Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, never sleeps. Life here seems never to stop moving. Everything is fast-paced, as if stopping for a moment can stop the rotation of the wheel of life—a harsh city for anyone who wants to survive here. The glitter of the night world is a common thing that can be found in the middle of the town. The night is even more dense. Neither cold nor hot weather can stop how this city works. Even in the middle of Autumn, people need to be more relaxed in their work.
Except for a young girl in one of the small rented apartments, staring at the fallen momiji leaves littering the ground below. Ah, tomorrow will be a hard day for the street cleaners. They have to go the extra mile to get rid of dry foliage along the way.
“I missed you, Dad.”
The girl talks with the phone in her ear. Her voice was holding the longing rising. Why not? Being away from home often leads to homesickness. Unfortunately, there was no immediate response from the person on the other end of the phone. Michelle Kaila– the young girl – pursed her lips.
She then heard a long sigh from a man. It’s half a century old, from how heavy the tone of voice is. Hoarse and heavy. At that time, Michelle knew she would have to stay a little longer in this country.
“You have to stop Michelle.”
Michelle smiled lightly. Know that there is no other way to escape. “Okay, Dad, I should hang up. Send all my love to Mom and Sister. Assalamu’alaikum.” Then, she turned off the call with a feeling of tightness in my chest.
Michelle hugged her knees on her little bed, trying to ward off the cold night air pouring from the window gap. Mid-Autumn in Japan is much more complex than the rainy season in Indonesia. Michelle had thought her heart might have frozen if she had been here longer.
“What did you expect, Michelle?” She smiled lazily; monologue is nothing but an evocation of uncomfortable solitude.
If there had been no past involvement, she might have yet to make it this far. Climbing stairs after stairs, jumping from one stone to another, everything she does to get out of the discomfort zone. Usually, people get out of their comfort zone, unlike those precisely looking for such comfort. Comfortable is a tricky word even though it has crossed the island and the country. Though there is no harm in itself, it’s just that the feeling of loneliness often feels like blocking the solar plexus. Her reflection in the mirror told me that she wasn’t feeling well. It can be seen from her face that she is lethargic due to lack of rest. Even so, Michelle returned her reflection with a sweet smile. Sometimes, things go differently than expected. Who should she complain to?
BRAAAK!
The door suddenly opened loudly. Michelle was forced to turn her head to the doorway, apprehensive, only to find a girl figure standing there gasping for breath.
“Michelle! Eugene is doing a live broadcast! We have to watch it!”