Red Balloon

When they were eight

"Reiko chan is going away soon...what should I get her as a farewell gift...Those toys at the store are so expensive! Sigh ...? "
Right beside the road was an old lady selling things on an old rug.

"Hey boy~ You seem troubled. May I know why?"

It was clear the old lady was blind. So how did she even know what expression he had on his face? Still, he replied politely, "I am thinking to buy a farewell gift for my friend."

"...good friend?"

"Y-Yes ma'am. A good friend."

"Oh...I see. Come boy, come here. See if there's anything you fancy in my treasures."

"Hmm. Oh that balloon! "

"Balloon?"

"Yes ma'am! My friend loves balloons! How much is it,ma'am?"

"Hmm. This balloon is really special. Not anyone can own it. "

"But didn't you say I could get anything I fancy,ma'am?"

"Well, I'm sorry, this is really special. " She stretched her wrinkled arm which was spotted with freckles and caught hold of the fine string. "This my dear, chooses its owner. Its a Wishing Balloon."

"W-wishing balloon?"

"Yes...It grants a wish to its owner. Many who heard of this, wanted to own it, to gain wealth and prosperity--"

"REALLY?" The boy exclaimed in wonder.

"BUT."

The boy jolted in shock when she raised her voice.

"As I said, only one can take it away. Those who are not the one, gets their hand cut by the string instead. So, do you want to give it a try?"

"Will it...be painful?" He said nervously.

"Just try boy, remember, no pain no gain!"

"Okay..." Taking a deep breath, he stretched out to retrieve it. ".....AAH!"

He withdraw his hand immediately as fresh crimson flowed out of the ugly cut on his small chubby palm. The boy winced as the blood dripped down and stained the gravel road beneath his feet.

"Oh dear... Seems like you're not the one either. Im sorry boy, how about picking another---"

"No! She loves balloons! I'm getting that for her no matter what! ..."

"...? You really like her don't you?"

"E-Eh?" He blushed. "I..."

"Give another try then?"

He swallowed and gathered all his courage. Stretching out his other unhurt hand, he reached for the blood stained string.

"Please....If she gets it, she can even get a wish granted! Please..."

"...?"

"Ma'am! I...I got it! I didn't get cut!"

The old lady looked up in surprise and smiled warmly. "Well done! Congratulations!"

"So how much is it ma'am?" He chirped, busily digging for his wallet.

"Its all yours. "

"Really? Thank you so much, Ma'am! Thank you!"

"Thank Red...she chose you..."

"Red?"

In the blink of an eye, she was gone. The old lady and the rug, along with her many treasures.

"Wha...?"

"Red huh...thank you Red. I hope you grant whatever wish she wishes for in the future. "
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"So...You are going today huh..."

"Yeah.."

"To where again?"

"Tokyo."

"That's far..."

"I know. But I will write letters to you."

The young boy smiled and handed her a red balloon.

"You like balloons, right? I heard you tell your mum in the toy shop."

"Ya...thank you."

"So long...I hope to see you one day again."

 "...me too. See you--"

The train door closed and the children placed their palms together, separated by the glass window.

"Aah..forgot to tell her about the wishes...oh well...goodbye, Reiko chan."

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End of part 4

"When they were eight"