Chapter Text
Everyone has secrets.
Treasured memories.
Little frustations about life and love.
...And memories too painful to bear.
These are things that go unsaid.
This is a humble oden cart.
It sits at the edge of town every night.
Those burdened with gloomy toughts can stop by for a moment's respite
Tonight, bear witness to an incredible story that will unfold at this very cart.
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Warm light emits in the middle of the night, there sat a humble oden cart ready offer a moment of relieve after a full day of problems and frustations.
An old man running the cart waited patiently for any customer to stop by. While enjoying the cool breeze of night.
A young woman in purple kimono with long black hair took a seat. Her face bright with smile.
"Ooh...! Oden!" She said.
"Welcome."
Ah.. it is rare to see someone wearing kimono these days.
She seems like a bubbly one, except for a sad glint between her smiles. Probably just your imagination.
"Cold! Cold! Cold! Why is it so cold in here? Well, with this thin clothes, I can't complain."
She grabbed a Chikuwa into her bowl.
"Mmmm! Thfis ish so food, Ish been a while sin I've had thish (Mmmm! This is so good, It's been a while since I've had this)"
She then pours herself a cup of sake. Though she looks too young for it.
"Huh? What do you mean? I'll have you know I am 22 years old! Old enough to drink!"
Seeing such a strange outfit in this part of country, the old man couldn't help but wonder, just where did she come from?
"I came from a village called the Kurain village? You ever heard of that? No? It's not the warmest place in there, but it's beautiful!"
And she continues her story as she gulps the sake, and put more oden into her bowl.
"My village is home of Spirit mediums, where you can channel the dead. I know it sounds crazy, but hey! It's true!"
Though what she had just said was pretty shocking, she sure was a chatty girl, The old man continues to wonder, didn't she have anyone waiting for her back home at night?
"I have a cousin back at home, she is 11 now. She is the cutest girl in the world, Hehe I just know it!"
The old man saw the clock, it showed 11.24 p.m, he couldn't help but worry for the young woman in front of him."
"Hmm? I don't have curfew! I'm an adult! The hotel I'm staying at is nearby anyway, don't worry!"
Seeing how much she ate, she sure was a big eater. Maybe it was so obvious on the old man's face about his opinion about her eating habits.
"You know what's the best food ever? Burgers! I just love that juicy patty with the fluffiest buns!"
Now she seemed to be daydreaming. Untill she suddenly exclaimed.
"Now that I'm 22, I really should try to go out once in a while huh? Heheh, as a master I should marry someday. But nahh.."
The old man could see her face getting redder and redder, with all the sake she drank, He wasn't surprised, as she continued to tell her tales.
"Hmm? Family? I have one! My cousin. Well, my parents died a long time ago, so did my sister..."
It must've been so hard and lonely for such a young woman like her to endure, the old man thought.
"Hahah My cousin often pairs me up with my best friend, Of course he's more like a big brother to me! A dorky one!"
Ah, that's good, at least she wasn't that lonely at all. But seeing the sad glint in her eyes, something must've happened.
"My sis was a defense attorney. But she was killed a few years ago by a wire tapping creep!"
The old man smiled a sad smile, what had happened to the young woman's sister was truly horrible, the young woman in front of him must've been so close to her sister.
"So my sis left the village to study law. She must be a very famous and prominent defense attorney had she been alive."
How sad, her sister seemed like a great person and lawyer. It's a shame that she was taken so early from this world.The old man couldn't help but wonder yet again, with all those sorrow she had endured in her heart, did she have some space left to have a hobby?
"*sigh* I'm so bored right now, the Steel Samurai next episode will come next week but I can't keep waiting that long!"
Ah, The old man smiled. He was relieved to see the young woman enjoying life despite what she had endured. The young woman continued to gulp down more sake, and her face was getting redder, her sentences weren't as coherent.
"W-why *sobs* W-why did you leave me. *sobs*"
Who was she talking about? Maybe her sister, or was it her friend? What happened?
"I-I *sobs* shouldn't hav- *sobs* so selfish *sobs* if only I-*sobs*"
Poor girl. It was heartbreaking to see such a bubbly and friendly young woman breaking down to tears. The old man just hoped she would feel better later.
"Ah... Thank you for worrying about me *sobs* I'm- *sobs* I'm pretty fine, don't worry... don't worr- *sobs*"
"I'm so sorry *sobs* I'm so sorry *sobs* I'm so- *sobs*"
"I shouldn't have- *sobs* *grumbles*"
The young woman continued to cry her heart out. The old man just continued to hope that by letting it all out, the young woman would feel better.
Then, she closed her eyes and stopped crying. She just sat there for a while, staying still untill she finally smiled, and cried.
"I- Maybe you're right, *sobs* I shouldn't have blamed myself should I? *sobs* I hope you will watch over us up there, will you? *sobs* No, I know you will. Watch over me and Pearly with sis okay?"
Ah... what a relief... It seemed that the young woman had made peace with herself, at least for a bit.
"Thank you, gramps. For listening all my stories. You've been a great help. Have a great night."
And she left with a smile after paying for her meal.