Mugi

V. Are You Single?

Mugi
Are You Single?

“Why did you ever think of that?”

Last night, Ayako and I had a long talk. Yurima and the two men were already asleep, but the two of us were still chatting about life. It’s boring. Ayako won’t understand it at all.

“‘Cause why not? Everyone thinks of dying, but a coward to do it.”

“So you’re saying you’re brave?” she sneered, telling that I’m wrong, “you wanted to escape the bitterness of life. You don’t want to face it, yet you’re saying you’re brave?”

“I didn’t say I’m brave. I just wanted to eradicate myself on earth.”

“That’s selfishness, Miyako. You see, it’s true that we live in singularity. I’ll die alone, you’ll die alone. But once you were born, connections started to form. For example, I met you. You became my classmate and now you’re in our apartment. Isn’t this a connection?”

“A connection, you say, is probably just knowing you and knowing me. If I don’t know you, then we don’t have a connection.”

“True. And whether you like it or not, you’ll remain connected to someone you know.”

“How about death?” I asked, and she glared at me.

“Death doesn’t change anything. You remain to be your Mom’s daughter.”

Ayako is spitting facts. I’m fascinated. I want to discuss more of this with her.

“Who stabbed you?” she asked, switching to the topic’s other angle.

“Me,” I shortly replied without looking at her.

“Idiot.”

“Goodnight.”

“Tell me what happened.”

“You don’t have to know.”

“Maybe, I can help you.”

“I don’t need help, Ayako.”

“You’re helpless but arrogant.”

“I know. Goodnight.”

The next morning, I was left alone in the apartment. It’s Saturday. Ayako and her bandmates went off for their morning gig. She told me that there was a music festival being held at Yoyogi park. Since I couldn’t go, she promised that she’ll bring home an mp4.

“Boring,” I murmured as I just look at the four corners of the room. I couldn’t even stand up. And if I’ll be making a whiz, I have to go downstairs. Too much hassle.

“I need to whiz!” I yelled, but I didn’t make it at my best. My stomach will curse me.

“Stupid Yurima. What kind of nurse who does leave their patient alone?” I hissed and clicked my tongue., “saving me to let me suffer again? I guess I have to whiz here in bed.”

“Hey, don’t!”

I looked at the door and saw Yurima with her eyes widening and mouth grimacing. She was in her cyan woolen jacket, and a white tote bag with a print YOYOGI FEST was hooked on her left shoulder.

“Why did you come back?” I asked her. Even I was surprised. Well, I’m hoping for her to return but didn’t expect her to.

“‘Cause I remembered that I became a nurse again,” she replied while she marched towards me, “I shouldn’t have left you here.”

“So can I take a whiz now?”

“Yeah, but in the restroom.”

We both smiled comfortably. Then Yurima put her bag aside and stripped off her jacket. She helped me get up and supported me at my pace.