I reluctantly tossed the remaining croquettes onto Akane’s plate, and she wasted no time devouring them. Grandma, observing our banter, smiled warmly from her seat next to Akane.
“What’s the matter, Grandma?” I inquired.
“Keiichi, you’re still such a good big brother. Even as you grow older, you continue to be a kind and caring sibling,” Grandma remarked, her eyes narrowing in a gentle smile.
“No, Grandma, I’m always getting bullied,” Akane protested.
“You…”
This exchange had taken place just a few hours ago. However, Grandma seemed to have already forgotten about dinner, the conversation between Akane, me, and herself. Did her memory worsen at night? She appeared more lucid during the morning and afternoon hours.
Under the moonlight, Grandma’s countenance appeared slightly younger than usual. Even her steps seem to have gained a spring in the evening hours.
Oh, well. I decided not to dwell too much on it. Whether her memory fades or not, she is still Grandma, a cherished presence in our lives.
“Keiichi, are you having trouble sleeping?”
Well, you see, she showed concern for me even today. Her warmth never changed.
“Yeah, I feel like staying out in the breeze a little longer.”
“There are moments like that, huh? Is it alright if I keep you company?”
“Of course.”
With that, Granny settled down beside me. Together, we gazed up at the night sky.
“It’s blue again tonight,” she remarked.
The blue full moon reflected in Granny’s eyes. The flowers in the garden, the watering can, and the silver handwashing area were all bathed in blue. Wait, the watering can…?
As I looked up at the night sky, the moonlight lost brilliance, and only a faint glow remained.
“Today is the second day, so only two more days are left…” Granny mused, her eyes fixed on the full moon.
Curiosity piqued, I tilted my head and silently studied Granny’s face.
“Have I not told you this story?” Granny began.
“No.”
I leaned in, eager to hear Granny’s tale.
“A blue moon is when a full moon appears twice in one month, right?”
“Yeah.”
“The moon gradually waxes, reaches fullness, and then wanes. So, a full moon that possesses the power of a blue moon only lasts for four days during the spring tides.”
“Four days…?”
“That’s correct. By the fifth day, the moon starts to wane and no longer appears full. It ceases to be a blue moon.”
After five days, the blue moon returns to being an ordinary moon.
“It only occurs every few years, so we must make sure to observe it closely.”
Granny murmured to herself, lost in thought. “Hmm…”
The lifespan of a blue moon is merely four days. Once those first four days of the month and the final four days at the end of the month have passed, the blue moon of that month is said to conclude. It may be several years before such a special full moon night graces us again.
Under the enchanting blue moonlight, everything took on a fantastical hue, appearing ephemeral to my eyes. I had a sense that the memories of this summer would hold a special place in my heart. With that thought in mind, I continued to gaze up at the night sky.
After some time, it felt like I had caught a glimpse of a lovely smile on the full moon. It was Saki’s smile, with eyes that slanted at the corners like a cat’s and a mouth that curled tightly upwards.
For me, Saki was the person who came to mind whenever I looked at the moon and stars. I could even recall her words to me: “Sometimes, I have this strong urge to express myself.”
Now I understood how Saki must have felt, because I was experiencing the same emotions. With Grandma by my side, accepting and forgiving everything, I felt the urge to share things I wouldn’t normally say.
“Grandma, do you know about Hinata Dormitory?”
“Hinata Dormitory?”
After pondering for a moment, Grandma’s face lit up with recognition. “Oh, the facility up on the mountain?”
“Yeah,” I replied.
Just earlier, I had spent a delightful time at Hinata Dormitory. We looked at pictures, drank tea, talked, and she even stroked my head…
Recalling those moments, my cheeks grew warm, and I felt embarrassed. I turned my face away, hoping Grandma wouldn’t notice my flushed complexion.
“I made friends with a girl over there yesterday.”
“I see.”
“And I met her again today.”
“Mmm.”
The sensation of her hand gently caressing my head flooded back to me. It was a tender and soothing touch.
I remembered her clear voice calling my name and her large, expressive eyes framed by long lashes. Saki’s eyes sparkled with beauty, devoid of any judgment, seemingly reflecting her true self.
“She’s a beautiful girl, not just on the outside, but in her heart as well.”
As I struggled to articulate my genuine feelings, my words stumbled awkwardly. Nevertheless, Grandma smiled warmly, and that eased my apprehension.
Then, I realized something. Ah… everything about her is beautiful. That’s why I fell in love with her.
Yesterday, it was love at first sight for her appearance. And today, it was love for her heart.
The me of yesterday, the me of today, and even the me of the future would forever love her.
I’d wish I could always be by her side, but she had developed feelings for someone else. It stirred a profound and unfamiliar emotion within me. As someone inexperienced in love matters, I found navigating these uncharted waters challenging.
She… had found someone she liked. It tightened my chest, and the pain became unbearable.
“You’ve made friends with such an amazing girl,” my grandmother remarked.
“Yeah… I think so too.”
“Are you planning to hang out with her tomorrow?”
“That’s the plan.”
“I see. How about inviting her to my place next time?” my grandmother suggested.
“Really? Is that okay?”
I hadn’t even considered the possibility of bringing her over, fearing teasing from Akane and my mother. However, my grandmother’s words unexpectedly filled me with joy. If only my grandmother were the only one at home, I would gladly ask Saki to come over. The mere thought of it brought me immense happiness.
“Of course. Saki means a lot to you, doesn’t she, Keiichi?”
“Yeah.”
The suffocating feeling that had overwhelmed me moments ago started to fade. My grandmother’s kind words dissolved it away.
“Thank you, Grandma.”
“When your friend comes over, I’ll treat her to my homemade croquettes.”
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
My grandmother’s words resonated deeply with me. She referred to Saki not just as a friend or a lover but as an “important person.” I found that phrase to be a perfect encapsulation of my feelings toward Saki.
Saki is an “important person” to me. That sentiment remains unwavering, regardless of whom she may be thinking about. And now, I want to cherish my feelings for her, recognizing her significance in my life.
Saki… Her image flooded my mind. “Maybe it’s because I’m your big sister,” she would say with a playful smile. Her endearing expression lingered in my memory.