The Beginning of Summer

Part 7 - Hello (Extra Part)

I asked my uncle to find good pictures of my mom and dad. He found three good photos. One was a picture of my mom, the other one was my dad, and the last one was both of them. 

I asked my uncle to help me set up a shrine for my parents right next to the TV. There, we set up everything. In the left and right are the individual pictures and in the middle is the picture of them both. In between the picture of my dad and both of them is a red vase where I put the incense that I light.

Later, I lit two incense and placed them in the vase of sand. The smoke dances in the air as I smell the aroma that the incense emits. I kneel in front of the altar and prayed. After, I talked to them.

"Hello, mom," I say, looking at her picture. I then look at dad's picture. "Hello, dad."

I took a deep sigh and smiled. "I hope you guys are doing well wherever you are. Me, I'm doing good! I've been living alone independently in our home. I learned how to cook, how to clean the house, do my laundry, and other stuff. It's all thanks to uncle Yamato!"

I didn't even realize it, but tears slowly form in my eyes. "I'm sorry I forgot everything about you guys when you died. I was so young that I didn't have the chance to form those memories."

I wipe the tears from my eyes. "I realize now that I wish I had more time to spend with you guys, especially in these times. I didn't have the chance to learn and explore feelings, especially others. My uncle told me about you and I thought that you were good at those things."

I look down for a moment, then looked back at them. "I miss you guys. I really do."

I wipe my tears more. "I hope that you will watch over me throughout my journey in life."

I concluded my talk with them. Honestly, this feels good. I think I'll do this once every day.

This is really nice.