Lost

Chapter 4 Jacquelyn

I haven't been here long, but I already have a pretty good idea of who lives in this village. It's basically the land of senior citizens — which, honestly, I find kind of adorable. No loud teenagers, no random drama. Here, being "young" just means you're the favorite because you can fix the TV by smacking the remote a few times.

But now, sitting across from me, is someone different — someone who looks like he might actually be my age.

And okay, I have to admit — when he walked in, I had to double‑take. He just strolls in all Prince Charming‑like, and there I am, with a mouth full of rice and miso soup, looking like a total slob. So much for first impressions. Sorry, Stacy — there goes my fairytale vacation romance.

Not that it matters. He doesn't seem very interesting anyway — kind of grumpy, definitely unfriendly, and way too serious. Not my type. I don't care how hot he is. But still... how in the world did he end up here?

After a few minutes, he finishes eating, and that's when the interrogation starts.

"She wants to know why you're here," he says flatly, glancing at me.

"Oh, of course," I say, trying to sound polite. "Well, you see, I was on a bus heading to the house I rented for the month, but I was so tired from the flight and shopping that I fell asleep and ended up here. The driver said he wasn't taking anyone back into town. I still don't know why, but yeah... I guess I'll try calling a taxi tomorrow or something."

He scoffs.

"What?"

"Taxis don't come out here."

"Are you serious? Well... what about another bus? Maybe he was mistaken — his English wasn't great, and my Japanese isn't either. Easy mix‑up, right?"

"No," he says. "He was right. The bus only comes here for one of the residents. Her son pays for her ticket so she can visit him and her grandchildren in the city."

"Oh, okay... so when's her next trip?"

"Last I heard, maybe in three months."

"THREE MONTHS?!" I nearly choke on air. "No, no, no, no. I can request a ride too, right? I'll pay double. Triple even. I don't care if I never make it to my rental house — I just can't miss my flight home."

He shakes his head. "Sorry. The driver only comes for her. It's a long, expensive trip down here."

"Oh my god..." I sink to the floor, wishing I could just evaporate into the tatami mat.

The old lady starts talking to him again, probably asking what I said. He explains, and her face goes from surprised to sympathetic — then to laughing. Great. I knew he was making me sound like a clueless tourist.

"She says you can stay with her until you figure out a way to leave," he finally translates.

"Oh no, I can't do that. I already took up space and ate her food."

"It's rude to refuse," he says simply. "Besides, she doesn't get many visitors, especially foreign ones. You can help her on the farm in return."

"Oh! Of course! I'll help with whatever she needs — just, um, tell her I'm not really farm material. I mean, yeah, I'm from Texas, but Houston. I'm as city as a city girl can get."

He translates, and Granny smiles, clearly amused. I bow a little, embarrassed but grateful.

Then I turn back to him. "Hey, wait — you must leave the village sometimes, right? You can give me a ride out?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

He stands up. "I'm busy."

I cross my arms. "So you're going to be busy this entire month?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, come on, that's a lie," I say, following him out the door.

"I don't go into the city."

"Why not? You'd fit right in. You don't seem like a country boy to me."

He stops walking and glances at me. "How do you know?"

"Because I know. Now, help a girl out, okay? Please?"

I step in front of him, blocking his path.

"I said no. You got yourself into this mess — you can get yourself out."

I glare at him, then huff. "Fine. Whatever. I don't need you."

As he walks away, I mutter, "Jerk."

Seriously, what's his problem? Got too much mochi stuck up his butt or something? He's officially the ugliest man I've ever met. I don't want to see his stupid face ever again.

Of course, I end up seeing him everywhere. Turns out, this village is tiny — and he's the only one around with actual muscle.

Well, whatever. I'll just have to suck it up. I'm a survivor. He's right — I got myself into this, and I'll get myself out.

I have no one to talk to. No signal, no Wi‑Fi, no Stacy. Granny doesn't speak English, and my Japanese is pitiful. It's quiet — too quiet.

It's been a long, stressful day of being lost and hopelessly confused. Now that the sun's down, the reality of it all is finally sinking in. I still can't believe this is happening. Maybe I wasn't meant to come here — maybe the universe tried to warn me. Why it's punishing me, I don't know. I mean, I'm a good person! I never broke any laws. I ate my veggies as a kid. Why me?

Still, it could be worse. At least I'm not lost in the wilderness somewhere. Though, now that I think about it... being stuck in a village of strangers might not be much better. I remember reading about that guy who wandered into cannibal territory — they never found him. Honestly, I'd rather die in a jungle than get eaten by people. Then again, my body wouldn't be found either way.

"Oh gosh, I need to sleep," I mutter to myself.

These dark thoughts need to chill. I have to focus. Strategize.

Okay — if I walked back to the city, how long would that take? A few days, maybe? I'm not exactly athletic, but if I pace myself, it's possible. Right?

Yeah. That's the plan. I just need some good walking shoes. Then I'm home free.

Plus, maybe I'll lose a few pounds along the way.

Win‑win.