While in a nearby train station, Kenji Thompson, a Japanese-American guy, just went down from the train.He grew up in New York,but her Japanese mother taught him how to speak, read and write in Japanese.
He loves travelling and taking pictures of different people and places.Japan is his most favorite country to visit.He usually go there every spring to do the Hanami (watching the beautiful Cherry Tree blossoms) and to attend different matsuri (festival).
He brought out his camera and started taking pictures of the place.Then, a girl sitting on a lone bench, under the wonderful big cherry tree, caught his attention.
He took a stolen shot of her.And when the picture came out,he stared at it. "she looks so sad." he whispered while staring at the photograph.Then, he turned to see the girl again.
The girl stood up and walked slowly, head down.She then accidentally bumped into a tall guy, who is in hurry to get in the train station.
The tall guy just ignored her and hurried to get in the train.The papers from her notebook scattered around the ground.Kenji immediately went towards her to help her in picking up the papers.
"Daijoubu desu ka." (Are you alright?) he asked. Hikaru just nodded. "Otetsudai sasete." (Let me help you) he offered. While picking up the papers, he cant resist to read the writings on it.
All the writings is about how Hikaru begged for others in order to give her a job to buy her grandmother's needed medicines and for some food to eat.
He felt so sad,knowing that the girl beside her is in struggle.
"Anata no Obaasan byoki desu ka." (your grandmother is sick?) he asked in a low tone.Hikaru just nodded again.
He brought out his wallet and give her some money. "here..take these."
Hikaru shook her head and tried to give back the money. "please...Take these..your grandmother needs it,right?.." Kenji insisted.. "And you seems like you have'nt eaten anything yet..Your pretty face looks so pale.." he said in a soft voice.
Hikaru cant do nothing but to accept the money.Her tears were flowing, she never expect that there's such a good and kindhearted person like him.
She wrote on her notebook. "Domo arigatou gozaimasu." (thank you very much) she showed it to Kenji.
He then realized that Hikaru cannot speak. "Do itashimashite."(you're welcome) he answered then he wiped her tears with his hand. "Nakanaide..Kudasai.." (please..Dont cry.) he begged.
Hikaru bowed her head, showing how thankful she is.Kenji just smiled and took Hikaru's hand. "*Kinasai! Let's buy something for obaasan.." (*come on!) he uttered. "if it's just fine with you.." Kenji added.
Hikaru just smiled.And Kenji took it for a yes so he accompanied her.
"uhm..Kenji desu.Amerika kara desu. (Im Kenji.Im from America.)" he introduced.Hikaru wrote on her notebook to introduce herself. "Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu Kenji-san.Watakushi Hikaru to moushimasu." (Nice meeting you, Mr.Kenji.My name is Hikaru.) and then, they shook their hands.
