Chapter Twenty-One: Turquoise Bracelet:

“That’s a cute bracelet. Where did you get that?” I asked. Yumi looked down at her wrist.

“Oh, this?” she asked. “I got it from one of my friends last summer. She’d been in America for a few weeks.” I couldn’t take my eyes off the turquoise macrame pattern on her tiny wrist. It looked like it was tied together. Every inch of it looked so dainty. I didn’t think I’ve seen that bracelet before. I might have, but I wasn’t paying attention.

“I just felt like wearing today,” she said.

“I see,” I said. “So what are you planning to do today?” Yumi hopped up from the couch.

“Not much,” she said. “I was asked to help a friend’s younger brother with his summer homework.”

“Ah, I see,” I said. Yumi looked over her shoulder.

“You?” she asked. I shrugged.

“Just the usual,” I said.

“Ah,” she said. “See you tonight.” I waved at her back as she walked out the door. She didn’t say when she was coming back.

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I headed out to the Activity Center. They hadn’t opened yet. This wasn’t a problem. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the key. Don wasn’t going to be in town until Monday. He and Miyizuki were on a romantic trip together. (Good on them, I suppose. Yumi wanted me to take her on romantic trips too. Money was kind of tight at the moment.) Once I unlocked the door, I pushed it open and walked inside.

It looked like today was going to be another slow day. There wasn’t much for me to do today. I just had to do a little paperwork, make sure the place was clean, and answer the phone if anyone calls. Simple enough. I had been do this for the past… five days now? Something like. It could be kind of boring at times.

Today was not going to be one of those days.

I had just started setting up for the day when I heard the door open behind me. I turned my head to see a man about me age, poking his head in the doorway.

“Can I help you?” I asked.

“I was told to come here if I wanted a job,” he said. I narrowed my eyes.

“I guess…” I said. Now, I had dealt with people coming here looking for work around the city. I’ve even done it on my own. The process was quick and painless. I could do the whole thing with my eyes closed. I just hadn’t expected to do any real work today.

“Is this a bad time?” the man asked.

“Oh! No, no! It’s fine. I just wasn’t expecting anyone today. Just come in,” I said. The guy looked uncertain at first before he walked inside. I led him over to the front desk. From there, I got a better look at him. He had so many pins and buttons on his bag. A couple of them looked so familiar.

“What kind of work are you looking for?” I asked.

“Nothing in particular,” he said in a low voice. “I just want to feel useful again.” I knew that feeling.

“Where did you previous work?” I asked.

“The Self-Defense Force,” he said. The guy’s eyes shifted away me as he spoke. My ears perked up when he said.

“So was I,” I said. The man looked up with big eyes.

“What years did you service?” he asked. I had to do a quick count in my head for a moment.

“Oh man, I would say about since 88 or 89 until two years ago,” I said. I had his attention now.

“Wow. I just got out myself,” he said.

“How long did you serve?” I asked.

“Three years,” he said. I narrowed my eyes.

“Did you happen to be in the war overseas?” I asked. The young man shook his head.

“No, the war ended before my unit could be called over,” he said.

“Ah, so we missed each other,” I said.

“I suppose so,” the guy said. He nervously laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. It was then spotted something familiar on his wrist.

“That’s a neat little bracelet,” I said.

“Hm? Thanks, man,” he said.

“I think I’ve seen that before. Where did you get that?” I asked. The man looked down at the turquoise macrame pattern on his wrist.

“Oh, my sister made this for me before I left for active duty. She died before I came home. Why?” he asked. I pressed my lips together.

“My girlfriend has a bracelet just like that,” I said. “What was her name?” He looked like he was about to cry.

“Risa,” he said.

“I see,” I said. He looked like he was about to cry.