[Day-Date-Time Redacted] – Caserta
Fabrizio found himself standing in a familiar place. It was a beautiful park filled with greenery, blooming flowers, and a serene lake that glistened under the moonlight.
As he looked around the park, he spotted Clara sitting on a bench, humming a song. She looked as beautiful as ever, with her golden hair falling over her shoulders and her green eyes shining bright.
"I would like a solution for every word you say..." the girl sang "I wish I could heal your scars..."
"Clara! It's me, Fabrizio!" Fabrizio called out to her,
But she didn't answer so he tried to move closer to her; but every time he took a step, Clara seemed to fade away, like a mirage.
Desperate to get closer to her, Fabrizio quickened his pace. He could feel his heart beating faster with each step he took. As he reached out to touch her, Clara disappeared again.
Frustrated and heartbroken, Fabrizio tried once again. This time he ran as fast as he could towards her, determined to hold her close. But just as he was about to kiss her, Clara vanished once more, leaving Fabrizio alone in the park.
"Wake up, Fabrizio." Clara's voice echoed in his ears, her voice was faint, and her figure was slowly fading away.
Monday Morning, 29th of March 2010 – Fabrizio's apartment
"NO!" Fabrizio jolted awake, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. Tears clung to his lashes, and his heart raced in wild synchronization with the fading echoes of his dream. The pain of losing Clara felt as raw as ever, the wound refusing to heal with time.
The lights from the courtyard cast a somber glow in the room, accentuating the shadows that danced along the walls. Hiroto Nakajima, Fabrizio's co-tenant and a friend, stirred in his own slumber, roused by Fabrizio's distress.
"Fabrizio-kun, is something wrong?" Hiroto's voice held genuine concern, a testament to the bonds they had formed in the time they'd shared the apartment.
Fabrizio struggled to steady his breath; the dream's vivid details still etched into his mind like a haunting painting. "Nothing... nothing to worry about, Hiroto-kun," Fabrizio managed to reply, his voice quivering with the effort to suppress his emotions. "I'm sorry I woke you up..."
Hiroto's eyes held a mixture of understanding and sympathy. "No problem, Fabrizio-kun. If you need to talk, you know I'm here," he offered softly before retreating to his own room, leaving Fabrizio alone with the echoes of his own heartache.
With Hiroto's footsteps fading, Fabrizio sat on the edge of his bed, his trembling hands covering his face, the memories of Clara flooded his mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of what had been lost. He rubbed his temples, as if trying to dispel those haunting images.
"I don't want to remember her like that," he thought, his inner voice tinged with a melancholic ache that resonated in the quiet room. "I never dream of her strumming her guitar... or that funny dance she did... always the same nightmare."
The digital clock on the bedside table blinked 5:30 AM, casting a faint glow on Fabrizio's face. The idea of sleep seemed impossible now, the remnants of the dream clinging to his mind like cobwebs. Slowly, he stood up, his feet finding the cool surface of the wooden floor.
With a sigh, he moved to the window, pulling the curtains aside to reveal the early morning sky. The world outside was cloaked in shades of indigo and charcoal, the promise of a new day just beginning to stir. The darkness seemed to mirror his own internal struggle, caught between the pain of loss and the desire to remember Clara with fondness.
And then, as if fate had orchestrated the moment, he felt a soft breeze brush against his skin, carrying with it a scent of blooming flowers. He turned his gaze downward, his eyes meeting a delicate figure standing across the courtyard. She was bathed in the gentle morning light, her presence almost ethereal.
For a moment, Fabrizio felt a sense of connection, a feeling that their gazes were intertwined by some unseen force. He couldn't help but be captivated by her, the way she seemed lost in her thoughts, as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. He wondered what her story was, what secrets her eyes held.
As a gentle breeze made the flowers rustle, the young woman seemed to wake up from her dream. She blinked, her eyes widening as if she realized she wasn't alone. Fabrizio felt his heart skip a beat, unsure of how to react.
"What should I do? Should I offer a friendly smile or turn away?" He thought frantically.
To his surprise, a faint blush graced her cheeks, and she quickly averted her gaze, a shy smile playing on her lips. It was as if they had shared a private moment, an unspoken connection that left Fabrizio feeling both intrigued and strangely comforted.
With a hesitant smile of his own, Fabrizio offered a small nod before turning back to the window, allowing the curtain to fall into place. The encounter left his heart racing, a mixture of curiosity and a sense of longing settling within him.
Monday Morning, 29th of March 2010 – Apartment's courtyard
Nanako stood in the quiet courtyard, her fingers gently cradling the delicate petals of the flowering plant. She had always found solace in nature and tending to the plants had become a ritual that helped soothe her restless thoughts. The morning sky painted the world in shades of gold, purple and light blue, casting a warm glow over everything it touched.
Lost in her own world, Nanako was startled when a breeze brushed against her skin. It carried a scent of blooming flowers, a scent that seemed to blend seamlessly with the air around her. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up, her eyes meeting the gaze of a young man from the neighboring building.
For a moment, time seemed to pause, and Nanako felt a connection that was both surprising and comforting. His eyes held a depth that she couldn't quite decipher, a mixture of curiosity and something more profound. She blushed under his scrutiny, feeling as if he could somehow see the thoughts swirling within her.
Quickly, she looked away, her fingers fumbling with the vines as she pretended to focus on her task. She was acutely aware of her heartbeat, the way it seemed to echo in her ears like a drum. It was as if the encounter had ignited a spark within her, one that she couldn't ignore.
Gathering her courage, Nanako stole another glance at the young man, her lips curving into a shy smile. To her delight, she found him looking back at her, his gaze warm and inviting. Her blush deepened, and she couldn't help but hold his gaze for a moment, her heart fluttering in response to the silent exchange.
And then, as if acknowledging the unspoken connection, the young man offered a small, reassuring nod before his gaze shifted away. Nanako watched as he retreated back inside his apartment, leaving her with a mixture of excitement and curiosity swirling within her.
Her fingers traced the petals of the plant absentmindedly, her thoughts consumed by the encounter. She couldn't deny the thrill of that brief interaction, the way it had managed to brighten her day and fill her heart with a sense of possibility.
Monday Morning, 29th of March 2010 – Naminoue Beach
Nanako, arrived at the beach, took off her shoes and with her bare feet walked the fine white sand to the shore. The waves bathed the hem of her white dress, like a soft caress, in a harmonious lapping, the only sound that reigned in the morning quiet. The girl closed her eyes enjoying the brackish air and let the wind dishevel her long plum coloured hair. Nanako opened her eyes looking at the horizon, now characterized by a myriad of colors brought by the sun rising slowly.
"What a view…" Nanako thought.
In so many years she had never seen the sun rise, let alone from a beach in Okinawa. Everything seemed so beautiful, but as she watched the sun's ascent, her thoughts inevitably drifted back to the mysterious young man from her apartment building. The one she had shared that fleeting, yet unforgettable, connection with. She had no idea who he was, but his smile, his nod—it had all left an indelible mark on her heart.
With a soft sigh, she murmured to herself, "I wonder who you are..."
But before she could finish her thought, the familiar ringtone of her cellphone sliced through the serene moment. Startled, she fished it out of her bag and saw her mother's name flashing on the screen.
"Hello Mom," Nanako greeted, the sound of the crashing waves in the background.
"Good morning, sweetheart," her mother's voice came through the phone. "I hope I didn't wake you up."
"No, not at all. I'm actually at the beach, watching the sunrise," Nanako replied, a smile creeping onto her face as she took in the breathtaking view.
"Oh, that sounds lovely, dear. You always did have a thing for sunrises," her mother chuckled softly. "I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. You know I miss you."
Nanako's heart warmed at her mother's words. "I miss you too, Mom. I'm... I'm doing okay, I'm settling into the new place, I've made a few friends here. Their names are Yukina and Yukari; we met during orientation week; we quickly became friends. While… today I met someone interesting in my apartment building. Well, not exactly 'met' yet, but there's something about him..."
Her mother's gentle laughter filled the phone. "Ah, young love, perhaps?"
Nanako blushed, even though her mother couldn't see her. "No, nothing like that, Mom. It's just... he seems kind, and I can't help but be curious about him."
Her mother's voice was filled with understanding. "Well, dear, curiosity can often lead to wonderful discoveries. We'll talk more about it tonight. I have to go to work now, but I'll call you when I'm done."
Nanako felt a rush of warmth at her mother's words. "Alright, Mom. Have a good day at work. We'll catch up tonight."
With a final exchange of love and well-wishes, they ended the call, and Nanako returned her attention to the sunrise. She felt a warmth in her heart, knowing her mother's support was always just a call away.
But as the sun continued its ascent into the sky, a shadow of worry crossed her features. She remembered something that had been lingering in the back of her mind for quite some time now—a letter she had sent to her best friend, Clara, who lived in Italy.
"Oh, Clara! Will she have received my letter?" Nanako wondered.
They had been pen-pals since they were separated after Nanako's return to Japan, and their letters were like a lifeline that connected them across the vast distance.
Nanako had sent a heartfelt letter to Clara several weeks ago. She had eagerly awaited Clara's response, hoping for her friend's usual words of encouragement and laughter but there had been no reply letter from Clara. Nanako had initially dismissed it, thinking that perhaps her letter was caught up in the complexities of international mail. But as days turned into weeks, worry had started to creep in. Clara had never taken this long to reply before.
A sense of unease settled in Nanako's heart, and she made a silent promise to herself that she would check her mailbox as soon as she returned home. Perhaps there was a letter waiting for her, a letter that would bring the familiar warmth of Clara's friendship back into her life.
Monday Morning, 29th of March 2010 – Naminoue Beach Waterfront
The predawn sky had transformed into a soft canvas of pastel colors as Fabrizio jogged along the waterfront of Naminoue Beach. The rhythmic pounding of his feet on the pavement was accompanied by the steady beat of the music in his ears, but his thoughts were miles away from the serene coastal scenery.
Despite the music's attempt to drown out his inner battles, his mind kept circling back to the mysterious girl in the garden of the apartment building. He couldn't shake the memory of her shy smile and the unspoken connection they had shared before recalling that he didn't say a word to her.
"Well done, idiot!" he mentally scolded himself.
As he reached the other side of the waterfront, he paused in front of a music club to catch his breath, the salty breeze brushing against his face. Then, his attention was drawn to a flyer on its window caught his eye.
"Wanted singer for evenings" recited the sign "work from 8:00 p.m. at 2:30 a.m."
As he stood there, his heart still racing from the run and his thoughts consumed by the girl he couldn't forget, Fabrizio made a spontaneous decision. He would apply for the job as soon as the club opened. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to overcome his shyness and, just maybe, find a way to express the emotions he had been holding back.
With renewed purpose, Fabrizio resumed his run, the music in his ears now replaced by the melody of possibility.
Monday Morning, 29th of March 2010 – Naminoue Beach
Nanako sat on the tranquil beach, the gentle waves crashing against the shore as she took in the breathtaking sunrise. Her phone lay beside her, temporarily forgotten in the midst of the morning's serenity. The thoughts of Clara's unanswered letter still lingered, but the beauty of the moment managed to provide some solace.
However, her phone suddenly lit up with a message from Maya, her high school best friend. She picked it up, a smile forming on her face as she read Maya's message.
MK: Hey, Nanako-chan! How's life on the beautiful Okinawa beaches treating you today?
NK: Hi, Maya-chan! It's wonderful as always. The sunrise was breathtaking. How about you?
MK: Not as glamorous as beach life, but I can't complain. College keeps me busy!
NK: That's wonderful news! How's Ami coping with the pregnancy?
MK: She's had some morning sickness, but Ryuji's been taking great care of her. They're both over the moon!
Nanako smiled at the thought of her friends starting a family. Ami and Ryuji had always been the adventurous type, and now they were embarking on the greatest adventure of all.
MK: By the way, have you heard back from Clara?
Nanako's heart sank at the mention of Clara, and she quickly replied.
NK: No, not yet. I'm starting to get a little worried, to be honest.
MK: Don't be too anxious. Sometimes international mail takes longer. She'll write back soon, I'm sure.
Nanako appreciated Maya's reassuring words but couldn't help the lingering unease.
MK: Oh, before I forget. We're planning a little baby shower in October, so you better be there!
NK: Wouldn't miss it for the world! Let's catch up soon, Maya.
MK: Definitely, Nanako-chan! Take care and have a great day!
NK: You too!
Just as she was about to put her phone back in her purse, an incoming call appeared on the screen. This one was from her friend Yukina.
"Hello?" Nanako picked up.
"Good morning, Nanako!" Yukina's cheerful voice came through the phone, breaking the silence.
"Good morning, Yukina. What's up?" Nanako smiled, happy to hear from her friend.
"I was wondering if you wanted to join me and Yukari for breakfast at Sudoh Bucks? We thought it would be a nice way to start the day." Yukina asked.
Nanako's heart warmed at the thought of spending time with her friends.
"That sounds great, Yukina! Count me in. Which Sudoh-Bucks are you thinking of?" Nanako asked her friend.
"Let's meet at the one on the waterfront of Naminoue Beach. It's a beautiful morning, and we can enjoy our coffee with an ocean view!" Yukina suggested.
"Sounds perfect! See you there!" Nanako ended the call.
Nanako tucked her phone back into her purse, ready to meet Yukina and Yukari for a delightful breakfast by the beach.
Monday Morning, 29th of March 2010 – Sudoh Bucks
Nanako arrived at Sudoh-Bucks, the waterfront location offering a stunning view of Naminoue Beach. She spotted Yukina and Yukari at a cozy table by the large windows, bathed in the warm morning sunlight. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as she approached the table with a smile, greeted by the familiar warmth of her friends' faces.
"Good morning, you two!" Nanako greeted as she took a seat.
"Morning, Nanako!" Yukina chirped. "Isn't this view just breathtaking?"
Nanako nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on the vast expanse of ocean stretching before them. "It truly is."
Yukari chuckled. "How's your morning been so far?"
Nanako paused for a moment, her mind flickering back to the encounter in the apartment garden that had occupied her thoughts all morning.
"Actually, something interesting happened this morning," she began, her voice soft as she leaned in slightly. "I had a brief encounter with a boy from our apartment building."
Yukina and Yukari leaned in, intrigued.
Nanako went on, describing the moment. "I was in the garden, watching the sunrise, and he appeared from his apartment. We didn't talk, but there was this weird connection between us, like fate brought us together."
Yukari raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her face. "Sounds like the beginning of a romance novel."
Nanako laughed softly, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. "No, it wasn't like that. It was just... special. And then," she added, "I received a message from Yukina inviting me to breakfast here, which felt like another pleasant surprise."
Yukina grinned. "Well, you can thank us for that later. But seriously, Nanako, maybe this encounter is a sign of something new and exciting in your life."
Nanako's gaze drifted back to the sea, her thoughts wandering as she considered Yukina's words.
As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, Fabrizio stood outside the Sudoh-Bucks café, sipping his coffee and gazing out at the serene ocean view.
Meanwhile, Nanako and her friends, after paying the bill, decided to take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, enjoying each other's company and the gentle waves that lapped at their feet.
In that moment, with the vast ocean stretching before them, both Nanako and Fabrizio whispered to the wind, as if sharing a secret with the universe.
Nanako murmured to herself, "Maybe this is the beginning of something new."
Fabrizio, unaware of her presence, thought, "A chance for a fresh start."
Nanako and Fabrizio's lives began to intersect. Both were captivated by a mysterious connection with a shared whisper to the universe—Fabrizio, hoping for a fresh start, and Nanako, looking forward to something new. Their paths were yet to cross, but destiny seemed to be gently guiding them toward one another.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in which their paths will cross and their journey together will begin to take shape.