Gen'ei Antique Shop

Tale 2 The Legend of a Pair Vases

The first year of the Showa Era (1926)
Downtown Tokyo.

My name is Chisato Hara, I worked in a cafe as a waitress. They call me chi-chan while working.

All the men who come to the cafe are those who have a lot of money. Most are government employees, businessman, or rich young people. I'm happy because they gave a lot of tips and present. I don't want to be arrogant, but I'm quite popular.

It's just that this job has a lot of risks. For example, some men who come to the cafe already have a wife or lover. Some moments, they might slap us. Watered us with water is a common thing for us. I also, several times.

I mean, it's not like we want to take their husband or lover. Some men who come to the cafe, usually talking about their business matters with fellow colleagues. Maybe they feel more comfortable because our cafe service is good. It's not like we sleep with them.

But, women are easily jealous. At least, those who are not confident.

And the question that always irritated me, like how will you marry with a job like that? People who say that they don't really care, just gossiping bad thing about us.

I also want to get married, have a family, marry a man I love, who has a good job, from a good family, not gambling, honest, and so on. And then, they will say, where do you find someone like that? Especially if you are a waitress.

Well, that was nothing to do with who you are. All woman would be thinking like that. When they said, I don't really have a type. As long as he loved me and he's a good person. But, when a poor man coming to them honestly, even when he's a good person, they will say at least I want to marry someone who has a good job.

I just being honest.

The question is not that why I can't get married, I will get married if the man that comes to me fit with my expectations.

Forget about that.

A few days ago, one of the customers gave me a present. White flower vase with a beautiful pink cherry blossom tree carving on it.

But, there is something strange about the flower vase. Even though I put fresh flowers every day, the flowers will wither to the next day. I have filled enough water and followed the advice given by the flower shop. But, still, the flowers are easy to wither. I put flowers in other vases and the flowers can last up to 3-4 days.

You know, like folktales from the Nara era, where antiques have souls. Therefore I think to sell it to an antique shop. I also need money.

I heard about an antique shop that was told by one of my customers. He said that his roommate was merchants, later telling strange antique shops.

They said when you walk down to the narrow back alley in a certain downtown area, you can find an antique shop.

"Oh!" I stopped when I saw a sign, No. 49 Ren'ei antique stores. I then stepped closer to the store and pushed the door slowly.

Cling !!

"Welcome to our store, dear customer. What can I do for you?"

Cold air pierced all over my body even though is hot outside. I looked around and thought this shop was dark. Why don't they open the windows? The windows are pitch black too, I can't see any reflection from outside.

A girl sat there, in front of a pile of books on the table. She smiled while looking at me. Beautiful young girl. Her face was as white as crystal and her eyes are clear glow.

I wondered what cosmetics she was wearing.

"Excuse me," I walked over to the girl, "I came to sell this flower vase? Can you give a good price? I need money," I said, putting the flower vase on the table.