Hajime is gone by the time I wake up.
I’m here for a reason I remind myself. Although I wonder where he’s off to. After our conversation last night… I wish he hadn’t gone off alone.
I leave him the address to Tamesaburou’s office. It’s easy enough to find, as I remember. I never did go there too often. Making sure I’m all packed up I leave my luggage in a neat stack, with the note on top. Although I’m glad we came here… I miss someone very, very much right now… but she’ll like the present that I’m having Hajime get for her. Too bad I don’t know if they are pricey or not, Isuzu-chan I’m sure would like some as well.
I chose to walk on the way there, this time remembering my bag of presents I brought from Ito. It’s a nice enough day and not too hot. And early enough to where I can stop for a cup of tea on the way, to ease this strange sense of nervousness that I can’t shake. Even though Tamesaburou wanted to see me…
(OOC – Hide has left the ryoken)
June 18th, 1885 – Morning
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Hurrying down the street… ah… it’s still here.
The staff has all changed but this little cafe is still the same. The tea here… is quite good as always, I never did figure out excatly where they got it from. Back when I lived here I came often, usually before I saw to all of the errands I always had to take care of when I ran the Yagi house. Later when that was no longer my responsibility, I would spend a lot of time here in the afternoons, feeling useless and self-pitying.
Their breakfast is good, as well, but I remember the afternoon treats to be much better…
“Yagi-san?” I hear my name and turn my head.
“But Hashimoto-san…” I wave off Tami-san. She hovers so much when we come into the city! “I would like tea,” I tell her, firmly. “I’m not off to cause trouble. And you should go see to picking up what we need from the market,” I tell her.
She gives me a -look- and bows, heading towards the marketplace. Some servants are very obstinate, and Tami-san is old enough to be my grandmother and still think she knows best. I would like time to myself – this is our last day in Kyoto before I have to go back home, and I’m tired of shopping. Imagine! But I did get a very pretty kimono or two… or three for myself.
I go into the little shop, looking for a seat, when I see someone I’ve not seen in a long, long time.
“Yagi-san?”
“Naomi-san?” I ask, my mind going blank thinking of what her married name. I’ve not seen her since we went to Ito on vacation together six years ago. The girl in the bright kimono… her dress is more subdued now but the burst of bright pink flowers that grace her otherwise restrained kimono.
She smiles brightly. “I’ve not seen … heard from you in so long!” She takes my hands in hers and squeezes them a little. We only knew each other for a month but she was a very warm person. I’m glad to see that time hasn’t changed her too much.
“I’m having a little breakfast… would you like to join me?” I ask. To be honest I’ve not thought of her in years…
I sit down across from her and order some tea. I already had some breakfast at the ryoken.
“How have you been, Yagi-san? My aunt told me that you moved not long after our trip; and that you left no forwarding address.” The tea is brought quickly, and I take a sip. “I always wanted to correspond with you further, we had such a nice time in Ito, didn’t we?”
And her advice and what she taught me was useful… my mother-in-law was more welcoming that I had feared, if a little old-fashioned and traditional, but some of his family… but that was a few years ago.
I nod, “yes, I left Tokyo in August,” I tell her. “I now live in Ito, actually.”
I always wanted to correspond with you further, we had such a nice time in Ito, didn’t we?
“Yes, we did,” although I don’t think she -always- agreed with me at the time, especially on the mornings when I would make her go to the kitchen and learn to cook Kyoto style. “Did you ever have to cook after all?”
“I do get to cook, some. My husband is quite pleased when I do,” I tell her. Even his mother was impressed.
“I’ve been married now for… oh… it’s been six years now.” I smile. “We have two little boys, and I don’t get to come all the way to Kyoto -that- often – isn’t it lucky that I ran into you now?”
Then Tami-san comes bustling in. “Hashimoto-san,” she says, giving me an anxious look, “Hashimoto-dono is looking for you…” I sigh, a little annoyed. I had wished for more time to visit with Yagi-san…
Gulping down the last of my tea (and getting a stern look from Tami-san for -that-), I bow slightly at “Yagi-san… Do write me.” I tell her as I scribble out my address.
She leaves, in a whirl of sleeves and kind words, overseen by a family servant. “Yagi-san… do write me,” she smiles brightly. I nod and watch her leave the little cafe.
I look at the address… a half a day from Kyoto, if I recall correctly. The name is an old one; she married quite well.
I hold the slip of paper in my hand and it begins to crumple. After all, if she were to know about…
No. That’s not how I should think. If she’s shocked and offended by my situation… then she will be. But she’s shown herself to be a sweet young lady, so… I should have faith in more people overall. I tuck the paper into my obi and pay for my breakfast.
I think of the time… it’s early still, and hours to go before Hajime is to meet me at Tamesaburou’s office. I think… if they did have to take Yuunosuke to the train, I’m certain that he won’t be there too early.
I have a little time. Looking around, I hail a carriage. Just a quick visit… in a place so important for my past… my home for the first thirty-two years of my life, and then my last two visits here.