-pg93-

Tale #30

Cafe Alpha

-pg94-

Narration

This road seems to have been made for a summer home that no longer exists.

-pg95-

Narration

What was once asphalt pavement is now crumbling; each time I pass this way
I can see that it has not been repaired.

-pg96-

Narration

Never falter, for ahead lies a coffee shop.
Cafe Alpha
Like an old US army residence, the house is painted white; it's been
remodeled into a shop.

-pg97-

Narration

The field is overflowing with energetic, strong susuki grass.

-pg98-

Alpha

Oh! Welcome!

Us

It's been a while.

-pg99-

Alpha

My, my...
Long time no see!
Please sit.

Us

Yeah...I've just been letting the wind guide my footsteps.

Alpha

Free as ever, hunh? I bet this seems like home, though, right?

-pg100-

Alpha

Let's see...it was cafe au lait, right?

Us

Right, with milk.
Cafe au lait...
Won't you have some too?

Alpha

Me?
Oh, no, I can't, no way...

-pg101-

Alpha

Eh heh heh
Mind if I sit with you?

Us

Eh? Oh, go ahead!

Alpha

(5...6...)

Narration

While I'm there, Alpha-san always looks shy.
And her face is red.

-pg102-

Narration

Gradually, the shadows deepen.
No other customers seem to be coming, as Alpha-san talks with me happily.

-pg103-

Narration

Lost in thought.

Alpha

.......
Sunlight too bright?

Us

Ah? No, it's fine.

-pg104-

Narration

Alpha-san is probably not thinking of anything in particular.
But the people who have met her certainly notice this.
Her customers...I think they most likely come here because they want to see
her.

-pg105-

Alpha

Would you like another cup?

Us

Yes, very much.

Narration

Today, I saw no other customers besides myself.

-pg106-

Us

Thanks a lot.

Alpha

Oh, you're leaving?
Well, please come again!

Us

Sure.

-pg107-

Narration

Her shop's in a very inconvenient, far-away place.
But...despite it all...I'll probably come again.

-pg108-

Narration

And maybe next time I'll have become a regular customer.

Tale #30: Closing