Page 32 of The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop
‘They’re lovely, aren’t they? They seem to share a deep bond with each other.’
Stretching her arm to the side, she laid her hand on the cat’s head.
‘I’ve got someone like that, too, someone who’s like my other half. Well, you’re also special to me, but in a different way.’
The cat responded by firmly pressing its head against the girl’s hand.
‘That’s right. You know her well, too, don’t you? She means the world to us…’
Now, the calico cat’s eyes were half closed. Unlike her usual self, she purred affectionately.
* * *
Before they knew it, the sisters found themselves sitting on the bench by the riverbank. Cherry-blossom petals were dancing in the air. ‘Oh,’ they said in unison as they exchanged glances, stretching their arms towards one another. Both sisters had flower petals all over their hair. In the end, they shook their heads and brushed the blossoms off themselves. Kaho was the first to ask:
‘How long do you think we were in that shop for?’
‘No idea.’
‘Whatisthat place, anyway?’
Shiho held out her palms and shrugged her shoulders.
Then, she said, ‘Probably exactly as that girl said.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘It’s a bookshop, it’s a coffee shop, and it’s a peddler of miracles.’
‘A peddler?’
‘Yeah. That’s what she said.’
‘But peddlers don’t have shops like that, do they?’
‘That’sthe part that concerns you?’
The sisters looked at each other and laughed wryly. At that moment, Shiho sneezed. Perhaps she had caught a chill in the short time they’d been sleeping? But were they sleeping, though? Remembering the jacket she’d brought with her, Kaho offered it to Shiho, who immediately accepted it.
Slipping her arms through the sleeves, her sister muttered, ‘Let’s just say that we both had a little nap and leave it at that.’
As Kaho sat there, unsure of what to say, Shiho continued, ‘I’m sure we share the same dreams all the time. We’re twins, after all.’
Slightly pouting her lips, Kaho replied, ‘Maybe so.’ But if that were the case, it would mean that they were both ruminating about what happened in the hospital at the exact same time.How corny is that?she thought, suddenly flushing with embarrassment. And they both knew well that there was only one person they could rely on in such awkward situations.
‘Tae-chan—’ the sisters said in perfect harmony.
Each syllable was impeccably synchronised, so much so that they were even surprised themselves. ‘Ugh, why are twins like this?’ they said, again almost simultaneously.
‘Anyway, how long do you think she’s going to keep dressing like that?’
‘I doubt she’ll stop anytime soon. Although, her crow’s feet are getting pretty serious.’
‘You should tell her then, Kaho.’
‘I’m not going to tell her that. Maybe she’ll realise if I make her a grandma – have a shotgun marriage or something.’
‘Wait a sec, Kaho – are you seeing someone? Since when?’
