Lost

Chapter 7 Isamu

I woke up to the sun shining on my face through the window, letting me know it was time to start the day. As usual, I had work to do. The ladies here always tell me I don't have to rush, but I don't want to slack. Women will do things themselves if men don't get to it right away. Sometimes, though, I sleep a few minutes longer.

I got up to get ready for the day. I'd save a shower for after the hard work—it's a relaxing reward for myself, along with a hot meal from Grandma. Once dressed, I headed out to grab some tools.

"Hey!"

I turned around to see Jacquelyn rushing out the door, putting her shoes on at the same time.

"You could've gotten me up, you know," she said.

"I was letting you sleep in," I replied without slowing down.

"While I appreciate you being thoughtful, we have lots of work to do today. Some of the villagers' kids are coming to help sell their food, right?" she asked.

"Yes, so we need to do most of the work quickly," I said.

"Wait... do you think one of them might give me a ride back?" she asked, hopeful.

I shrugged. "Maybe."

"Oh my gosh! I need to get my stuff packed up after we're done. I'll work extra hard so I finish early," she said, determination in her eyes.

"Fine by me," I replied, grabbing my bucket and mini shovel.

We spent the next few hours picking fruit and vegetables, tending to the soil, and checking on other foods that weren't ready yet. The women started preparing some of their dishes for the market, and Jacquelyn jumped in to help. Cooking seemed to bring her joy—she even said she loved it. I guessed she was just finding her chance to leave soon, so I might not get to try much of her cooking.

"Mmh... oishii," she said, tasting a sample.

The women quickly grew fond of her. They constantly complimented her, especially her appearance—she definitely stood out. Most villagers had never met a foreigner. Too bad she couldn't understand most of what they were saying.

When the children of the villagers arrived, I helped load food into their trucks. We chatted a little; they were good kids, and you could tell they had kind parents. They thanked me repeatedly for taking care of their elders. Life hadn't planned for me to be here, but someone—or something—must have had other ideas.

By evening, I finished up some work and grabbed my food to go. When I returned home, Jacquelyn wasn't there. Just as she said, she was trying to find a ride. I guessed she was happy about leaving—it gave her a chance to go to the house she rented and enjoy the rest of her stay in Japan.

I caught myself staring at my bed, where she normally slept next to me. I didn't understand this feeling; maybe it wasn't foreign, just... unfamiliar. The feeling of disappointment. I blamed myself for letting it get to me.

"Whatever," I muttered, warming up my food and sitting down.

"Isamu? Isamu, are you here?"

I looked up at her voice.

"Oh, there you are. Sorry I'm late. I was helping the grandmas clean up, and I made something for you—zucchini fritters. Japanese style since I don't have my usual spices. Turned out pretty good," Jacquelyn said, placing a plate in front of me. I stared at it for a moment.

"Oh, don't tell me you're allergic. I never asked if you have any allergies," she added.

I shook my head. "No, I'm not allergic."

"Don't like zucchinis? It's okay if you don't—I won't take it personally," she said, sitting across from me.

"What happened to getting a ride?" I asked.

She shrugged. "I had so much to do here, I forgot all about it. Seeing the grandmas happy made me forget. Besides, their kids were busy helping, so asking them seemed weird. And I'm not in a rush to leave anyway. Things have been pretty good here. Back at home, I'd just return to a busy office I hate. What? Were you scared I left?"

I took a fritter, shoving it into my mouth, refusing to respond.

"It's that good, huh? Glad you like it," she said.

I nodded, muffled by the food.

"So... back to my question. Were you scared I left?"

She was eager to hear me, but I refused to give her the satisfaction. Instead, I took another fritter.

"Hey, stop dodging my question with fritters," she said, reaching for the plate.

I grabbed it back. A tug-of-war ensued.

"Give it back! I made them!" she protested.

"I'm not done yet. You made them for me, so they're mine now," I countered.

"But you won't talk!"

"I'll talk when I'm ready."

"Liar! You just don't want to admit your feelings. It'll be good for you too—"

The plate slipped, and she fell back.

"Whoa! Ow!" she exclaimed dramatically. Somehow, the plate landed back on the table. I slid it over to me.

"Good save," she said, lying on the floor.

"Do you have a concussion?" I asked.

"No, thanks for the concern," she said with a soft chuckle. She was ridiculous, but it made me smile.

"Yeah, I was a little worried for a moment, but I knew you wouldn't leave," I said.

"And why is that?" she asked.

"You wouldn't want to miss the festival," she replied.

"Festival? When is it?"

"Next week," I said. 

"You usually go?"

"Never," I admitted.

"Oh... but going this time might not be so bad... with you," she said, her face lighting up as she finally sat up.

"I promise I'll make it fun! What should we wear? I didn't pack festival outfits," she added.

"Don't worry. We'll rent kimonos," I said.

"Really? Oh my gosh! A dream come true! Wait... this is in town, right?"

"You want a ride to your rental house afterward?" I asked.

"No, I don't care. I'm worried about you. You said you don't like driving into the city. Will you be okay?"

"I'll be fine," I said.

"If you say so," she said with a big smile.