Final Riff

Chapter 7

 “Sometimes, you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

 -Dr. Seuss

Three months after Mami left the band…

The soft glow of the sun beats down the smooth, weathered rock of the cliff side. The sky was clear, revealing a wide vast of pale blue that seems to reflect on the clear water of the ocean. A wave would gently lull on the rocky precipice and the breeze that softly blew carries the distinct smell of salt water. The horizon stretches in the most spectacular fashion. It was serene and inviting.

In the midst of the stunning view of the ocean, Mami sat with her legs pulled up to her chest and her arms wrapping around it in one of the smooth rocks along the ocean. Her blonde hair caught in the wind and the breeze tenderly caressing her cheek. Her eyes overlooked at the beautiful scene presented to her and she can’t help but smile on how tranquil it made her feel. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, feeling the warmth radiating from the sun contrasting the cool breeze that hugged her body.

Calmness swept over her and she felt bliss and contentment on her situation right now. She let out a happy sigh after some time and then placed her chin on her knees as she watched the waves roll from afar.

“Finally, I’ve found you.” Mami heard from a distant and looked up just to see the smiling face of Tamotsu coming over her.

“It took you long enough.” She replied with a chuckle and focused her eyes once more on the ocean.

"You should stop disappearing from me. I only have my weekends off for you,” Tamotsu said before dropping beside her.

“You are a pretty lenient soldier, you know.” Mami commented and looked at him playfully. Tamotsu only shrugged and force out a breath before running his hand to his cropped head.

“You have no idea what I have sacrificed to be able to get that privilege.” He shivered remembering all the laundry he had done that month just to have his weekends off for Mami.

Mami softly laughed beside him and encouragingly tapped his back lightly as she saw the frown in his face.

“Well, you shouldn’t have taken your weekends off for this month. I’m fine, really. You’ve got nothing to worry about.” She said confidently and flashed a smile to him. Tamotsu only creased his brows more and shook his head.

“Nothing to worry about? You’ve disappeared suddenly and didn’t let anyone know where you’re going, except for the times you have sent me different post cards containing tales of your recent expedition.” Tamotsu told her disapprovingly but Mami only laugh.

“At least you know where I’m going. Oh, scratch that, where have I been.” Mami grinned at him.

“I wish you would just stop though. How long are you going to travel around Japan anyway?” Tamotsu asked.

“As long as I have some place to go,” She said, “Or found the right place for me.” She added softly before burying her chin to her knees again.

Tamotsu regards her for a moment and was about to say that she already had the right place before, if only she didn’t decide to leave but then he didn’t said it out loud and just brought his arms behind him to support his weight as he leaned back

“Well, sooner or later, you’ll realize that you need to settle down in one place. Just let me know where you’re going so I wouldn’t worry.” Tamotsu muttered, his eyes wandering at the ocean.

“Okay. I will.” Mami reaffirmed him and a smile finally made its way on Tamotsu.

They were silent after that, enjoying the view and the feel the ocean had enveloped them until Tamotsu sat up right back.