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I take her hands in mine, a sense of peace and contentment washing over me. “Thank you, Amber. I think it’s time for me to reconnect with my family, after all these years.”
She nods in agreement, her eyes reflecting genuine happiness for me. “You should, Derrick. Follow your heart.”
I nod, a new sense of purpose guiding me. I never imagined how healing those words of apology from my father would soothe my heart. “You know, I might have to arrange a trip back to the U.S.”
Amber’s smile doesn’t waver; instead, it radiates encouragement and support. “You should, Derrick. It’s a big step, and I hope you find everything you’re looking for.”
I’m touched by her words and her unwavering encouragement. She’s been a steadfast companion through thick and thin, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for her presence in my life. It’s been just a month plus, and I feel like I have known her for forever. “Thank you, Amber, I want you to know that I have truly fallen in love with you".
“I love you too Derrick, I hope you do return to Japan to visit us,” she says comically. No, but seriously, me and Alex will miss you, it's hard to imagine being here in Japan without you".
“Amber. I don’t know if I’d actually return again. I think I have realized, that Japan has been a hiding place for me, it is time for me to face my fears and my past.. But I won’t be going alone.”
I see her mood slightly fall, but her eyes light up with curiosity. “Who’s that?”
I can’t resist playing with her for a moment. “Hmm, care to take a guess?”
Amber’s eyes twinkle with excitement, and she takes a few seconds to contemplate. Then, her face lights up with realization. “No way, Derrick. Are you saying. . .”
I confirm her guess with a smile and a nod. “Yes, Amber. I’m not going alone.”
Her reaction is pure joy. She leaps into my arms, hugging me tightly, and I hold her close, the world seeming to disappear in that moment of shared happiness.
Amber
Theeveningsuncastsa warm, golden hue over the street, and it comes to life with vibrant colors and shimmering lights. Lanterns, paper and silk, adorn storefronts, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. The streets hum with the energy of the city as children play, their laughter filling the air.
Taking a leisurely stroll, Derrick and I are immersed in this delightful cultural experience. There is an indescribable charm in the way the traditional and modern coexist, weaving a tapestry of beauty and history.
A quaint store catches our attention, its signage illuminated by the soft, golden glow of paper lanterns. The store is nestled amid a picturesque scene, exuding an inviting aroma that fills the street. The sign reads: ‘Mochi Ice Cream - 260 yen per unit’.
Derrick flashes a warm smile and hands over the yen. “Two units, please,” he says to the cheerful seller, who promptly begins assembling the delicate treats.
As we receive our mochi ice cream, the cool confections are wrapped in vibrant, traditional papers. It is a delightful fusion of the familiar and the exotic. I can’t help but savor the anticipation as we unwrap the sweet delights.
Our walk continues, the street bathed in the gentle twilight. It is as though time slows down, and the rest of the world fades away. The sensation of mochi ice cream on our tongues is sublime, sweet and creamy with just the right amount of chewiness.
Derrick’s laughter is contagious, and it fills the evening air. His eyes sparkle with an unmistakable warmth, and he looks at me with an intensity that makes my heart flutter.
We meander down the street, savoring every bite of mochi ice cream, enjoying this moment of tranquility amid the bustling city. It is an ordinary evening, yet it feels extraordinary.
At a certain point, Derrick stops and turns to me. There is a certain gravity in his eyes, a deep sincerity that catches me off guard. “Amber,” he begins, his voice filled with emotion. “I never expected any of this. But over the past month, over these weeks, I’ve realized that I’ve come to love you deeply.”
I feel a rush of warmth and affection wash over me. My heart races, and I meet his gaze, my voice unsteady. “Derrick, I’m right there with you. This all happened so fast, yet it feels so right. I love you too.”
Our candid admission of love seems to hang in the air like a promise, with an embrace of the Japanese street and the world that surrounds us. There is no need for grand gestures or elaborate words, the simplicity of our shared feelings is more than enough. It is in this moment, amid the allure of Japanese culture and the sweetness of mochi ice cream, that our love story unfolds, unique and undeniable.
Chapter Nineteen
Derrick
TheflightfromJapanto the United States felt like a bridge between two worlds. My heart was filled with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I had reached out to my younger sister, Clara, and informed her of our impending visit. As the plane touches down, I feel the weight of the decision to bring Amber and Alex into the fold.
We make our way through the airport. Alex’s excitement is palpable as he marvels at the change of surroundings, but Amber and I share a sense of uncertainty. The familiar yet unfamiliar faces that surround us are a stark reminder of the life I left behind.
A car waits for us outside the airport. We get in with our luggage, and the vehicle begins to move. I can feel the nervous energy in the vehicle as we near my family’s home. It has been years since I saw my family and the prospect of facing my past fills me with a sense of unease.
After almost two hours, we pull up to the house, and my heart pounds as I look at it. Memories flood back, both good and bad. The driver parks the car, and I’m out of it in an instant.
