Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In this warm winter, a week after the worship of Sakuma, snow once again descended upon Fukusho. This time, it was not gentle like on the day of the festival; instead, it came with howling winds that blew the snow against the glass door in front of Sakuma like a storm of sand.
Crash, crash...
The snow pounded against the glass, hit the ground, and howled through the gaps in the windows. Sakuma, who had been carefully reviewing his graduation album over the past few days, was just about to express some new thoughts when he was momentarily silenced by a letter sent by Nobu no Suke a few days earlier.
"Sakuma, I hope you have been feeling better these days.
The last time I visited you, you had just taken your medicine, so Keiko and I didn’t stay long. However, I believe you will soon be full of energy again; at least your body seems to be recovering.
I think Ms. Nishijo has already informed you that you have been granted an extended leave. After I got home that day, I called Inada President, and it seems he had anticipated that your illness would require some proper recuperation!
Do you remember when Wen Liang was around? He once told me that you bear an astonishing resemblance to someone. At that time, I didn’t think much of it, but now that nearly a week has passed, you may have heard something about it. I hope you will let me know when it’s convenient for you to discuss this.
This matter requires us to communicate slowly, but you must be wondering how I am so certain that I will find this mysterious Yamada-kun?
Perhaps Wen Liang’s belongings will provide you with the answer.
I hope to hear from you soon so we can arrange a time to meet.
Nobu no Suke"
A deep breath echoed in the room; this guy really loved to keep people in suspense.
Sakuma lit a cigarette and sat down. Outside, the snow fell with a crash against the window as the wind howled. He set Nobu no Suke's letter aside and turned his attention to the graduation album. That day, he had only finished reading Wen Liang's letter filled with longing that left his mind in turmoil; today he was ready to discover who this Yamada was.
The letter on the title page had been returned by Nishijo, boldly stating Yamamoto National High School.
As Sakuma flipped through the pages while spooning some curry made by Nishijo into his mouth, he finally reached that page—the graduation photo of Class 3B. All the students stood in front of the school's landmark in an arc. In the front row, fourth from the left was Wen Liang at just eighteen years old. At that time, Wen Liang sported twin ponytails and his face had begun to take on a unique charm. The heavy school uniform was fashionable but contrasted greatly with Wen Liang’s tight-fitting work attire from that night.
It must be said that girls grow more beautiful as they age; seeing this made Sakuma feel somewhat fortunate despite being a bit of a loser himself.
In that moment, a flicker of awe crossed his eyes as if he were gazing upon an unparalleled beauty. The curry he had just eaten nearly fell onto the graduation album, but fortunately, Sakuma reacted quickly and caught the spill with a tissue.
Continuing to look at this page of the album, he noticed that beneath each photo in red frames were names listed for every student. Sakuma began squinting his eyes in search of this Yamada-kun.
The door chimed as someone stepped inside; once again familiar scents of herbal medicine wafted through. Following the scent, Sakuma turned around and confirmed it was indeed Nishijo who had prepared the medicine.
"It seems like you’ve made some discoveries today, Sakuma Wensheng."
Nishijo set the medicine aside and leaned closer to Sakuma, examining the graduation photo. As names popped up one after another, it seemed that Sakuma had yet to notice Yamada-kun.
"Nakajima... Komura... Kudou... Nobi... Yamada!!!"
Sakuma slammed his hand on the table, finally locating the Yamada-kun mentioned in the graduation album and that letter.
At some point, Sakuma had found a photo from when he first started working. Noticing his mother-in-law watching nearby, he shifted the graduation album to his right hand and moved aside the unfinished curry.
"Here."
Sakuma pointed to his new discovery and placed his photo above the graduation album.
Eighteen-year-old Yamada looked strikingly similar to twenty-one-year-old Sakuma, as if they were carved from the same mold. Their facial features were almost identical, with hairstyles that sported slightly parted bangs. The only noticeable difference was in their eyes, which could only be distinguished by the subtlety of single or double eyelids. However, Sakuma had gained quite a bit of weight since then; his once handsome face had become somewhat plump, showing that love could indeed lead to weight gain.
"Not bad, but whether it looks like you now is just a matter of perspective."
Sakuma was puzzled by this statement.
"Do I think it is what it is?"
Nishijo observed the somewhat slow-witted Sakuma as he gently closed the graduation album and tidied up the table.
"Sakuma Wensheng, do you remember Wen Liang's reaction when he first met you? Shocked, incredulous, or perhaps a sense of reincarnation, a gift of sorts, or an opportunity? Which possibility do you lean towards?"
Nishijo cleaned up the table while Sakuma stood up and moved to a small table in the room. They sat across from each other this time, with Sakuma pouring tea for Nishijo.
"I think they all apply. If I had to choose one possibility, I haven't figured it out yet."
Nishijo was pleased with this answer. He took out a locked drawer containing cigarettes and an ashtray and placed them on the small table before taking a sip of tea.
"It seems you have some thoughts now; at least you're no longer staring off into space."
Sakuma chuckled at this remark; indeed, he had been quite flustered that day, especially after receiving that letter that had shaken him to his core.
"Staring off into space is meant for clearing one's mind. Perhaps new hope arises from such moments. What do you think, Mother-in-law?"
At this question from Sakuma, Nishijo smiled slightly. This kid certainly had a way with words; no wonder Wen Liang had taken a liking to him despite his appearance. It seemed that if this kid had some ideas brewing, she shouldn't provide too many answers.
"You are like this pot of tea—still in the same position—but your ambition is like wanting to lift the lid. Since you have some thoughts now, I think you should try to uncover the mystery yourself; you'll find that the water level rises significantly."
The howling of the blizzard temporarily ceased, and outside the door, the rare sound of Sakuma's laughter could be heard, clear and bright. His expression had relaxed, and there seemed to be a direction in his eyes. Whether it was writing a letter, making a phone call, or sending an email, as long as he embarked on the path of exploration, his heart would no longer be tangled by a single matter.
"Alright, we've eaten. Let's get ready to find Nobu no Suke. They've been arranging your medication for a whole week; you can't keep taking their benefits while staying cooped up at home," he said.
Sakuma pondered for a moment, lit a cigarette, and nodded slightly.
"Don't worry, mother-in-law. I believe I can handle what comes next."
Seeing Sakuma's sudden confidence, Nishijo glanced away slightly.
"When the water is full, it overflows; when the moon is full, it wanes. Be careful not to strain your back."
Sakuma nodded slightly and looked out the window. Once again, he was greeted by a familiar expanse of white snow. The snow-covered streets outside were bathed in the light of a sun breaking through the clouds, casting warmth into his room. Half of the space was momentarily enveloped in sunlight, with the final touch being the cabinet where his graduation album was placed and his right hand holding the cigarette.
But this was a good omen. The occasional noise from children playing on the street seemed to resonate in the ears of those burdened by sorrow, prompting them to pull back the curtains and take a look at the world outside. Even if it was just a stretch of pure white road, they could follow the intermittent footprints until they reached the moment when the road opened up to the heavens.
Comment 0 Comment Count