oh. Well, if it helps, just pretend that it's only those people out there."

"Eh? What do you mean, Yuki-chan?"

"Oh, well, the people will be broadcasting live and…oops. You hadn't thought of that, had you?"

Thank you, Yuki-chan. In fact, he had not. The fact that he would be in front of fifty business professionals when he had no prior experience was bad enough. Realizing that it would be broadcast live in three or four media forms was quite another thing. Now he really did think he was going to throw up!

Before he knew it, he was doubled over, Yuki sending a constant stream of 'are you alright' and 'I'm sorry' over him. How in the world was he going to get through this one.

Suddenly, the door to his little waiting room opened, and the publisher came in, all smiles.

"Ok, Tono, I think they're ready for…"

He stopped short at seeing Takaki bending over a waste basket with Yuki over him trying to help him. Who could blame him, honestly? It surprised Takaki, therefore, when the manager chuckled and gestured for Yuki to leave.

"I take it Yuki didn't do much to alleviate your stress. I had hoped, but then I should have figured. You barely stare at women, Tono-san. I take it that your book has some truth to it then?"

Takaki continued staring at the wastebasket, though his stomach had subsided to a dull ache. Instead, he reflected on the five months he had poured into writing the book. It had been after he quit his job, realizing there was no going back to the past. He had just started writing, not knowing why, not knowing where it would lead. He had written as much for others as for himself. For Akari, for Kanae, for his parents, but mostly it had been a desperate, last resort to clear out his mind and soul.

"Tono-san, I can't force you to go out there, but I'd like you to know that I think your writing deserves to be given light that only you can give it."

His stomach felt like it was on fire, but Takaki managed to stand and straighten out his tie. He wondered for a second if he was going to be able to do this. To stand in front of all those people and tell them about how his life was reflected in this collection of short stories. Instead of feeling his stomach, he felt his eyes tearing up, but the young author wiped them away, and prepared himself for the upcoming onslaught. He had prepared his speech, so all that was left was to deliver.

The manager smiled. He had seen Tono work his way up this whole time. He was glad that the company had decided on Tono. The young man had spirit, and it showed in his writing. If anyone deserved to be published, it was him.

"Ready, Tono-san?"

You only live once…

"…and so I hope that I have been of help to you all."

It was a blur to Takaki. He barely remembered what he had said. He afforded himself a glance at his watch on the podium as he bowed. Had it really been a whole thirty minutes? He could scarcely believe it.

He came up and heard the applause and also saw the hands of several people waving, desperate to get his attention. He was nervous about that. What if they asked about his background? Or if he had some secret inspiration? Luckily, the manager appeared to have thought that out already.

"Now, everyone, let's let Mr. Tono rest, shall we? I think we have time for one question if you're up to it, Tono-san."

Takaki wondered. He thought if he could pick out the best one of the crowd, he might be able to the handle the single question. Nodding, he looked out into the gathering. One of the interviewers looked desperate. She was straining on her tiptoes and stretching to her limit, her face scrunched up in concentration, as thought begging to be chosen. Smiling, Takaki couldn't help but point to her.

"Yes, miss in the pink sweater."

Pausing, she looked at him, then pointed at herself. Smiling, he nodded. She looked like she was straining not to jump up and down.

"Yes, well, you've made no mention of your friends or family…"

Uh-oh Takaki thought. Did I pick the wrong one after all? What if she decides to ask me about the book?

"…so I was wondering if there was anyone out there you would like to give an honorable mention to?"

Huh? Well, that was not what he had expected. Why not? Despite the fact that he was on live media, the odds that someone would actually hear him were slim to none, right?

"Of course, I'd like to thank my parents for raising me. Also, there are two others out there I would like to give my thanks to. They are my two best friends, despite having not seen them in a while…"

"Shinohara Akari"

Akari had just finished introducing herself to the store manager. It was a quiet, small bookstore that looked to be ignored most of the time. However, she noticed a few people here and there. It was amazing what a celebrity visit could do for popularity of a place.

"Well, Shinohara-san, what is it I could do for you?"

Shinohara It had been a while since she had used that name. Her maiden name. Maybe it was the fact that she had been away from her husband for so long, or maybe it was the fact that she was looking for her sweetheart from youth. Whatever the reason, she had decided on it and intended to stick with it.

"The woman who was in here about a week ago, I believe her name was Sumita. I was wondering if you could tell me where it was she was staying."

The man looked a little sad at the fact that she wasn't looking for merchandise. Or perhaps it was because he could not help her.

"I'm sorry. She insisted that I not let anyone know where she is. She tends to be swamped by fans. Especially the male variety, if you understand."

Akari bowed her head. It was difficult, but she understood. Smiling, the young woman bowed.

"I understand. You're a good friend to her."

She turned to leave. So close. All the same, it was not as though there was a guarantee that she would find Takaki. The store owner really was a good friend to Sumita. It must be difficult to be constantly admired without anyone really trying to understand or get to know her.

"Wait a second, miss."

The voice was not the owner, but rather from a woman who looked to be slightly older than her. She had a kind face with a small smile that was somehow very comforting. As the woman approached, she wondered for a moment why she looked vaguely familiar.

"If I could ask, why is it you're looking for Kanae?"

"Kanae? Oh, you mean Sumita-san? Yes, well, I saw that she came from Tanegashima and I had a friend who was there who I have not heard from in a great amount of time. I was wondering if maybe she knew him."

The woman's smile broadened. She waved her hand and moved to the back of the store. Unsure whether to follow her, Akari looked to the manager, who looked confused, but nodded his consent. Akari, not knowing what else to do, followed the woman into the back of the shop. She was casually drinking a cup of coffee and gestured to a seat at a small table. Akari nervously sat and set her purse on the floor. The woman walked over and sat across from her, glancing at her from over her coffee cup.

"I'm only here for a short while, so a full introduction seems unnecessary. I know where Kanae is staying, but I was wondering if I might inquire as to whom it was you were looking for. I might know that person."

Akari was slightly puzzled, but answerd, "Well, the person I'm looking for was a childhood friend, Tono Takaki."

The woman was genuinely taken aback by that. The shock was clearly shown on her face, but then she smiled.

"I'm sorry to tell you that Kanae would not know where to find him. He was someone she knew, but they lost touch after he went to college."

Head hung, Akari nodded. The odds of finding someone were slim after all. Maybe he was not even in Japan anymore, or maybe he moved back to Kagoshima. Who knew.

Seeing her disappointment, the woman smiled and patted her hand. Taken back by the contact, Akari jumped. The woman only smiled more.

"Though I don't think you can find him through her, you might want to talk to her anyway. I can see that he was someone dear to you. It was the same with her." She fumbled for a moment, looking for a piece of paper to write on. She found a pen and took what looked like a torn piece of receipt paper.

"Here. This should be the address. Should be easy since I'm guessing you live in Tokyo. She won't be home until later this evening, but do be sure to drop by."

Taking the paper, Akari bowed. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Grabbing her purse, she bolted out the door, ignoring the shopkeeper on her way out. She did not want anyone to see her cry.

"Sumita-san, if I could ask, where is it you plan on going next?"

"Sumita-san is currently planned to leave for the United States for a tournament in one month. Having just finished her most recent competition, she will have that time to relax and train."

Was it Kanae's imagination, or was there a heavier emphasis on 'train' than there was on 'rest?' It honestly did not surprise her anymore. The month was going to be a heavy combination of practice and being practically dead. Most people imagined wild parties and dating, but the case was much less glamorous. Kanae was bound to surf until she was unable.

Admittedly, there were worse things. She was in her element in the water when she had a board. It was almost spiritual the way that she could ride a force like that. Remembering back to when she had been a student, there had been numerous lectures on the nature of a tsunami, a wave that could level entire cities. The waves Kanae rode were puny in comparison, but if she messed up by enough of a degree, she could find herself in the hospital or worse. Being that close to death and competing against the best gave such a rush.

"Next question?"

A shorter, middle aged woman raised her hand. Her hair was bleached and if Kanae placed her guess right, she was from a surfing magazine of some kind.

"Sumita-san, I was curious. There have been all sorts of rumors flying around about you, but nothing has ever been confirmed: is there a man in your life?"

Kanae tried her hardest not to sign in exasperation. All the reporters were now anxious, pens at the ready. It was always the same question, time and time again. It was just so hard to believe that someone so famous was not in some form of relationship. The media would eat it up, of course. Without a relationship, there was no room for scandal or incident, so in their eyes, Kanae was just a very, very good surfer. Nothing juicy or intriguing seemed to happen in her personal life.

Managing to smile, Kanae said, "No, I think the answer is the same as last week. My love life really is dead."

The reporters looked a bit disappointed, but there was no further questions asked.

"If that's all, I really should be getting back to rest now. I thank you all for coming. Please, enjoy the rest of your day."

As they all left, Kanae was finally able to breathe a bit. Looking over at the director, he gave her a thumbs up. The young surfer got up and started walking toward the exit, hoping for an easy walk home.

The door opened up and led to a small back ally that would take her right where she wanted: the open street. Despite the fact that all her superiors told her it was a poor idea, she enjoyed walking alone. Ever since that evening with Tono-kun, she had tried to take her time walking the streets, looking up at the sky, and enjoying the time to think.

It was good to breathe the outside air, even though it was city air. No harm, really. It really was wonderful walking like this. The cherry trees were in full bloom. She looked at them, appreciating the beauty inherently found in such a simple petal. The vibrancy of the petals moving through the air was like watching pink snow fall, and the few that brushed her skin were so soft.

Allowing herself to stretch out, she walked through the crowd. As usual she scanned the faces, looking for anyone familiar. Since leaving high school, most of her friends had scattered to various places, and not a few came to Tokyo. One in particular.

For a moment, her mind drifted out of time and space. She remembered Tono. Those evenings spent with him. Her heart still felt light when she thought of him. Always so distant, always far away, even when he was right next to her. Kanae still wondered who that person on the other end of the line was, the person receiving those E-mails. Who that person he was looking up for was.

The young woman's heart ached a bit as she reached her apartment. It was a small but comfortable complex. Nothing fancy, defiantly nothing that would draw attention. Still, it was good enough for her, though she missed her home on the island.

Kanae fumbled in her pockets for the keys. She was just about to open up the door when a voice came from behind her.

"Excuse me."

Turning, she saw a woman about her age, long brown hair in a dress standing looking at her as though trying to confirm something.

Sighing, Kanae said, "I'm sorry, but I don't do private interviews."

The woman smiled, and Kanae felt a little intimidated. That smile was quite disarming. She had seen Tono smile like that on occasion. The same look in his eyes too…except her eyes were red. She had been crying recently. Kanae felt a pang of guilt for her assumption earlier.

"It's not that. I was referred here by someone I met in the store. I just saw that you were from Tanegashima. I had a friend who lived there some time ago. He moved away and I never saw him. I was wondering if perhaps you knew him. The woman made it sound as though you might.

Onee-san. What have you gotten me into now? Kanae was not really in the mood to go hunting down some random acquaintance. It had been a rather long day. All the same, a name couldn't hurt, could it?

"I might be able to tell you where he went, but I'm afraid that I don't know many details about where people went. What was his name."

A single sakura petal drifted in through the complex window and drifted between the two. Kanae wondered if it was some sort of sign. After the name she heard, she knew it must have been.

"Tono. Tono Takaki."

Hi there. So, please send in a review if you read it. I'd appreciate feedback since I have 0 idea if anyone is reading this!