A Meteor and a Flower

A boy and a vacation

"It's so hot out here! Damn it!" Ryusei said, as he got out of the car.

He and his dad just arrived in Marumori, a town located in the Igu District of the Miyagi Prefecture, with fields of rice being a common sight in this area. It was the middle of summer, where the blazing heat of the sun can be felt with such intensity. It was extremely hot since it was in the middle of the afternoon. He regretted wearing his long sleeves and pajamas today.

"Why here of all places, Dad? No aircon, no internet access, nothing! This is like being stranded on a deserted island!"

His dad, donning a business suit, for reasons unknown to Ryusei, turned off the engine and also stepped out of the car.

"Oh quit your whining. This is a perfectly fine place for a shut-in like you. At least you get a chance to feel the sun and interact with the outside world again."

Ryusei is a shut-in, or a Hikikomori, in his hometown. Previous experiences led him to lock himself up in his room and play video games all day. And as a result, he hasn't been going to school. He had only barely made it into high school. Sensing the need to get his son back into society, his dad had told him that the two of them are going on a vacation. Being backed into a corner, Ryusei obliged, thinking that he can just hole up in a room as always.

They had stopped in front of a house with an old-fashioned look that is completely different from the houses in the urban area. It was a one-storey house, with pale white walls and a red tiled roof. Near the driveway is a small garden with a small pond of fishes. It was a house that emphasizes simplicity over adaptability to today's norms.

Upon seeing this, Ryusei clicked his tongue and murmured about how he hated this place. It reeks of sunshine and happiness, something that Ryusei feels that he has an allergic reaction to.

Awaiting their arrival was Ryusei's aunt and little daughter. She wore a striped shirt and a long skirt. Her daughter also wore a bright pink skirt. They seemed very excited to meet their visitors, and Ryusei had noticed that the sun rays weren't affecting them that much.

"Welcome, you two! It must have been a long journey. Go on Misuzu, say hello to your uncle and cousin."

"Hello!~" A tiny voice came from the cute child.

His dad pats Misuzu's head in response. "Ryusei, get all your stuff from the trunk. Thanks for accepting this favor, Big sis. Actually, I'm just here to drop him off. I have an appointment in about an hour so I'll have to go immediately."

"Hey, wait up Dad! Wait! You told me that we are going on a vacation. WE. What am I supposed to do here? Watch plants grow?! You promised me a vacation, and this is not a vacation!" Ryusei protested to his dad.

"Watch your tongue. Your aunt is going to take care of you for a while, so be on your best behavior and try to be a decent human being," his dad told him. He then turned to his sister. "I'm really sorry about this, Big sis. I hope that you can let your nephew stay here for a few months."

"Of course, it's the least that I can do. I hope I can show my nephew what a great place this is. Now, go ahead or you'll miss your appointment. And your necktie is crooked. Don't worry, I'll take good care of Ryusei."

Ryusei's dad became flustered as his sister fixed his necktie. He then started for the car and left some final words. "Thanks again, Big sis. Ryusei, take care of yourself. I'll be back before your school term starts."

The car had moved and disappeared into the horizon, leaving Ryusei to wonder when his dad will come pick him up so he can go back to his room and continue that RPG game that he was playing. Meanwhile, he had to think up of ways to survive the hellhole that he had just been placed into.

"Well, let me show you to your room now, Ryusei. It's not that big, but you'll fit in there just fine."

He sighed loudly, grabbed his stuff, and dragged his feet into the house that will accommodate him for the next few months.