Chapter 4 – Waiting For A Miracle

Even though it went well, last night's discussion didn't actually end. Both of his parents might be able to support Hikaru's desire to study business. However, to go to continue his studies in England, it seems that Hikaru hasn’t received full support. Conversations about England were distracted by the discussion about Hikaru's birthday, which will arrive in less than a month.

Like most other boys who are almost into adulthood, Hikaru honestly feels reluctant to celebrate birthdays. Enjoying special Miso Soup* or Wakame Soup* on his birthday as a sign of gratitude is enough for him. But of course, his mom wouldn’t let his only son's birthday go on as usual.

In previous years, his mom would cook a lot of food, buy birthday cake with unusual decorations, then invite Hikaru's closest friends to celebrate. But in the last five years, only Yama and Mika have been invited. This year it seems like it will repeat itself, if Hikaru doesn't hurry up and tell his plan.

The meeting between Hikaru, Yama and Mika that afternoon actually didn't just talk about Hikaru's wish to continue studying. Mika apparently plans to take her two friends on vacation together while celebrating Hikaru's birthday. That girl even bothered to book lodging in the Toyako area of Hokkaido. Because it sounded very attractive, Hikaru and Yama without thinking immediately agreed to Mika's plan.

Hikaru told his parents about that plan. In other words, Hikaru wanted to convey that this year he might not celebrate his birthday with them. At first, his mom looked disappointed. However, she finally understood that Hikaru also needed to spend time with his friends. Hikaru also didn't go to a dangerous place, it was still easy to monitor. After all, Hikaru went out with Yama and Mika whom they knew very well.

In fact, Hikaru was touched by what Mika had planned to celebrate his birthday. He never imagined that he would celebrate his birthday like this. Hikaru is very grateful to have a friend who cares for him like Mika.

According to Mika, the 20th birthday should have been celebrated in a special way and Yama also agreed. Mika even waived all accommodation and lodging costs for the two friends. Although they are reluctant, but Yama and Hikaru really can't refuse. Mika hates it the most when her kindness is rejected.

The three of them agreed to leave the day before Hikaru's birthday and would stay for 4 days and 3 nights in Toyako. They even made arrangements for what activities they would do there. Mika is looking forward to visiting the popular onsen* in Toyako. While Yama and Hikaru are planning to take pictures, it happens that they both have the same interest in photography. The natural atmosphere of Hokkaido must be a photo object that would be a shame for them to miss.

Because of their busy day, this time they vacation really feels very special. The last time they went together was probably on a school trip. No wonder that the three of them were looking forward to this trip and were eagerly awaiting that day.

***

This is already the fourth cardboard box he opened. Hikaru who is sensitive to dust actually has a hard time taking things apart like this. He doesn't know how many times he coughed and sneezed. His nose started to runny and her eyes also felt itchy. Even though he currently covers his nose and mouth with a mask to reduce inhaled dust.

Last night, Hikaru returned to the same dream. A hilly green meadow, the bright blue sky and the figure of his grandma. There is nothing else that his grandma talks about besides the question of Hikaru's age, who will soon become a 20-year-old young man, the magic of the full moon that awaits him, and the moon pendant from his grandma. Hikaru was so confused. Why he was dreaming the same thing as now? Really, this is a first for him to dream the same thing over and over again.

When he woke up from that dream, Hikaru thought it seems that there is a meaning behind all these recurring dreams. Maybe his grandma wanted Hikaru to find the pendant which was now somewhere. He doesn't know for sure about that, but maybe his grandma has something to say about that miracle. Whether it really will happen or not, but finding the pendant was his priority.

When he was little, Hikaru really believed the miracle that his grandmother told him would really happen. However, as he got older, his trust to that story began to fade. Hikaru began to think everything was just a fairy tale. No matter how hard Hikaru thought, it felt like what his grandma said was completely absurd. He even thought that his grandma believed too much in ancient myths. But of course he didn't say it, fear that his grandmother would feel hurt.

"Ah! Found it!" Hikaru picked up the box he was looking for after getting rid of the other toys that covered that box. The treasure box's appearance is still in a good condition, even though the gundam image on that box is a little faded. Hikaru almost jumped in pleasure not only because he had managed to find that box, but because his suffering facing the dust in the warehouse was coming to an end.

After being satisfied hugging the box, Hikaru began flipping through the box and tried to open it. But, of course it was locked. Hikaru tried to shake the tin-based box and there was a sound of “clogs” from inside.

What is grandma's pendant? Hikaru thought.

"Actually, what is my son looking for?" Hikaru jumped and almost dropped the box in his hand. He was really shocked because he didn't notice his mom who was now right behind his back.

"Oh, God! Mom, I was so shocked. Why did you suddenly appear like that?" Hikaru stroked his broad chest to adjust his heartbeat.

“Wow, isn't this your treasure box? Is this the thing you're looking for?” His mom ignored Hikaru question. She deftly took over the tin box in Hikaru's hand and tried to shake it near his ear. "Eh? There is content, right? What is this? Coin?"

"Mom, it is grandma’s thing." Hikaru grabbed the box again.

“Grandma's thing? You didn't steal grandma's things and hide them in your treasure box, right? ” His mom squinted her eyes as if she was suspicious of her son.

“No, it's not like that. Grandma gave it to me to keep. I remembered about this thing again because the last few days I dreamed of meeting grandma. Looks like grandma wants me to find this thing again." Hikaru explained.

"Wow, you really see grandma in a dream? And what kind of that thing? I became curious, it must be something very important, right?" His mom tried to touch the tin box which changed hands again. However, she quickly realized that the box was locked. "Oh, it's locked, right?"

"Yeah, I've always locked it." Hikaru teasing his mother who seemed very curious about that object in his tin box.

"Eh? Where is the key? Come on, show it to mom too." His mom begged while tugging at Hikaru's spoiled arm.

"No, this is my secret with grandma. Mom, you shouldn't know." Hikaru whispered in his mom's ear then ran to her bedroom.

***

Hikaru opened the tin box carefully. It was true, grandma's pendant still looked the same as the last time he saw it. Hikaru was always amazed by looking at that pendant. Especially if you see the sparkle of that thing under the light.

In his dreams, grandma always said that from now on Hikaru had to carry that thing with him. If Hikaru were a girl, she would probably proudly wear it around his neck as an accessory. But sadly, Hikaru is a boy and it would look weird if he wore a female pendant.

After examining the pendant thoughtfully, Hikaru finally decided to modify it. He untied it chains, attached the lovely pendant to his cellphone strap, while the pendant chain tucked in her purse. This way, Hikaru can always carry that thing without making himself look weird.

I think this is good enough. Am I a genius? Hikaru seemed satisfied with the results of his own work.

“I hope it's okay like this. I believe grandma will understand that a boy like me can't possibly wear this pendant in it’s original form." Hikaru muttered softly. In fact, there was a little guilt in his heart for changing the shape of his grandma’s pendant.

"Grandma, am I going to find my magic in Toyako?" Hikaru fantasized while playing with the pendant that are now pinned to his cellphone hanger.

To be honest, Hikaru still didn't fully believe that the miracle his grandma told him would really happen. However, his dreams lately seem to contain meaning. Even though his heart was still in doubt, but Hikaru was also secretly looking forward to the miracle that his grandma always talked about.

“I believe grandma never lies. Whatever the form of the miracle, I am looking forward to it." Hikaru smiled staring far out from his bedroom window.

***

[to be continued]

Footnote:

* Miso soup: a typical Japanese soup dish that usually contains seafood or vegetables with broth (dashi).

* Wakame soup: Japanese seaweed soup with added tofu (white tofu), mushrooms and green onions. Usually served during special events or someone's birthday.

* Onsen: hot springs commonly used by Japanese people for bathing. Usually located in mountainous areas.