“Caw! Caw!” cried a young girl in a light blue dress and long black hair as she ran through an old stone street. The murder Crows she was running toward flew in every direction and landed on the telephone wires and rooftops nearby.
“Stop that Makoto we don’t have time for you to run off in every direction! We have to get to the airport.” scolded her mother as she grabbed the young girl by the hand.
Makoto reluctantly followed her mother and the crows flew back down from the rooftops and returned to picking at garbage.
“Have you been practicing your English Makoto?” asked her mother as she quickened her pace.
“Yes, but why do I have to?”
“Because your cousin doesn't speak Japanese.”
“Why doesn't he learn?”
“That’s enough Makoto! Just study this on the way to the airport.”
Her mother handed her a book with “English Phrases” written on the cover and Makoto reluctantly read it over and over. Makoto was actually quite talented at learning new languages. She was only nine but she could already speak Japanese, Korean, a little French, and of course English. Makoto hated to speak English most of all but her parents insisted she learn and hired an English tutor. Makoto didn't get along with her tutor at all. She was a tall slender old woman with a stern face and straight black hair that fell like curtains on either side of her face. She never smiled or complimented Makoto, even though she was doing very well in the lessons. She wished she could chase her away like the crows in the alley, but her mother would be angry for sure.
Makoto sat quietly on the train next to her mother. Why did they have to pick up her Aunt and cousin. Makoto had meet her them once before a long time ago. It was summertime, she knew that, but she couldn't remember very much about what happened she did know she spent a lot of time with her cousin and all the adults were very sad. She spent the days exploring the garden and feeding the koi fish with her cousin. He didn't say a word the whole time he was there. At the time Makoto thought he was rude, but thinking back on it now she realized he didn't speak the language.
Makoto watched the trees and houses zip past the window. She got bored and l looked over to her mother for some conversation. Her mother was reading a book with a picture of a shirtless samurai on it and had her do not disturb face on. Makoto closed her mouth and stared out the window again. Memories of the summer at her grandparent’s house came flooding back. She remembered her mother introducing her to her cousin.
“Makoto, this is your cousin Misha. He is from America, so please be nice and show him around.”
Makoto nodded and said, “Hello Misha it is nice to meet you.” Makoto bowed low in a very respectful way like her mother taught her to do, but Misha just stood silent. Finally Misha’s mother whispered in his ear and he realized he to was supposed to bow, so he did but way too low. It was more like he was touching his toes then bowing. The adults laughed a little and then left Misha and Makoto to play.
Both Misha and his mother were tall and had Russian names despite being from America. Makoto also heard her cousin and his mother talking in Russian from time to time. Makoto wondered why he could speak in Russian and English and not in Japanese. She didn't take so kindly to Misha at all, whom she felt was forced upon her and knew nothing of his proud Japanese heritage. Makoto resented having to watch her younger cousin all summer long. The more she thought about it the more annoyed she was at having to go out of her way to pick up her cousin.
Makoto looked at her mom again she had a burning question and didn't know if she should ask, but as usual Makoto’s curiosity got the best of her.
“Mama, why are Auntie and cousin Misha visiting?”
At first her mother looked perturbed, but her face soon melted into one of concern. “Makoto, I didn't know how to tell you this when it happened, but I got a call yesterday morning and your grandfather’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. I called your Auntie right away and they flew out on the first plane they could. The doctors say Grandpa may only have a few more days left.” Makoto’s mother put her hand on Makoto’s shoulder and tears rolled down Makoto’s cheeks and splashed onto the English book in her hands. Makoto closed the book so it wouldn't get wet.
Misha and his mother were waiting in the lobby of the airport for their relatives. He wore a black suit and his mother wore a black dress with a black feathered hat. His mother nervously played with her wedding band as they waited. She still wore it even though Misha’s father had passed away four years ago. That was the reason for their last visit to Japan and now they were here again to attend another funeral.
When his father died Misha’s mother had his father cremated and then they flew him to Japan to lay him to rest at his family’s grave. His urn was silver and had an engraving of a crow on it. Misha’s mother told him the crow would carry his soul to the land of the dead. Misha held the urn at the grave site while his family was opening up the crypt. In a nearby tree Misha saw a crow watching them. He held up the urn so the crow could take his father’s soul, but the crow didn't move. It just watched from the tree with it’s small black eyes. Misha’s mother took the urn from him and placed it in the family tomb.
Soon Makoto and her mother arrived at the airport and meet their relatives. They were to spend their first night at Makoto’s house and then travel to their grandparent’s house the next day. Makoto’s mother greeted them and helped them load their luggage into a taxi. Makoto didn't see the point in coming all the way out here just so they could take a taxi back. “Why couldn't they have taken the taxi on their own?” Makoto thought, “Most taxi drivers speak English and her Auntie spoke perfect Japanese.” Makoto’s mother didn't seem to have the same sentiments as she did though. In fact she acted quite warmly to Misha’s mother. They even hugged and began talking in English.
“Dominique, how was your flight? You must be tired,” said Makoto’s mother.
“A little, I’m surprised Misha still has his eyes opened, and please call me Niki like in university” Misha’s mother said with a smile.
“Alright but you are not allowed to call me Moe chan.”
“But it was such a good nickname for you Momo.”
The two of them laughed and hugged again. The laughter soon turned to tears and the hug became a mutual support system that kept the two women from falling to their knees.
“It’s been a long time but I miss him everyday Momo.”
“I know Niki I do too.”
The taxi pulled up Makoto’s driveway and the taxi driver helped them to unload their belongings. Makoto’s father was on a business trip and he would meet them when it came time for the funeral. Momo apologized that there wouldn't be any help with the bags, but Dominique said they would manage just fine. Momo lead Dominique to the spare room. Then she led Misha to Makoto's room. Makoto opened her mouth to object, but her mother gave her a stare as if to say, “You had better not!” and she shut it.
The four of them had dinner and all of the conversation was in English. At first Makoto felt a little lost, but her extra studying paid off and soon she was joining in on the conversation. Misha on the other hand remained silent. This annoyed Makoto, because the whole reason they were speaking in English was for his benefit. Soon their mothers decided it was time for them to go to bed. This was the moment Makoto had been dreading all evening. The two of them got ready for bed and Momo unrolled a bed and placed it on the floor next to Makoto’s bed. They said good night and then turned out the lights.
“I hate you,” said Makoto under her breath in Japanese.
Misha closed his eyes and silently wept as sleep overcame him.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Misha woke up in a haze. He checked the clock it was three a.m.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
There it was again. Misha rubbed his eyes. They were heavy with sleep.
TAP. TAP. TAP.
It was louder now. Misha could tell it was coming from the small balcony outside Makoto’s room. The long vertical blinds were drawn over the glass sliding door, so Misha couldn't see out. He stood up and looked toward the door to the balcony.
TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!
The noise was defining and thundered in his brain. He looked over and Makoto was still sleeping.
“How can she not hear this!?!” Misha thought.
He took a step toward the door. The tapping was so loud Misha could hear nothing else. He put his hands over his ears but it still didn't help. He walked closer to the door. He had to know what was outside. What was making that noise.
TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!
He was at the door now and his hand reached out for the blinds when through the noise he thought he heard his name.
“Misha” TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP! “Misha!”
Was it coming from outside he couldn't tell.
“MISHA!”
No! It wasn't outside! It was right behind him! Misha turned around frantically. Everything was suddenly silent.
“MISHA! why are you up? Go back to sleep!” said Makoto in Japanese.
“Sorry I will, just a minute,” he replied also in Japanese. He reached out and drew back the blinds to reveal an empty balcony. Misha crawled back into bed and slept through the rest of the night.
End Part 1
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