Epiphany

Chapter 6

She didn't recognize herself as she stood in front of a tall mirror in her room. She looked different, elegant in her light-colored kimono which was draped around her body, the color complementing her fair skin tone, making her look delicate.

Her hair was held in a bun tied with a red string matching her red obi sash. Tohru helped Everly with her kimono and bun, but Everly was fixated on the simple red string which was continuously reminding her of Mitsuha from 'Your Name.'

"Is this, okay? Want me to adjust the obi?" Tohru asked.

"No, it's perfect," Everly said, twisting gingerly. "I never knew kimonos were so soft and comfortable."

"I know, right? They're a breather. Imagine Americans wearing these on the streets of New York." Looking at Tohru through the mirror, Everly burst into laughter.

"It'd be total chaos" Everly said, shaking her head. "But summers do call for kimonos in America, though."

"Can't think of Bruce Willis filming 'Die Hard' in a kimono. He'd literally mean 'I promise I will never even think about going up in a tall building again,'" Tohru said, attempting to mimic John McClane, which had Everly in fits of laughter.

🍀

Standing in the midst of the semi-crowded, fairy light-lit street, Ryan felt ecstatic. It had been so long since he had experienced such zest. Seeing people enjoying themselves with loved ones warmed him, a rare sight given his hectic job.

"Guess what I got us!" Nelson chimed, holding out his hands full of paper bags. Without waiting for an answer, he squeaked "Takoyaki and some grilled chicken."

Ryan smiled at Nelson and held his hand out.

"Oh, I can carry these, no biggie, boss," Nelson said, grinning.

"My credit card." Ryan asserted.

Pouting, Nelson fished through his pocket to return Ryan's card, which he had taken when suggesting they eat something to give his "brain energy to have fun" as soon as the aroma of street food hit his nose.

"I saw some benches lined up under the trees, let's go there," Nelson said, about to sprint away when Ryan stopped him.

"You go and enjoy your happy little picnic, I'll be around."

"Oh, come on, aren't you hungry? Let's eat and then we'll tour around."

"You're a grown-ass man, you can be on your own for a while? I need some space, I'm not babysitting you."

"So, I can have your share too?" Ryan rolled his eyes at Nelson and strode off in another direction.

🍀

Holding out the ladle full of water in front of Everly with a smile and urging eyes, Tohru poured the water over Everly's hands, as it was customary to wash one's hands and mouth before entering the shrine.

Looking around the shrine, Everly noticed how people were bowing before entering the shrine gates, which was all new to her. The beautifully sculpted pillars and the shrine's interior, which exuded positivity, all felt surreal. For a moment, Everly thought she was actually an anime character on some otherworldly expedition.

After clapping twice and praying for the well-being of her loved ones, Everly continued to listen to Tohru's never-ending monologue, as she enlightened Everly with the history of the shrine, which she had heard from her parents when they visited.

"Oh, let's do the Omikuji!" Tohru exclaimed.

"Eh?"

"It's that way. You get to choose a stick with your fortune written on it. It's super exciting. I never got bad luck till this day. Let's do it. Come with me!"