Last Meal Before Home:

Tonight was the last night before departure. The volunteers held a barbeque for all of the travelers that helped out. The people stood around talking and eating as the sun went down. I sat with Sappoto-san on the dock as we ate roasted meat. I had never seen her look so happy before in my life.

“I rarely see you smile,” I said to her. Sappoto-san glanced up at me, confused.

“Oh…” she mumbled. “Is that bad?”

“No, no, no!” I said. “It’s really good. In fact, you should smile more often!” She blinked at me for a moment and then she smiled again.

“There you are,” I said. I picked up some roast chicken with my chopsticks. Sappoto-san looked over at me.

“So when do we leave?” she asked.

“In the morning,” I told her. Sappoto-san nodded.

“Ah,” she said. I turned my eyes to her.

“So, what do you want to do when you get back to Tokyo?” I asked. My friend took a moment to think about that one.

“Find my family,” she said.

“Do you have any idea where they are?” I asked. “Or are you still clueless about that one?” She frowned at me. I pressed my lips together.

“I take it that means no…” I mumbled. Sappoto-san nodded. I took another bite of my sesame roast chicken.

“Okay then…” I mumbled.

“What about you?” she asked. I eyed her blankly.

“Huh? Oh,” I said. I sat back for a moment to think about that. “Well…” I said. “Give my girlfriend a big hug and kiss.”

“Uh-huh,” she said. I smiled as I thought about what would happen next. I chuckled to myself. “Let her yell at me for leaving her,” I added. “Kiss her again and… well, you know what follows behind.” Sappoto-san nodded at me.

“Yeah,” she said. I was tempted to ask, “Do you now?”, but I left it at that. I lied back and looked at the dimming sky. It’s going to be so weird to be back on land in Japan. I hope that Umiko’s found her own place to live by now. I can stand living with her any longer. Feeling myself getting pissed off again, I tried to think about something else.

“What do you want to do when you find your family?” I asked. Sappoto-san looked at me in silence.

“I haven’t thought about that,” she said. I pouted at her.

“Oh, come on!” I said. “There must be something do can give them. I mean, when was the last time you saw them?”

“I don’t really know,” she said. “It was so long ago.” I frowned as I took a moment to think.

“Give me a moment, I’ll get more food to help me think,” I said. I rose to my feet and walked over to the main party.

“Don’t eat too much!” Sappoto-san called out to me as I walked away. I just waved her over before turning right. I got right into line for more food. I gave the cooking volunteers kind of frowned at me when I showed up in front of them.

“Hi…” I mumbled with a small chuckle. The younger man at the table just served me my fourth helping of meat and vegetables.

“Pig!” his eyes hissed at me. I just shrugged and walked back over to Sappoto-san. I took my seat next to her and ate my first bite. My friend watched me the whole time. I turned to her with a smile on my face.

“Now, as I was suggesting,” I said. “You’ve got to do something nice for your husband and children when you first them.” Sappoto-san took a sip of her soda.

“Like what?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” I said. “Maybe get them a gift.” Sappoto-san looked at me in a funny way.

“A gift?” she asked.

“That’s right. For the kids, some nice toys or a coloring book. For your husband, you just need you.” Sappoto-san blinked at first.

“Me?” she asked. It took her a moment to grasp what I was saying. “Oh… That…” she said softly. I sat up, smirking.

“Oh, you are just so innocent!” I said aloud. “I’ll have to teach you some new things.” I noticed her staring at me with big eyes. I held out my hand at her.

“Don’t worry, not that kind of teaching,” I said. “I might tell you some little secrets in the morning.” Sappoto-san gave me another blank look.

“Why tomorrow?” she asked. I gave her a goofy smile.

“We have to go home tomorrow!” I said. “So, eat and get back on our boat so that we can set sail.” I patted her on the arm as she looked rather puzzled. I rose to my feet to go throw away my plate. Goodbye vacation, you and I have been with each other for too long. We need a break from each other. I’m starting to turn soft.