Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Emi sat at the kitchen table, stirring her now-cold coffee absentmindedly as she pondered the journey ahead. Morning light streamed through the window, bathing the room in a soft glow, while the scent of toasted bread hung in the air. It was then she heard her name being called.
"Emi!" Her father, Hiroshi, called out, his voice carrying through the house.
He was in the living room, busy organizing things for their trip. "Are you just going to sit there, or are you going to get ready?"
Emi blinked, slightly startled by the interruption to her thoughts.
"Oh... right, the trip," she mumbled as she rose and made her way to her suitcase, still lost in the uncertainty of what awaited her. She dragged it toward the bathroom, where she straightened her bangs and the chin-length hair framing her face. Emi studied her reflection, trying to shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at her chest. She sighed, brushing a loose strand aside and adjusting her fringe once more.
After one final glance at the mirror, she exited the bathroom, hauling her suitcase back into the living room. Drawing a deep breath, she composed herself. Her father was already prepared, waiting. As he noticed her arrival, he spoke.
"Ready?" Hiroshi asked, carrying their luggage toward the garage.
"Ready," Emi replied, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation, though she felt slightly more composed.
Hiroshi opened the trunk and loaded their bags. Climbing into the driver's seat, he waited as Emi settled beside him. For a while, the only sounds were the steady hum of the engine and the faint rhythm of Emi's restrained breathing as she stared out at the moving scenery.
"Nervous?" Hiroshi asked, breaking the silence with a quick glance at her.
"A little," she admitted, almost whispering. "I guess I'm trying to imagine what it's going to be like there."
"It'll be fine," he assured her with a small smile. "San Diego's different, but it's not another world. And you won't be alone."
As they drove, Hiroshi put on some music to lighten the mood, hoping to ease the reflective heaviness hanging between them. The gentle melody filled the car, blending with the endless sound of the tires against the road. For a brief moment, Emi allowed herself to tap her feet and snap her fingers along with the rhythm.
"Your mother loved this song," Hiroshi said, his voice thick with emotion, eyes glistening as he tried to keep his focus on the road.
His gaze remained ahead, but it was clear his thoughts had wandered, lost in distant memories.
"I wish I had met her..." Emi murmured, still gazing out the window.
Her voice was faint, nearly swallowed by the soft tune playing in the background.
"If she were here, she would be so proud of you," Hiroshi said tenderly, casting a sidelong glance at his daughter.
He paused briefly, choosing his words with care.
"Not just because of what you've achieved... but because of who you are. Kind. Brave. So much like her, even without ever knowing her."
Emi pressed her lips together, a lump forming in her throat. She didn't answer right away, only nodded slightly, her tear-filled eyes fixed on the horizon.
In that moment, no words were needed — the silence spoke volumes.