Seeing Makoto off, she runs inside the building. Well that’s it. I think to myself but I hear a cough behind me.
“Nee-san.”
I turn and it’s Tsutomu. “I thought you’ve gone inside already Tomu. Aren’t you and Midori going to be late?”
“Yes but I had Midori go on first.”
He turns away for a moment. But doesn’t move from there.
I smile a little and go in front of him.
“Whatever it is Tomu it’s fine.”
“Well I…” He stammers. Which is so unlike him! “It’s none of my business but since he’s not here anymore.”
He reaches into his bag and takes out a piece of paper folded in half.
“Here. I think he wanted to give it to you but never did. It was always left with the stack of papers on my desk.” He sighs and looks away. “Sorry I had to fold it so it would fit my bag and it got a little wet.”
“He?” Taking the paper I unfold it and see… I can’t help but smile a little. Eiji did draw very well. It was one of those things he could escape to I think. He liked drawing families at first but after that he drew landscapes. So why draw me? And with the scarf that Kinnosuke-san bought for me as a gift.
“I’m going to go now.” Tomu coughs.
I nod and thank him. And he’s off. I look at the paper again. Why me? I put it inside my kimono for safekeeping. I suppose that’s an unfair question to ask now? He’s not here anymore and I never could come up with an answer. But still I ask “why me?”. Maybe I should’ve asked him that before he left.
I head back. It’s chilly. I hope wherever he is, that it’s at least sunny and warm.