Until Then, Japan (English)

Chapter Thirteen

Ysabelle

First week of January came...

And so does the second month of winter season.

Temperature has indeed dropped significantly as classes resume here in Tokyo University. The field was carefully mowed as snow gradually took a break in the day and students ambled their way through the corridors and into their classrooms.

A cold gush of wind blew to my face and I have to hold my breath to control the goosebumps I have began feeling. I will never get used to this weather!

Yes, we don't have uniforms here but my three-layered clothing and winter jacket won't provide sufficient warmth to me. It will be a relief to get to the classroom with full-blast heaters on.

As soon as the first bell rang, I was relieved to see that the heaters are working. How did I know? Our classmates were all glued to it and the instructors have to remind us to stay put to begin their classes.

Lectures passed by in a blur and soon, me and Hanami were on our way to the cafeteria. I was talking with her as we crossed the corridors to the stairs when someone bumped into me from that direction.

Me and the lady both fell to the ground and I could only grunt in reply.

"Nante kotoda! Izaberu!" Hanami exclaimed and helped me up. I pulled my body to stand and went to look at the lady who seemed to be in bad shape.

(Translation: Oh my gosh! Ysabelle!)

"Nē, misu. Daijōbudesuka?" I asked and went towards her. Her blonde hair was covering her face as she was touching her right arm which was on the ground.

(Translation: Hey, Miss. Are you okay?)

"Hayaku, hanami. Kanojo o tasukemashou! Dareka ni kankoshi o yonde moraimashou!"

I said in a firm voice. I was skeptical whether to move her or not because it might give her more injury than helping her.

(Translation: Quick, Hanami. Let's help her up! Have someone call the nurse!)

In a span of fifteen to twenty minutes, the lady was sent to the clinic at the first floor of our building. Thankfully, the other nurse was doing her rounds that time and was quick to page for help and send the injured to their clinic.

I didn't even think twice so I accompanied her with worry written on my face. I heard Hanami complaining beside me that she is starving and I assured her that we will proceed to the canteen as soon as I know that the lady is fine and well attended to.

"Dō shita nda, josei?" Nurse Ichiara asked us as she gently checked the lady's arm.

(Translation: What happened, ladies?)

"Kaidan no sugu chikaku no rōka de gūzen butsukarimashita." I said and sighed.

(Translation: We accidentally bumped into each other at the hallway just near the stairs.)

"Honkidesu ka?" Nurse Ichiara asked and looked at me.

(Translation: Are you sure?)

"Oi! Nani o iou to shite iru nodesu ka?" Hanami suddenly butted in, her hands on her waist.

(Translation: Hey! What are you trying to say?)

"Kanojo no kizu ya dabokushō wa watashiniha gūzen no yō ni wa miemasen." Nurse Ichiara commented and pointed at the long scratched on the lady's arm.

And the lady kept mum about it.

(Translation: Her wounds and bruises don't look like accident to me.)

The lady's eyes suddenly flew open and met our gazes as she was laid down on the bed.

"It- it was an accident! Sore wa karera no seide wa arimasendeshita! Watashi wa ie no kaidan ni ochita." The lady stuttered as she explained about her bruises.

(Translation: It was not their fault! I fell on the stairs at home.)

" Jikai wa, ashimoto ni chūi shite kudasai. Me o tsukatte kudasai." Nurse Ichiara said and the lady sighed. "Anata no namae wa nanidesu ka?"

(Translation: Next time, watch your steps. Use your eyes. What's your name?)

"Vanna. Vanna Walters." The lady said and Nurse Ichiara jot it down on her logbook. She turned to face me and flashed me a smile. "Hayaku watashi o tasukete kurete, watashi ga daijōbudearu koto o kakunin shite kurete arigatō."

(Translation: Thank you for helping me earlier and making sure that I am okay.)

"Daijōbuda yo. Watashi wa mite imasendeshita. Watashi mo warukatta." I shook my head and smiled apologetically at her.

(Translation: It's fine. I wasn't looking. I'm sorry, too.)

"Let me treat you once I'm outta here. Or when we bumped into each other again." Vanna said and I know she wouldn't take no for an answer so I let her be and nodded. Her smile widened and she added, "I know your friend is starving. Go on. I'm fine here."

"Ve-ry." Hanami said, emphasizing the syllables that I have to nudge her sides.

"Oh okay. I'll see you around. Get well soon, Vanna." I said and we are about to head out of the clinic when she called out.

"Wait! Your name, please?" Vanna asked.

"Ysabelle. Call me, Ysa." I called out.

"Alright! See you around, Ysa! Saido, kansha shimasu!" Vanna yelled and I chuckled as we close the door behind us.

(Translation: Thanks again!)

"Tsuini! Tabemono, koko ni kimashita!" Hanami exhaled and ran to the counter to order with me following her.

(Translation: Finally! Food, here we come!)

This is gonna be a long day!