Our school had a holiday on Friday, so I decided to visit Kyoto, and cross off one of my bucket list items and go have a formal kaiseki meal. Most people probably wouldn’t partake in such a formal meal by themselves but I figured if I didn’t go alone now, I may never be able to go. Taking the Shinkansen, Kyoto was not far from my village. I left Thursday after class and promised to free myself of home and all its memories. Home was here now, nowhere else.
Friday morning consisted of a walking tour and a visit to the Nishiki market. Dozens and dozens of shops selling authentic Japanese goods and produce, bustled with customers. I had a small lunch at a famous soba house then visited Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama. Originally built in the 1300's, the temple’s stunning greenery and ponds graced a large part of the property. Fully blossomed Sakura trees complemented the famously landscaped garden.
After my walk through the garden, I headed back to the hotel and got dressed for my kaiseki meal at Japan’s most celebrated kaiseki restaurant. The distance between my hotel, Tenryu-ji temple, and the restaurant measured a short triangle. Mr. Suzuki had asked many of his friends and did a lot of research for me before calling in a reservation. Even alone, it was exciting to participate in an activity that had been on my mind for years. I wanted to dress up and look nice for this elegant meal. I couldn’t wait!
At first glance, the restaurant was breathtaking. Japanese lanterns in various shapes lined the pebble walkway leading up to what resembled a traditional Japanese house more than a restaurant. When I arrived, it was light enough for me to see the serene landscaping filled with plants and bushes and random bamboo fixtures. The hostess led me to a small room filled with only a tatami mat, a comfortable L-shaped cushion, and a black lacquered dinner table. I waited for the kimono-clad server to start my meal on the beautifully lacquered table. The sounds of the waterfall hummed in tune with chirping birds, and I sat with my back against the door, looking peacefully at the pond. With footsteps coming my way, I eagerly awaited my first course, the sakizuke or amouse bouche.
My ear listened carefully to what I thought was a familiar voice speaking English. Since there were so many tourists in Arayishima, I assumed it was one of the many coming to eat at the restaurant.
“Finally!” a voice announced, as the door opened. I knew instantly whose voice I’d heard. My head spun around faster than the server could finish opening the door.
Jake. My Jake. My Love.
Tears choked my eyes and my chest writhed in pain. Emotions overtook me. I stared at the handsome face I longed to see for so many months. My heart ached for this moment since I left him standing on a corner in New York. Was this person walking toward me a figment of my imagination? Could I trust my eyes? Even before he took the big step into my room, I wanted to run into his arms. But instead, I turned myself around and contained the hope that wanted to rip out of my heart.
He sat right next to me and whispered, “Hello, Emily.” His voice broke as he peered into my eyes. “Very long time no see.”
I sensed adoration and relief in his eyes. He probably sensed elation, along with fear in mine. He reached over to embrace me but I jumped back to guard myself from his touch. His face looked hurt. My face probably looked dumbfounded.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to figure out whether this was coincidental or planned. Either way, none of it made sense.
“Why do you think I’m here?” Jake’s tone was a bit short with me. Exasperated might be a better word.
“I don’t know. Does the emperor need a heart surgeon?” Jake chuckled. I hadn’t meant to be funny. I had no other explanation for Jake being in Japan.
“Emily, I’m here to see you. We need to talk. Are you here alone, or are you waiting for someone?”
I heard him ask me a series of questions but I couldn’t get beyond the first sentence. Why are you here to see me? After all these months, what would make you talk to me now?
“Emily, are you waiting for someone?” he asked again.
“Yes,” was all I could answer. Silly, I’ve been waiting for you for months now. You’re very late, but thank you for coming. I’m so happy to see you.
“You are? Who are you waiting for? Are you waiting for a guy…? Are you seeing someone already?” Jake looked horrified.
I found his questions absurd. How could you think I started dating again? Don’t you know how much I missed you…how much I love you?
“Emily!” He tried to snap me out of my glazed look. “I sound like a broken record. Are you seeing someone?”
“Are you?” I didn’t mean to aggravate him by answering a question with a question, but I couldn’t babble any coherent thoughts.
“Of course not! Do you know how far and wide I searched for you after you left me? Why did you make it so hard for me to find you? Why have you been gone for so long?”
This statement snapped me out of my daze. In a biting tone I answered, “A bit bizarre you would try so hard to find me halfway around the world when you didn’t bother looking for me when I was just down the street. And by the way, you left me.”