I'll stay closed in the house
I'll watch the heat pass
I hear your breaths in the drafts of the blinds
February 2010 – Fabrizio's Apartment
Fabrizio was sitting in the living room, gazing at a wooden box adorned with the inscription: "The Memories of Clara and Fabrizio." It had been a week since Clara, the love of his life, had peacefully passed away in her hospital bed after courageously battling a fatal illness for many years. As he opened the box, their cherished photographs scattered around, each one carrying a precious and often humorous story.
Among the pictures was one of Fabrizio and Clara standing on a pier in the port of Naples during a school trip. They had seized the opportunity to escape to the port and admire the setting sun over the Gulf of Naples. Just as the photo was taken, a cruise ship's horn blared, startling them both, and they comically tumbled into the water.
"That water was freezing," Fabrizio thought, a small smile gracing his lips amid the tears.
As he sifted through the photographs, he stumbled upon a bundle of letters.
"What are these?" curiosity piqued, Fabrizio picked them up, noticing that they were all from the same sender:
"Kashii Nanako, 2-chōme-13-1, Ōhashi, Tokyo 153-0044"
Intrigued, he started reading the heartfelt letters. Unfolding one of them, he began to read:
Clara-Chan,
I hope this letter finds you well. Life is treating me kindly. I've started my final year in high school, and Koigakubo-sensei is preparing us well for the finals. I can't wait for it to end; I'll finally be free to pursue my dreams.
Here, my friends are doing well too; Ryūji and Ami have grown even closer, while Maya and Noto are starting to form a bond. Knowing Maya, it'll be quite a journey for Noto. As for Haruta, he's still with Sena. From the picture you sent in your last letter, it seems things between you and Fabrizio are going smoothly. I'm genuinely happy for you both.
You know, I keep revisiting the sentiment that "you don't know what you've got until it's gone." It's been a year and a half since I met you, but it feels like I've known you my entire life. I'm so proud of who you are and who you're becoming. I treasure the memories we shared, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next time I get to see your beautiful face. You're a blessing in my life, and I can't believe you tolerate me, but thank goodness, because I can't imagine not being your friend.
I hope fate reunites us sooner or later.
Your friend – always,
Kashii Nanako
Fabrizio continued reading the letters, discovering that the bond between Clara and Nanako was something even the will of God could not break. The words etched on those pages echoed the enduring friendship and affection they had shared. It warmed Fabrizio's heart to know how deeply Clara had touched the lives of others, across continents and cultures. As he gently sorted through the contents of the wooden box, he noticed a sealed envelope with familiar handwriting. His heart skipped a beat when he read the sender's address:
"Clara Galiano, 24, Corso Trieste, 24, Caserta, 81100"
to
"Kashii Nanako, Apartment 3-A, 2 Chome-11-1 Shuritonokuracho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0812"
Curiosity mixed with trepidation piqued, and Fabrizio carefully opened the letter. The date on the letter caught his attention, and tears welled up in his eyes once more. It was written just two days before Clara's passing.
The words on the letter touched his heart deeply as he read:
Nanako-Chan,
I am writing these few words to let you know that I am so happy that you managed to enter into the Arts and Craft Department for your major in Design and Crafts at the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. I always knew that you had a thing for designing things, mostly clothes. I hope that you can reach all your objectives and finally realize your dream.
Now, I have something important to tell you, but I need you to be strong as you read on.
I have been battling a fatal illness, and I don't have much time left—perhaps just a few days or weeks.
When I got the tests results, I was devastated. The world looked like it was about to collapse on me; I wanted to take the first flight to Japan to see those purple eyes and your long plum-colored hair fluttering in the wind one last time. But I couldn't; I didn't want you to suffer for me; I already had someone who did it for me.
My Fabrizio, my rock, has been there for me every step of the way. Whenever I was sad, he'd comfort me and say, "Let's play music; it'll make you feel better." When I was angry, he'd silently absorb my outbursts, then hug me tight and take me out for an ice cream downtown. In those simple acts of love, I found solace and felt more cherished than ever. But I knew, deep down, his heart was like pierced by hundreds of knives. I still remember when we first met—he was the classic lonely kid at school that had trouble finding friends; I saw the goodness in him from the beginning, and our friendship blossomed into a beautiful love.
In the time we've been together, we've shared countless wonderful experiences that I wish I could tell you about. Like the time we went to Tuscany for a music competition; we were so nervous. He held my hand, looking into my eyes.
"We got this in the bag, don't worry" he said.
I almost kissed him, but before we knew it, the host assistant walked in and caught us in the act. Our faces turned as red as the wall's colors. Nonetheless, we went on stage and played a song we co-wrote, "Scars." When the results were announced, we hugged each other so tightly, crying tears of joy like babies. We won the competition with a 100-point lead, a new record. That night remains one of the most cherished memories of my life.
There were so many more experiences I hoped to add to my suitcase of memories with you, my dearest friend, and him, the love of my life. Like visiting Mount Fuji, camping under the obsidian sky filled with stars, or spending a day at the beaches of the Izu Islands. Regrettably, time hasn't allowed for those adventures, and I'm filled with remorse for not experiencing them with you.
[Clara's tear stains began marking the paper sheet]
Nanako-chan, you've brought immeasurable joy, heartfelt conversations, and boundless happiness into my life. I hope I've done the same for you.
If somehow, in the afterlife, we could miss each other, I'd miss you dearly. But alas, that is beyond our reach. Instead, I ask you to hold onto the cherished memories we've shared, to think of me with fondness, and to embrace life to the fullest.
With all my heart,
Clara Galiano
P.S. If you ever meet my Fabrizio, please take care of him.
The letter ended there and on the very same day, Clara's condition deteriorated, leading to her passing two days later. Fabrizio's eyes reddened, and his heart weighed heavy with emotion as he grasped the magnitude of Clara's love and friendship. Had he known about the letter, he would have sent it to her friend, cherishing the chance to share in her thoughts and feelings.
As he looked at the framed photo of him and Clara, victorious at the music competition mentioned in the letter, a vivid flashback washed over him.
*Flashback*
March 2009 – Piazza Carlo Di Borbone, Caserta
Clara and Fabrizio took a leisurely stroll, eventually finding themselves outside the square, facing the majestic Royal Palace of Caserta. The first signs of spring were painting the world with vibrant colors. They settled on a bench, basking in the warmth of the late afternoon sun.
"I really think you should consider applying for a scholarship in Japan," Clara asserted firmly.
Curious, Fabrizio inquired, "Why do you believe that?"
With a nod of confirmation, Clara continued, "You remember my dear friend Nanako from Japan, right?" Fabrizio nodded, and she proceeded to share her friend's plans. "Well, she's applying to the Arts and Craft Department for the major in Design and Crafts at the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. I looked into the university and discovered that they have an extraordinary music department—one of the most prestigious in the world. That's why I believe you should explore the opportunity and apply for a scholarship there."
"I'll take some time to think about it," Fabrizio responded thoughtfully. "But you'll come with me"
Clara hesitated for a moment, her thoughts in a whirl.
"We'll have to see about that," she finally replied, a hint of mystery in her voice.
*End of the Flashback*
February 2010 – Fabrizio's apartment
"So that's why you wanted me to study there" Fabrizio stood in his apartment, realization dawning on him as he comprehended Clara's intentions. With a sense of purpose, he walked over to his bedroom, switched on his laptop, and began drafting the application for the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.
"I'll go to Japan … to deliver this final letter to your friend," Fabrizio declared resolutely. "And to make you proud… it's a promise."
Thursday morning, 18th of March 2010 – Naples International Airport "Capodichino"
A month had passed, and Fabrizio had pursued the path Clara had envisioned for him, applying for the Performance and Composition Major at the university. He achieved remarkable success, securing the third position in the final ranking. As he prepared to embark on this new chapter of his life, he gathered his belongings, ready to embrace the journey ahead.
"Flight 5747 to Tokyo - Haneda departing from gate 13 … Flight 5747 for Tokyo-Haneda departing from gate 13," the intercom announced.
With a calm determination, Fabrizio murmured to himself, "Here we go," and took the first steps toward the gate, stepping into a world of endless possibilities and the fulfillment of Clara's aspirations.
As he stepped onto the plane, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement, nerves, and determination. Fabrizio settled into his seat, his heart still racing with anticipation. With each passing minute, the distance between his old life and the new one he was about to embrace grew smaller. As the aircraft soared into the sky, he looked out the window, watching as the familiar landscapes of his past faded into tiny dots below.
Little did he know that this adventure would lead him to find solace, love, and a newfound sense of purpose in the Land of the Rising Sun. He was stepping into a world that held both sorrow and joy, but he was ready to face it all, carrying Clara's spirit with him every step of the way.
Friday morning, 19th of March 2010 – Japan
After a long flight, Fabrizio's plane touched down at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. He felt a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration as he disembarked, clutching his passport and a small bag containing his most essential belongings. The journey from his hometown had been long, but he couldn't help but smile. He was finally in Japan.
Navigating the bustling airport, Fabrizio followed the signs to catch a connecting flight to Okinawa, where he would begin his studies. The airport was a whirlwind of activity, a symphony of languages and cultures blending together. He marveled at the efficiency of the Japanese customs and immigration process, which was remarkably organized.
His connecting flight was a short one, and soon he found himself descending toward the picturesque islands of Okinawa. As the plane approached the runway, Fabrizio looked out of the window, greeted by the sight of turquoise waters and lush green landscapes. It was a breathtaking introduction to his new home.
Once the plane had taxied to a stop, Fabrizio gathered his belongings and made his way through the terminal. He followed the signs to the baggage claim area, where he retrieved his suitcase. With his luggage in tow, he headed to the exit, ready to begin this exciting new chapter of his life.
Outside the airport, the warm Okinawan breeze welcomed him, and he couldn't help but take a deep breath, savoring the sweet scent of the tropical air. He hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address of his new apartment.
Arriving at the building, Fabrizio paid the fare and stepped out of the taxi, gazing up at his new home. It was a modest but charming apartment complex, surrounded by lush vegetation and blooming flowers. With a sense of anticipation, he made his way to the door and checked the room number.
As he entered his apartment, he felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The space was cozy and filled with the promise of new beginnings. Fabrizio began unpacking his belongings, hanging up his clothes, and setting up his musical instruments.
Just as he was getting settled, there was a knock at the door. Fabrizio opened it to find a friendly-looking young man standing there, extending his hand.
"Hello, I'm Hiroto Nakajima," he said with a warm smile. "I'm your co-tenant. Welcome to Okinawa."
Fabrizio shook Hiroto's hand, feeling an instant connection, but this meeting would mark the beginning of a deep and lasting friendship.
Here we are. Fabrizio embarks on his new life in Japan, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, with Clara's memory in his heart.The vibrant streets of Okinawa and the rich cultural tapestry of Japan promised endless adventures and opportunities for growth.
Little did he know that amidst this foreign yet fascinating landscape, destiny had a surprise in store for him. A chance encounter was waiting, one that would forever change the course of his journey.
Stay tuned for the next chapter!
Author Notes: All the locations mentioned in the chapter are real.