From my home in Osaka, I left towards Europe,England. An unknown land, filled with cultures, mindsets and colors I'd never seen, but had only dreamed about. I, took out on a journey far more wonder-filled than I had ever dreamed of. I experienced ne...
The spices and aromas from the different stalls make their way to my nostrils, dumplings, warm, sticky rice, ramen, everything that reminds me of my home, Japan. I spot my favourite stall from where I stand in the festival, the Mochi stall, if there was one thing I would miss the most, apart from my friends and evening walks, it would be this stall.
It was run by Seita, an old man in his 70's, with grey and thinning hair but a perfect and warming smile. I didn't only love his stall because of his Mochi but also because of his personality, he was like a grandfather to me, whenever I wasn't feeling well I would always find refuge in his comfortable little stall, helping him to make Mochi and herbal teas. After a few hours talking with him, I would learn an important life lesson and I would return home with precious moments stored in my memory drawers.
I walk over to my little grandpa and greet him. He smiles with sympathy as he invites me into the back of the stall, as I enter I notice a little brown, wooden box. Leaning closer I realize that I has beautiful flowers and many Japanese phrases hand carved on it. The phrases and proverbs are ones that Seita had taught be in the past! I stray tear makes its way down my cold cheek. Seita, who had been watching me in silence the little while, approached me swiftly and stood in front of me, putting my chin into his old, thin hands.-What's the matter child?-He says in a calm voice.-Please don't tell me that you do not like it, it took me a long time to make that you know!-He says in a mock offended voice. His eyes twinkle as he smiles a sad smile-People who are meant to be together will find away back-He reminds me. -Just because you are going does not mean that we will not see each other again soon, now, are you going to open the box, or do I have to do it myself? -I smile a small smile and I advance towards the wooden box. What's inside? I think. It looks amazing.
Slowly, but steadily I open the small box and I widen my hazel eyes as I look upon the box's contents. It was painted inside in a shade of light green that I love. Wrapped in a delicate, white handkerchief there laid a silver necklace which had a series of charms attached to it: a mini Mochi, a Japanese character that said "blossom", and a miniscule leaf. What did the leaf represent? I turned towards the little old man and whispered- Thank you, I-I-I -he smiled and nodded, cutting me off, then he starts to say- My child, you haven't finished looking. - I was puzzled, why would he do so much for me? The box looked like it had taken a lot of time, the necklace was so delicate and beautiful, I only brought a drawing of him and the stall, I felt ever so guilty. I looked at the rest of the contents of the box and Seita was right there was more! A worn-out piece of paper and... Oh! My favourite sweets, Milky candy!This was an important gift because it was the first thing that he had ever given me at the age of 5 when I first met him with my mum, that was 9 years ago. But it felt like yesterday, when he had offered me a big packet, and when a smaller version of me had grinned back, without its two front teeth! I was going to miss my Seita and his stall... As I opened the worn paper, his thin fingers gently took the paper from mine. I was utterly confused. Wasn't it for me? I was embarrassed but he reassured me. - This is for when you arrive at your beautiful new home. - I shuddered, that was the first time that he mentioned my move overseas. I didn't want to cry I had already done enough of that, so instead I nodded silently.-The wise old man noticed my state and said- No matter what happens in your new home, don't forget that you are special and you have big, big heart, and -I shook my head- That's not true there are others that have bigger hearts than me, mmm... You for example! You are the one that has taught me everything that I know so it's you! - I pointed my finger at him, he pushed it down slowly than he said- OK child, you have a big heart not big, big, OK? And we are all very proud of you, whatever happens. Don't forget to smile and speak up for yourself. For it is more powerful to speak up than to silently resent.-I nodded and locked up all of this in my mind, how I would miss him! - He closed his mind as if to remember something – Daughter, aren't you leaving tomorrow?... Aren't you supposed to pack your bags?...And help your dear mother?- I looked down embarrassed to the uneven floor, busted...- Don't forget your old grandpa and come back to visit soon!-Tears started to fill his eyes and roll down his wrinkled face, I started to cry too, and we reconciled each other through a long hug, we were both silently sobbing then he pulled us apart and whispered -Look at us!- I put all the precious gifts away and wiped his and my tears from our cheeks than I gave him my drawing with a brave smile and was accompanied by him to the front of his stall where I started my journey back home. The old man did not stop waving until I couldn't see him anymore. And I thought, if he truly thought that it was a good change for me and that I could do it, than I did too.
Europe. Ready or not here I come! With that in my mind I smiled all the way home.-
