The muffled beat of MF DOOM's "One Beer" thrummed in Odette's ears as she made her way through the bustling corridors of Haneda Airport. Her oversized pink hoodie was a comforting weight on her shoulders, its fabric soft against her skin as it fell just past her waist.
The gray flare pants she wore swished with each step, a blend of style and comfort that made her feel a bit more grounded amidst the unfamiliarity. She clutched the strap of her carry-on tightly, her gaze darting around as she searched for a familiar face, her nerves a mix of excitement and anxiety.
On top of her head, her silver headphones—adorned with a unique Spiderman design—rested lightly, the song still playing as she scanned the crowd. Her red hair, flat-ironed and sleek down to her lower back, caught the light, gleaming with a bright intensity.
She'd always had a spark, an undeniable energy, but being here in Japan, her grandmother's world, made her feel like she was on the edge of something monumental.
It had been years since she'd seen "Grandma Mo," as she affectionately called her grandmother. The last time was her 10th birthday when Mana had flown to Florida to celebrate that special milestone.
Odette remembered the warmth of her grandmother's embrace, the softness of her voice, the way she'd looked at her as though she held a legacy Odette couldn't yet understand. And now, at sixteen, she was here, ready to step into a world that had once felt so distant.
Finally, her eyes landed on a figure standing near the entrance of the arrival gates, and her breath caught. Mana Monroè was there, tall and regal, her deep brown skin glowing under the soft airport lights.
She wore a long, flowing robe with subtle patterns, an elegant fusion of traditional Japanese design and her unique style. Her hair was streaked with silver, and her eyes held a wisdom that seemed to pierce through the crowd and settle right on Odette.
Odette slipped her headphones off, letting them rest around her neck as she approached, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and joy. "Grandma Mo," she called, her voice carrying a bit of Florida's sun-kissed warmth across the cool airport air.
Mana's face softened as she saw Odette, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "Odette," she replied, her voice low and soothing. She extended her arms, and Odette didn't hesitate, stepping into her grandmother's embrace. There was a strength in Mana's hug, a reassurance that seeped into Odette, settling her restless heart.
