I was teaveling around Japan at the end of the year.
I was driving in the countryside when it began to snow. Soon the world was covered with snow-white carpet. I really enjoyed the picturesque winter view,but it was getting dark and I had to find a place to rest. After several miles, I stopped in front of a cottage and asked for a stay.
To my surprise, the hostess was a gorgeous beauty.
“Exuse me, it’s snowing heavily outside. Could I stay in your house for one night?”
“Sure,” Her voice was mild, “come in ,please.”
It was a nice house and was surely a warm home. But it seemed that there was only the hostess who lives in it. She took me into one of those gusts’ rooms.
“Just make yourself at home.” She smiled gently.
“Thank you so much. But sorry to bother you, why do you live here, alone?”
Sadness suddenly flew by her eyes. Slowly, she spoke “I am waiting for someone.”
That snowy night, she talked to me about the story of her own. How they grew up together. How they fell in love. How they faced danger and how he disappeared. Before his abence,he told her to wait for him and promised that no matter what happened, he will come back. “But, ” he thought for a while, “if I didn’t come back in five years, stop waiting.”
“So, I bought the house where the two family used to spend holidays together. I have been waiting for him from then on.. Many passengers like you, pass and leave,but he just didn’t show up.”
“Sorry, but how long…..?”
“This is the first time I tell someone this story,” she said quietly, “Tomorrow wil be the last day of the fifth year.”
It wasn’t quiet outside. Snow didn’t stop that midnight.
The next morning, I was about to leave. Some one opened the door and plates in her hands fell onto the ground. The young man let in sunshine, just like the smile upon his mouth. I felt as if a thousand flowers bloomed.
“ I’m back ”