Leaving my second home, and the second chapter begins. / 第二の実家を出て、第二章が始まる

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(English)

I Got On the Train as Usual

I got on the train as usual.
As usual, I would be shaken by the train for an hour from here.
Usually, during this time, I complete tasks that I have to do in order.

But today is different.
Today, I got on the train and just stared out of the window, absentmindedly.
I wanted to gaze outside.
This familiar view, which I’ve seen every day, will temporarily come to an end today.
Maybe it’s because I accidentally got on the local train, or maybe it’s because of today,
but it felt quieter and slower than usual.

For the past 8 years, I’ve been living with someone.
During grad school, I lived with my boyfriend at the time.
When I started working full-time, we broke up and I moved into a share house to fill the loneliness.
And when I quit my job to focus on music, I moved into my current place.
At every significant moment in my life, I’ve shared my living space with someone.

I lived in a house with my three family members in a detached home a little away from the city.
And recently, I left that house.
The residents of that house were Yocchan, Miichan, and Yucchan (4 years old).
I became a part of their family.

This house was always lively.
I’d wake up at around 7 AM to Yucchan’s overly energetic voice (almost like a morning battle).
I’d think, “Oh, they’re at it again,” while snuggling under my blanket.
Then, Yocchan would start talking to himself in an online meeting or podcast.
I’d think, “Oh, he’s at it again,” while snuggling back under my blanket.
After about 8 AM, when the chaotic morning routine passed, I’d lazily get up and wash my face.
Then, I’d make coffee while having light chats with Miichan, who was doing the morning housework.
By the time Yocchan came back from taking Yucchan to preschool, he would greet me loudly:
“Good morning, Pinchan!”
That was our daily routine.

That kind of morning won’t come again.

It’s definitely lonely.

I met Yocchan three years ago (I think).
We met as classmates in a music marketing course.
At that time, I was still working as a teacher.
Yocchan was already working as a very successful marketer.
After the final presentation, we had a chance to talk during the networking event.
Just from a brief conversation, I could tell that Yocchan was someone who sincerely faced the challenges of the person in front of him.