Busy City of Love

Around 6:00 a.m., the pilot came on over the intercom.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “We are about to land soon. Please buckle up and throw away your trash. Thank you for flying with us. Have a great time in the City of Love.” The passengers started buckling up.

“Well, I guess this is it for us,” Billie said. “It was nice talking to you.”

“Yeah,” Naoko said.

“Good luck with finding your Midori,” she said.

“Same with your husband,” he said back.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Attention passengers!” a flight attendant said. “The plane will be landing shortly. Thank you for flying with us.” Billie turned to the mouse boy.

“Naoko,” she spoke up.

“Yes?” he asked. The passenger looked around for a minute.

“Uh...” she said. “Could we hold hands until we land? You know, for good luck?” The mouse boy's face turned bright red.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“It would make me feel better,” Billie said in a small voice. Naoko kind of looked away.

“S-Sure,” he said. His fellow passenger bowed her head.

“Thank you,” she said. Billie grabbed onto his hand. Naoko blushed as he grabbed hers back.

--------

The plane landed on what would be ten in the morning. Billie and Naoko parted ways on the ground.

“Goodbye and good luck,” Billie said.

“Thank you,” the mouse boy said. He didn't leave until another guide came and took her to where she needed to be. Naoko began walking around, getting a good look at his new surroundings. He had gotten used to seeing everything pink. The buildings on either side of him were made of white marble and gold. His feet seemed to sink into the ground as he walked. Naoko came up to a sign made of white chocolate.

“I am here,” he said as he pointed to the dot at the bottom. “Where should I go next?” It felt looking at a map of the mall. The mouse boy couldn't remember seeing so many shops and stalls in his life. He didn't feel hungry yet. Maybe, he could get his Midori-chan a present while he was here. The mouse boy dug back into his memories with what she would like.

“I really love all things Asian,” Midori told him days before her birthday one year. “Jade is my favorite.” Naoko broke into a little smile.

“That will be perfect,” he told himself. The mouse boy dove back into the map in front of him for another look. One little shop caught his eye. Naoko tilted his head.

“The Jade Palace shop?” he asked. The mouse boy turned when he heard a horse galloping behind him. A black and gold carriage rode closer. The driver pulled on the shimmering reigns.

“Whoa, girl! Whoa!” she shouted as the horse pulled to a stop. The driver tilted her black and red top hat.

“Good morning, kind sir,” she said. Naoko gave her an awkward wave.

“Hello...” he mumbled.

“Need to go anywhere?” the driver asked. The mouse boy took a minute to think.

“Uh... do you know where the Jade Palace Shop is?” he asked. The driver's greenish-brown eyes twinkled.

“I sure do,” she said. “Hop on! I can get you there in minutes!” Naoko blinked at first.

“I don't have any money,” he said.

“That's fine,” the driver said. “Just hop on. You came all of this way.” Naoko shrugged to himself. She had a point. The mouse boy walked up to the carriage and climbed in. He closed the door behind him. The driver pulled up her reigns.

“Ya!” she shouted. The horse resumed walking. As they rode away, Naoko got a better look at the city around him. He couldn't help but wonder where Midori was in this place and how long he had been traveling. How long would it take before they were reunited? Still, each circle looked more interesting than the last. Where was he going to end up now?