女性は青いキモノを着ている。

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets of Kyoto. The air was thick with the scents of cherry blossoms and freshly prepared street food, a delightful mix that brought a sense of nostalgia to Mei, a twenty-something woman who had just returned to her hometown after years away. The streets were alive with tourists and locals alike, but it was the sight of the old wooden teahouses and the sound of laughter from nearby cafés that tugged at her heartstrings.

Mei had come back to attend her grandmother’s memorial, a bittersweet occasion that pulled her from the fast-paced city life she had built in Tokyo. Her grandmother had been a strong influence in her life, teaching her the importance of tradition while encouraging her to chase her dreams. As she walked through the familiar streets, memories flooded back—of summers spent in her grandmother’s garden, learning the art of flower arranging, and the stories told over cups of sweet matcha.

Among the swirling crowd