The Story of Us

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

The day before my departure to Tokyo was a hectic one.

I was still doing some last minute packing, which included weighing my suitcase every minute or so to make sure it didn't pass the allowed luggage weight of the airline company.

On top of that, family members kept coming by during the entire course of the day. From my grandparents, on both sides, to distant relatives; like an uncle from my mum or a cousin from my dad.

I wondered why they all wanted to see me, for I'd  only see some of them at Christmas or New Year's.

But now they all wanted to wish me a good trip and even tell my that they were proud of me.

It felt strange.

I was extremely relieved when evening came. But that relief was pierced by a small feeling of anxiety, for I could feel myself become more nervous with every passing hour.

Hours that brought tomorrow and my lone journey closer.

That brought the unknown closer.

I'd tried to prepare for tomorrow as good as I could. I'd even done a lot of research on the internet, concerning street maps and subway lines.

But it had all seemed a bit complicated to me.

Luckily my Japanese buddy would be waiting for me when I arrived at Haneda airport, together with the other buddies who'd come to welcome more foreign students like me.

Needless to say that was a big relief for me.

The University of Tokyo had replied me on the day after I'd sent my request, together with an introductory email of my buddy herself.

Her name was Hanako Kimura.

Hanako- san.

After reading her email, I thought she appeared to be very friendly.

We also liked the same music artists and we even had a hobby in common, blogging about books.

So it was quite safe to say that I was kind of looking forward to meet her in real life.

Our doorbell rang right then, so I made my way downstairs.

Once there, Bonny ran towards me to hug my waist. Aunt Jane and uncle Matt were still standing in the doorway, smiling.

Mum and dad had thought it nice to invite them over for dinner and I was glad they'd done that.

Ever since that one visit, I'd been visiting them more regularly over the past weeks. We talked a lot about Lynn, which helped all of us.

It felt good to talk about her. For they were certain that she would return to us soon.

Just like I was.

I greeted my aunt and uncle with a kiss on the cheek and asked them tofollow me to the living room, where the dining table was set up.

My mum and dad came out of the kitchen, carrying the first dish, a nice tomato soup. And after serving all of us, they sat down as well.

We fell easily into conversation, talking about this and that.

My aunt and uncle seemed to be quite excited for me as well and tried togive me some tips that would come in handy when being in Japan.

They had travelled there before Lynn or I had been born. Since they had stayed there for a month, and had gone back a few times, they were quite familiar with the ways of the city of Tokyo.