Stepping inside, I am greeted by a cozy interior, with tatami mats and sliding shoji doors that partition the rooms. It feels like a home, a place where Alex and I could finally settle down and build a life together.
I remember that I left Alex outside with the luggage. I step out to see how I could best move the luggage in, and I’m shocked at who I see.
Chapter Ten
Derrick
ReturninghomeearlierthanI anticipated, I find solace within my charming Japanese house. Its wooden facade, weathered by time, greets me with open arms, radiating a comforting warmth that has become synonymous with our serene oasis nestled amid this bustling neighborhood. The sliding paper doors, bearing the marks of countless stories, whisper tales of generations who’ve called this place home.
As I step inside, the familiar scent of the sanctuary envelopes me—a delightful fusion of cedarwood and the subtle fragrance of tatami mats. The living room, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight, beckons me to unwind, promising solitude and respite after a long journey. It’s in this room that we often seek solace, losing ourselves in the pages of a good book or simply basking in the tranquility it offers.
Next door, the house that once sheltered the previous couple has recently changed hands. Its newfound quietness leaves behind an eerie silence, like a missing note in a symphony. Memories of their warm smiles and friendly waves linger in the air, a testament to the vibrant tapestry of the lives that graced our neighborhood.
After a moment of reflection, I shift my focus to the task at hand—unpacking. With meticulous care, I arrange my belongings, each item finding its place within our orderly haven. The comforting familiarity of our home envelopes me as I settle in, yet my thoughts occasionally wander to the new neighbors soon to share our little corner of the world.
A realization dawns upon me; the new neighbors are expected to arrive either today or tomorrow. Having extended my offer of assistance as a gesture of goodwill, I’m intrigued by the prospect of new faces and untold stories. The opportunity to lend a helping hand in their transition adds an element of excitement to my musings.
While contemplating their arrival, a faint hum in the distance captures my attention. The sound grows louder, drawing nearer to our neighborhood. Curiosity drives me to the window, eager to catch a glimpse of the newcomers about to enter our lives.
The car’s arrival is heralded by the swinging open of its door, revealing a man in his early thirties. His dark hair dances gently in the breeze, and his casual attire speaks of comfort over formality. I observe him with keen interest, noting the air of anticipation that surrounds him, as if he stands on the threshold of a grand adventure.
Without hesitation, I decide it’s time to extend a warm, neighborly welcome. Quickly changing into suitable attire for the occasion, I make my way to the front door. It’s a chance to offer assistance, share insights about our charming neighborhood, and, perhaps, lay the foundation for a lasting friendship.
As I step outside, crossing the threshold of our home, I can’t help but wonder about the stories our new neighbor carries with him and the limitless possibilities that await in our quiet corner of the world. With a welcoming smile and a heart brimming with curiosity, I prepare to greet the stranger who is poised to become an integral part of our lives.
By this time, the car is driving off, away from the house.
I venture closer to the next-door house, but an unexpected sight stops me in my tracks. Several pieces of luggage are neatly arranged outside the door. They haven’t just arrived; they are moving in.
My curiosity piques, and I step closer, trying to decipher the situation. And then it happens—movement from one of the suitcases. It’s not just luggage; it’s a little boy.
I observe this scene from behind, my heart racing as I watch. The boy seems familiar, but I can’t quite place him. As I inch closer, my foot lands on a twig, causing a soft snap. Startled, the boy turns, and his eyes meet mine.
Recognition washes over his face, and suddenly, it all falls into place. It’s Alex—Alex from the plane. The shock of seeing him here, outside my new neighbor’s house, renders me momentarily speechless.
“What are you doing here?” I finally manage to ask, my voice tinged with surprise.
Alex blinks for a moment, as if processing the unexpected encounter, and then his face lights up with a wide, joyful grin. It’s a grin that I can’t forget, a grin that had brightened our flight over the Pacific.
“You!” he exclaims, as if just realizing who I am.
Without hesitation, I stretch out my hand for a high-five, and Alex eagerly reciprocates, our palms meeting in a joyful clap.
Just as I’m wrapping my head around the astonishing coincidence, the front door of the neighboring house swings open. And there, standing in the doorway, is Amber.
She looks as shocked as I feel. Our eyes lock for a moment, and the unspoken question hangs in the air—how on earth have we ended up as neighbors in this quiet corner of Japan?
As I stand there, locked in a moment of surreal surprise, Amber’s voice breaks through the astonishment. “Wow, Derrick! What are you doing here?”
I mirror her amazement. “I could ask you the same question, Amber.”
She steps closer, still seemingly in disbelief, and I ask, “Is this your new house?”
She nods. And she answers, “Just moved in. How about you, what are you doing here?”
I nod, feeling a sense of disbelief myself. “Yeah. My house. It’s the one next door.”
Amber lets out a surprised laugh. “What are the odds we end up as neighbors in Japan of all places?”