Tokyo, Japan
In the crowded area of Tsukiji Outer Market
April 17th, 2008
6:34 PM
The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of street food and the warmth of city life. The Tsukiji Outer Market was busy with life, a vibrant contrast to the peaceful moments Risa and her young boy, Ray, shared together. Hand in hand, they strolled through the crowded streets, the neon lights reflecting in Ray's wide and curious sharp light silver eyes.
"Ma, look! That one!" Ray pointed excitedly at a small vendor cart selling an assortment of colorful ice creams. His enthusiasm was contagious, making Risa chuckle softly.
"You have quite the eye for sweets, don't you?" She teased, ruffling his light blonde hair.
Ray grinned up at her.
"It's because you always get me the best ones!" Ray expressed lively.
With a warm smile, Risa led him toward the vendor. "Alright, what flavor are you getting tonight?"
Ray tapped his chin thoughtfully, his small face scrunching in concentration.
Then-
"Strawberry!" Ray yelled, his eyes brightened.
Risa laughed. "You always get strawberry."
"Because it's my favorite! And you?" Ray happily asked.
"I think I'll go with vanilla today." Risa did not choose.
"Vanilla's kind of plain, though." Ray said, watching as the vendor scooped generous portions of ice cream onto cones.
"Plain can be good." Risa countered playfully. "It's simple, comforting."
Ray took his first bite, eyes closing in bliss. "Mmmmmmm! This is good"
Risa smiled as she took a small bite of her own. Watching him enjoy the little innocent things in life filled her with an indescribable warmth. They sat down on a wooded bench nearby, the soft hum of the marketplace surrounding them.
Ray's small feet swung back and forth as he ate, his gaze occassionally drifting up toward his mother. "Ma, do you think I'll be strong when I grow up?"
Risa looked at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Of course you will, my love. But why do you ask?"
Ray shrugged."I wanna be strong so I can protect you. So no one ever makes you sad or hurts you."
Risa's heart ached at his words, her grip tightening around the ice cream cone. She forced a smile, placing a hand on his cheek.
"You're already strong, my Ray." Risa choked.
"The strongest little boy I know." She added with her trying to hold back tears.
Ray puffed out his chest proudly. "Then I'll get even stronger! That way, when you're old, I can take care of you, and we can still eat ice cream together."
A smile escaped Risa as she reached over to flick his forehead gently. "I'll hold you to that, little man."
Near the mountainous regions of Gifu and Toyama prefectures, six kilometers away from the village of Ainokura.
In a large field near the Shigeyoshi Farmhouse residence.
September 23th, 2010
Almost 9 PM
Risa and young Ray found themselves lying in a quiet greenfield in front of the Shigeyoshi farmhouse. The stars stretched endlessly above them, and the moon bathed them in a gentle glow.
Ray lay beside his mother, his small hands folded behind his head.
"The stars are so pretty." He whispered in awe.
"They are." Risa agreed, her voice soft.
"But the moon is my favorite." She added.
Ray turned to face her, curiosity on his face. "Why?"
She smiled up at the sky. "Because it's always there, even when the sun is shining. It watches over everything, just like a mother watches over her child."
Ray was silent for a moment, then-
"You're like the moon, Ma." He whispered.
Risa turned to look at him in surprise. "Oh? How so?"
Ray's small face was serious as he stared at her. "You're bright. You're beautiful. You glow, and you always make me feel safe. And you're graceful, tall, and strong, just like the moon."
Risa's breath hitched. Warmth spread through her chest, and a tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it.
"Ray....." She murmured, reaching out to brush his bangs away from his forehead.
"That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me." She added.
Ray's lips curled into a small smile. "It's true."
"I think you might be trying to make me cry, little one." She let out a watery chuckle.
Ray's eyes widened.
"No! I don't want to make you sad, Ma." He said.
Risa laughed softly, shaking her head.
"Not sad, little love. Just....very, very happy." She expressed emotionally.
Ray beamed, pleased with himself. Then, after a brief pause-
"Ma?" He whispered.
"Yes?" Risa softly answered, her emotional light silver eyes, just like Ray's, stared at him.
"I really mean it. I'll always protect you. Even if it will costs me everything." Ray answered seriously.
Risa closed her eyes, her fingers tightening slightly in his soft hair. "You're my little warrior." She whispered.
"But I hope you never have to fight for me. I just want you to be happy, Ray." She added with emotions.
Ray nodded, but in his young heart, he knew his promise would never change. He would stand by her side, always.
Just then, a familiar voice called out to them from the distance.
"Anata! Musuko! Where are you two hiding?" It was Shinjo l. His deep voice carried warmth, love, and a hint of playful annoyance.
Risa rose up, wavering towards him. "Over here! Come join us, Shinjo."
Shinjo hesitated for a moment, but the sight of his wife and son under the moonlight was too inviting to resist.
With a smile, he walked over and lay down beside them, stretching his arms behind his head.
"Ahhh now this is nice." Shinjo remarked comfortably.
Ray grinned and moved closer to his father.
"Otousan, do you think the stars taste like ice creams?"
Shinjo laughed. "I think they taste like mochi."
Ray gasped dramatically. "No way! They're totally strawberry and vanilla!"
Risa giggled at their playful argument.
"Maybe they taste like love, because that's what I feel right now." She said.
Shinjo reached for Risa's hand, squeezing it gently. "Me too."
Then lay there, teasing, joking, and enjoying the simple, beautiful moment. In that field, under the stars, they were not just family, they were happiness itself. The night whispered around them, carrying their laughter into the sky, where it would remain forever, among the stars young Ray believed were made of ice cream.