Tohoku

Akio woke early. He opened the blinds and peered down the valley towards the sea. He considered the flat water, the blue sky, the placid horizon. He smiled. Today would be a good day.

He stepped away from the window and retreated to the little room that contained the picture of Mizuki. He bowed, tapped the bell and lit the lighter. He touched the flame to the candle wick and watched as the flame took hold. He looked at Mizuki’s happy face and deep into her eyes. Perhaps this would be the day she came back to him.