It had been a while since a day was as calm as this. The rain patted quick yet quietly down the roof down to the gutters, it was loud enough to hear in the still early morning. Honestly, you'd think since Inaba's a small town it wouldn't be as crazy as it has been since the Murder case started. It had rained the day before, the day we rescued Yukiko, the rain had seemed so suffocating then. But now, it seems soothing, ambient.
I woke up exceptionally early and couldn't go back to sleep, so I laid awake on my futon. Time seemed to pass by slowly, the calm low rumble of thunder being the only thing aside from the raindrops to fill the silence. That, and the sound of wet rustling leaves. While laying there I couldn't help but think of a time similar to this day, I was probably six. Though the memory is a bit hazy, but I remember how lovely the light rain in Kyoto was, Tokyo could never compare. It had started to get light out my room's window, so dragged myself like a deadweight off of my futon. Knowing that I had to get ready for school and do just that. While the rain sang ever so softly.
It hadn't taken me long to dress myself and do everything that came after, so with a good hour and a half left to spare, I went to the kitchen to make myself a bento for lunch later today. It wasn't going to be anything extravagant, just a simple bento. Nothing more. So I went to work making it quickly, even though I have more than enough time to make it, I don't like wasting time for no reason. By I was done, Nanako had come down the stairs from her room. She was all ready for school just as I was. She looked tired and was probably hungry from the smell of the food I cooked, that being my fault.
"Ah….good morning Nanako" I said to her, be it a bit awkwardly. I've only been here for about a week or so, with my Uncle and younger cousin, this being my first time meeting her. There's also a big age gap between us, 9 years to be exact. My age being Sixteen and hers being seven. That might be part of the reason that we're so awkward around each other, that and the fact we've never met one another till now. So to her and basically a stranger, a stranger living in her own house. But even though I've never been good at creating and keeping relationships, I'm willing to try for Nanko.
And then maybe we won't be strangers, but rather family.
"Oh um, good morning…" Nanako says after hearing my greeting,albeit a bit quietly. Then after there was nothing but an odd silence. Nothing but the soft sounds from the rain on the roof. Which fortunately eased the uncomfortable silence.
I take a quick look at the clock. I see that we'll have to walk to school in about thirty minutes, so I make the first move and say the first thing that comes to my head, "Would you like something for breakfast Nanako-chan? I can make you a quick toast with some eggs, how's that sound?", I ask. I can spare thirty fifteen minutes for her.
Her eyes widened a bit, she looked a bit surprised. "Really?", she said, sounding happy. As if no one had done this for her. "Yes, really", I replied, smiling at her. So I quickly, but thoughtfully went to start on her food. The atmosphere becoming lighter, making the silence more comforting. Despite my dislike for the silence, which is a more of personal problem
—-
By the time she finished the rain had led up, as if it knew we had somewhere to be. So I grabbed my umbrella and waited for Nanko outside the front door. I had instantly relaxed as the cool, moist morning air touched my skin. Along with the sweet smell of wet outdoors, wet soil being my favorite smell after rain. Making me nostalgic for those rain showers in Kyoto. A six year old me sitting by the window watching the rain streak down it.
When Nanako walked out the door, she was happy to find that I was still here waiting and hadn't left.
I held her small soft hand as we walked to the floodplain. Thinking about how close I hope to be with her in the future, not just her, but my Uncle and new friends.
—-fin