青いキモノの女

The rain had been relentless that week, drumming a steady rhythm against the rooftops of Kyoto. The streets glistened like jewels, reflecting the muted hues of the city, but all Yuki could think about was her upcoming festival. It was the time of year when the streets filled with laughter, food stalls, and the brilliant display of traditional clothing. This year, however, Yuki had a plan: she would wear the blue kimono that had been in her family for generations.

The kimono was a deep indigo, patterned with delicate cherry blossoms that seemed to float upon the fabric as if caught in a gentle breeze. It had belonged to her grandmother, a woman of grace and strength who had weathered life’s storms with a smile. Yuki had always admired the way her grandmother wore it, never losing the aura of elegance, even in moments of turmoil. With each passing year, the kimono felt more like a piece of her heritage, a tangible connection to her family