Three Days of Happiness

204
After a few dozen minutes, as I pulled my hand back in defeat, it
landed right in my palm.
I very, very carefully lifted it out of the water. And suddenly, I
understood.
The next moment, as if possessed, I intently moved the pencil
across the sketchbook.
I continued for the entire night.
---
A few days later, I took Miyagi to see some fireworks. Walking the
sunset footpath, crossing the railroad tracks, going through the
shopping district, we arrived at the elementary school.
It was a famous local fireworks display, and it was a bigger affair
than I expected, with many more carts. There were enough visitors
as to make me wonder how the town had room for all these
people.
When children saw me walking and holding hangs with Miyagi, they
laughed “It’s Mr. Kusunoki!”
They were laughs of approval. Weirdos are popular with kids too. I
raised the hand I was holding Miyagi’s with in response to their
jeers.
While in line for grilled chicken, a group of boys in high school
approached and teased “What a girl you’ve got there!”
“Great, isn’t she? Well you can’t have her,” I said, holding Miyagi’s
shoulder, and they guffawed.