‘Really?’ Haruka replied. She was so pleased to see that Yuriko may have finally beaten her phobia about food. ‘Would you like me to go with you to the hospital tomorrow after work?’ Haruka asked.
‘No,’ she replied. ‘Maybe next week.’
Haruka waved at Yuriko from the door of her room. ‘Okay – tell Kenji that I’m thinking of him and that I wish him all the best.’
‘Of course I will,’ replied Yuriko.
CHAPTER 20
When things are at their worse they will mend
It took a while for Takashi to open his eyes. He felt dizzy, and he was trying to remember what had happened to him. He touched his forehead and felt a bandage. Leaning up on one elbow, Takashi slowly lifted his head and looked around him. He felt very strange, and yet everything seemed so normal. He saw that he was fully clothed and everything in his apartment was in order, just as he’d left it before he went to Yokosuka.
Light was coming through the window, but Takashi had no idea what time it was. He sat up straight, and in doing so, he noticed a note on the coffee table in front of him. The writing on the note pad looked like the scribbles of a child. Peering closer, Takashi saw that it was signed by the caretaker and that he’d written to say that he had Takashi’s keys and he was checking on him every hour. Takashi thought this was odd, but he was too weary to worry about it. The hands on Takashi’s watch showed 3:50 p.m. He thought that he must have slept for nearly twenty-four hours.
He was famished and decided to boil some water for a cup noodle. He was emptying the flavour sachet for his ready meal into the cup when the key turned in the lock of his front door. The caretaker popped his head through. His smile was warm and parental, a side to him that Takashi had never seen before.
‘You’re up, finally,’ the caretaker said.
‘Yes, thank you,’ Takashi replied. ‘What happened? I can’t remember.’ He stopped preparing his meal and sat on the edge of his bed.
The caretaker removed his shoes and came over and sat on the floor in front of the television.
‘I’m so sorry,’ he said. ‘You know that bicycle stem you asked me to remove from the guttering months ago, well….’
‘Oh … yes,’ Takashi replied. He suddenly remembered being struck down by it on the stairs. ‘Don’t worry about it … it was an accident,’ he said to the caretaker.
No more apologies were necessary from then on. The caretaker explained how he’d called a doctor to Takashi’s apartment after the earthquake and that he’d bandaged Takashi and informed the caretaker that he had a slight concussion, but that he was going to be absolutely fine.
The caretaker returned Takashi’s keys and said that he’d check on him the following day before he scuttled back to his own apartment.
The weather would still be a little gloomy before the warmer breezes of spring began to infiltrate Takashi’s flat. Three days after the second earthquake, Takashi was at home when his phone buzzed, and he smiled when he saw that it was his cousin Katsuro. He hadn’t seen him since the funeral, and Takashi was eager to hear his news.
‘Moshi moshi,’ said Takashi. ‘Is that you, Katsuro?’
‘Yes, how’s my favourite cousin?’ he asked.
‘Fine … thank you for attending my grandmother’s funeral.’
‘That’s okay,’ he replied. ‘How about those earthquake tremors – were you alright?’
‘Fine,’ Takashi lied, not wanting to cause unnecessary worry. ‘What about you and Mika?’
‘We’re well, thanks,’ he replied.
‘How’s work?’ Takashi asked.
‘Busy – and how’s the study for your exams going?’ asked Katsuro.
‘I’m doing well in most subjects, except for English. My lecturer told me that I’d have to do a lot better in foreign languages if I wanted to work for a trading company,’ said Takashi, lighting a cigarette.
‘Don’t worry. I don’t speak English that well and there are many colleagues at my office that couldn’t even get past a basic introduction when we were in Australia,’ Katsuro reassured him.
‘That’s nice of you to say, Katsuro.’
‘So you’re okay? You don’t sound bright at all, but I understand if you’re not feeling your best.’
‘As you know, my grandmother passed away but on top of this, one of my best friends, Kenji, had a motorcycle accident,’ Takashi said.
‘Oh no – how is he?’
‘He’s broken quite a few bones and he has lots of cuts and bruises.’
‘That’s terrible,’ said Katsuro.
‘Yes, but the doctor said that he’d be all right in a couple of months.’
‘Well, that’s reassuring,’ Katsuro said with relief. ‘And how’s your girlfriend Haruka?’
‘I don’t think that I can call her my girlfriend anymore. She’s interested in a rich guy from Kyoto. They may be getting married, and she’s planning to move there for work.’
‘Kyoto?’
‘Yes, I’m trying not to think about it. I think she tried to call me a few times, but I didn’t pick up. I suppose I’m afraid that she’ll tell me that she doesn’t want to meet up with me anymore.’
‘Try not to worry too much. You can go out and meet someone else,’ said Katsuro. ‘You’re young and you have a lot going for you, Takashi – and there are a lot of lovely girls out there.’
‘I know, but this girl’s different. Katsuro, it’s so difficult to be positive at the moment with so many bad things happening. How do you do it, Katsuro? How do you remain so bright despite everything going on that seems to work against you?’
‘I live by certain rules, Takashi. Maybe they’re rules that can only help me, but they get me through each day.’
‘Go on – explain them to me. They might help me, too,’ Takashi implored.
‘Well, let’s see,’ Katsuro began.
While Katsuro paused to think about his explanation, Takashi waited in anticipation. Although he knew it wasn’t possible, he was hoping that maybe Katsuro could provide the secrets to a perfect life; a life filled only with happiness. He always seemed so happy to Takashi.
‘I have this belief that a person has the ability to create and change the way their life pans out,’ said Katsuro.
‘Go on,’ Takashi said.
‘Um,’ continued Katsuro, ‘it’s difficult to explain, but I kind of feel that when life gets difficult, it’s important to keep the ball rolling forward … like in a soccer game. If you watch the Japanese soccer team, it’s inspiring to see, because they’ll never stop persevering until the final whistle. Despite any obstacles, they always try to push the ball forward towards their goal. And if you imagine life to be like a football game, then you can only try to persevere like the Japanese soccer team … right to the very end.’
‘Yeees,’ Takashi replied hesitantly, obviously not fully understanding.
‘For example, if you stay in bed all morning, that ball – or your life – is not going to go anywhere, but if you get up and push yourself to do something, it could be anything, then the ball starts moving,’ said Katsuro.
‘I see. Yes, that makes sense,’ Takashi replied eagerly. ‘And we have the power to move that ball in any direction that we want. We just have to keep it rolling.’
‘Exactly,’ said Katsuro.
‘Thanks. I’ll try and remember that every morning,’ Takashi said.
‘That’s the best time. Now I have some fantastic news to share with you,’ said Katsuro.
Takashi could hear his grin beaming through the phone. ‘Tell me,’ Takashi said with anticipation. Now Takashi was smiling again, because his cousin sounded so happy and so full of elation.
‘Mika and I are expecting a baby!’ said Katsuro.
‘Wow! Congratulations,’ said Takashi. That was the best news he’d heard in a long time, and he was so happy for his cousin and his wife. Takashi was especially pleased for Mika, who’d been so depressed about not being able to conceive.
&n
bsp; ‘When’s the baby due?’ Takashi asked.
‘In July.’
‘I bet Mika’s happy.’
‘Oh yes, she’s thrilled.’
‘Well, finally some good news. I have to come and see you both.’
‘Whenever you wish, we love it when you come to visit,’ said Katsuro.
‘How about next weekend?’
‘Next Saturday night it is. See you then,’ said Katsuro.
Takashi put down his mobile, opened the curtains and allowed the sunlight to stream into the apartment. The ashtray was full of half-smoked cigarettes and ash. The room appeared to be broken up by many layers of thick smoke. He opened the door to the balcony and inhaled. The sweet fresh air danced its way into his nostrils. Takashi felt a little dizzy and slightly euphoric. He could see that a tablecloth of dust had settled on the top of the television, and he suddenly had a strong urge to clean.
It took him all afternoon to get his room and bathroom into order, and after he’d finished cleaning and put on a load of washing, he removed the bandage from his head and took a long shower; enjoying standing under the hot water for a full ten minutes before he washed his hair. Having rinsed off the shampoo, Takashi stepped out of the shower cubicle and dried off. With a thick white towel wrapped around his waist, he wiped the steam off the mirror, parted his hair and stood back to inspect himself. Takashi touched the bruise between his eyes and winced a little before making a funny face at his reflection. He was about to have a shave when he heard someone knocking on the door. He wasn’t expecting anyone, but Takashi yelled at them to wait and threw on his jeans and a T-shirt.
He thought it was probably a door-to-door salesman, so Takashi slowly opened the door, planning to shut it again quickly if it was a stranger selling subscriptions. But when he opened it, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Smiling sweetly in front of him, his dear Haruka was standing at the entrance.
Of course, Takashi was really happy to see her, but he was still not sure how she felt about him. He decided to play it cool. He pretended to be casual and slightly standoffish. He thought he probably just came across as awkward and uncomfortable.
‘Come in,’ Takashi said.
‘What happened to you, Takashi? I’ve been so worried about you and you never answer your phone. Look – you have such a dark bruise on your forehead between your eyes – what happened?’
‘I had an accident during the earthquake. It looks a lot worse than it feels. Don’t worry about it; the doctor’s seen it and he said I’d be fine … tea?’ he asked her as she came in and sat down between the bed and the television.
‘Yes please, green tea would be nice,’ Haruka replied.
Takashi made the tea and they sat down opposite each other on each side of the coffee table. The repetitive whirring from the washing machine on the balcony acted like a calming musical score. He looked at her and wanted to be stern, but he ended up just looking a little silly. It was difficult to keep a serious face when all he wanted to do was smile and reach out to her.
Haruka took off her cashmere coat and grey woollen scarf. She looked very stylish in a cream polo neck sweater and tweed skirt. Wisps of hair were flying about her forehead, her brow was creased and her eyes looked strained.
‘How did you get here?’ Takashi asked her, helping her out of her coat.
‘I came by train and walked from Kawasaki station.’
‘Oh,’ he replied. Takashi sat down, drummed his fingers on the table and pulled at his left earlobe. ‘Were you all right during the earthquakes?’ he asked her.
‘Yes, but I was really worried about you, especially when I couldn’t get through to you on the phone.’
‘I’d almost given up on ever seeing you again because you were meeting up with Jun in Kyoto,’ Takashi said, bracing himself. ‘I need to talk to you about this. What I really want to know is if you’re going out with Jun and whether you’re planning to marry him.’
CHAPTER 21
The fortune of the house stands by its virtue
Haruka sat across from Takashi. Her head was lowered and her eyes were downcast. Her chin began to quiver and he saw a large tear slide slowly down her right cheek. It landed on top of the freshly cleaned coffee table, creating a tiny puddle. Takashi felt like his heart was ripping apart inside of him, but he didn’t know what to say. He really didn’t want Haruka to say anything and he regretted having asked her about Jun. He was afraid that she might say that this was the final time that she’d be able to meet up with him. Also, Takashi didn’t want to hear about any special times that Haruka and Jun may have shared together in Kyoto.
‘I’m sorry,’ Haruka began to say. ‘I’m sorry I went to Kyoto, especially when you were so stressed in the run up to your exams, but I thought I was doing myself a favour when I really wasn’t, and my parents were so happy about me seeing Jun.’
‘I thought they really liked him,’ Takashi said to her. He couldn’t face Haruka. He looked up at the top right hand corner of the room and he could feel a sting welling up in the back of his eyes. He held his head back and stiffened his shoulders.
‘But when I found out the management position in Kyoto was no longer available….’ Haruka said.
‘Are you telling me that you’re not moving to Kyoto?’ Takashi asked, so pleased to hear that Haruka wasn’t moving to the other side of the country.
‘Yes. I’m definitely not moving to Kyoto,’ she said. ‘I know that I originally really wanted to live and work there, but not anymore.’
‘Well, I’m glad all that’s changed,’ said Takashi.
They sat for a couple of minutes quietly taking this all in. Takashi wanted to give her the space to talk about everything.
‘I need to tell you the truth, Takashi, because you’ve always been honest with me,’ said Haruka after a while. ‘Initially, I really wanted to visit Jun in Kyoto and my mother was just as keen for me to go there and meet up with his family. I can also tell you that we were stupidly even expecting a marriage proposal, but as soon as we met his family again, we knew that we’d made a big mistake. His family was mean and horrible to me and my mother, and I felt that we were conned into believing something that just did not exist.’
‘You know that she’s always been so keen for me to have everything that money could buy. It’s been a lot more difficult for my mother since my father became ill, and even though he’s recovered, I think that my mother and I were trying to believe in a fairy tale.’ Haruka paused for a moment and then looked straight into Takashi’s eyes and continued, ‘My mother and I were so impressed by his family’s money and their connections with other wealthy people that we couldn’t see how horrible they were.’
Takashi continued to look up at the top corner of the wall. His head was starting to feel a little bit like soft meringue. He continued to clench his shoulders.
‘Honestly,’ Haruka continued. ‘When my mother met Jun’s mother again, they didn’t get along at all. As usual, his mother was haughty and condescending. I think she has much grander ideas for her son and Jun’s just a thief and a liar.’
Takashi turned his eyes towards Haruka. They were moistening with joy. He felt his face turning red. He didn’t know if he was embarrassed for doubting Haruka or just plain happy. He dared not utter a word just yet. He wanted her to finish talking. Takashi also wanted to feel more secure about whether she wanted to go out with him and him alone.
‘So,’ said Haruka, her eyes now sparkling, ‘we returned to Tokyo after visiting various temples and gardens, and I realised how special you are. You have to believe me when I tell you that I’ve always thought that you’re a wonderful person and now I know you’re much nicer than Jun and I should never have gone out with him. I don’t care if we have to struggle with money, because I love you and we’ll make it work somehow.’
Takashi smiled at her and reached out to take her hand because he was so happy that she’d just told him she loved him. ‘I love you, too, and what you’ve just said has made me
very happy,’ he told her.
‘Good. Then we’re okay?’ she asked, squeezing his hand.
‘We’re okay,’ he said as he drew her closer to him. ‘We’re better than okay and you don’t have to worry, because I’ve just inherited a huge sum of money. The only sad part is that my grandmother, who left this fortune to me, has just passed away.’
‘Oh no – I’m so sorry to hear that,’ said Haruka.
Takashi adored her even more at that point for being more concerned about his grandmother than the inheritance.
‘You know I’d love you with or without the money,’ she said to him.
‘Yes, I know that now,’ Takashi replied. ‘Haruka, did you hear what happened to Kenji?’ he asked her.
‘I did. Yuriko told me.’
Takashi leaned back. ‘How did Yuriko know?’
‘Kenji was on his way to her house when he had the accident.’
‘Why was he going to see Yuriko?’
‘They had a few dates after he drove her home that night we went to Masaya’s tavern,’ said Haruka.
‘I see. So are they dating?’ asked Takashi, quite startled.
‘They went on a couple of dates, but Kenji made it clear to her that he didn’t want a serious relationship, so they kept seeing each other as friends.’
‘As friends!’ Takashi exclaimed.
‘Yes, she really likes him.’
‘I see,’ he said, still a little dumbfounded by this revelation.
‘She’s so upset about the accident, but she wants to be there for Kenji, and he’s made her feel so much better about herself. She had her haircut recently and it looks really nice – and she’s not as skinny anymore.’
‘I know. I met her at the café. She’s looking a lot better,’ said Takashi.
‘Takashi. Is Kenji going to be okay?’
‘I’m not sure – we’ll have to wait and see. We’ll all look after him, won’t we?’
Tokyo Hearts: A Japanese Love Story Page 19