Riding Up to the Pink

Around three o'clock, Kaya and Naoko made it to the monorail station. The guide marched up to the ticket counter.

“Two, please,” she said. The man inside typed up the data on his computer and handed her a kiss card.

“Six kisses, please,” he said. Kaya leaned down and kissed the card six times. She handed it back to the clerk. He printed up two pink and gold tickets.

“Have a good day,” he said. Kaya and Naoko bowed before walking over to the waiting monorail cars. The guide danced over to the double doors.

“This one is the best car,” she said. A service man walked over and unlocked the doors. All three bowed before he opened them for the passengers. Kaya went in first, followed by Naoko. Once the door was closed, the car started moving. The guide looked out the window like an excited little child.

“I never get tired of this,” she said.

“I can see that,” Naoko said. Kaya turned to her companion.

“Do you know where to go after this?” she asked. The mouse boy nodded once.

“This monorail is the fastest way to the Emerald Lounge,” the guide said. “You’ll get the entry to your destination in about an hour or so. It would’ve taken about two days on foot. I like riding the monorail better. Plus, you get to see more of Sweet City in the shortest amount of time.” She pointed outside.

“Look around below,” Kaya said. Naoko looked out his side of the window. The city looked even more like a child’s candy project below. The clouds screamed at the mouse boy to come and eat them.

“You sure you can’t eat the buildings?” he asked.

“I am positive,” she said. “Think of all of the hard work that went into making such a beautiful city like that.

“I guess, you’re right,” Naoko said. “But haven’t you ever wanted to take a taste for yourself?”

“Yeah,” Kaya said, nodding. “From time to time.”

“See?”

“But I don’t do it! I know better!”

“Right…” They both tried not to laugh as they slow rode through the air. Kaya sat back and broke into a smile.

“You were quite pleasant to guide around,” she said.

“Thanks, I guess…” Naoko said.

“This Midori-chan must have been one lucky girl to have.”

“No, it was more of I was lucky to have her. Anyway, I do hope you and Ryan are reunited soon.”

Kaya looked down into her lap with pink cheeks. “Thanks. And I hope that you do find Midori-chan wherever you’re going.”

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you.” She turned and looked out the window with the mouse boy again.

Within an hour, the monorail stopped a bright green platform. A service man unlocked the door.

“How many are getting off?” he asked.

“Just one,” Kaya answered. “I’m riding back down by myself.” She moved aside to let Naoko out. The service man had to help him out.

“Thank you,” the mouse boy said.

“Naoko!” Kaya called once he stepped onto the platform.

“Hm?” he asked. The guide poked her head out of the car.

“Your next guide will be waiting for you inside,” she said. “And good luck on the rest of your journey!”

“I hope you find Ryan someday,” Naoko said back. Kaya nodded as the service man closed and locked her door. The mouse boy waved as the car rode back down to Sweet City.

“Shall I show you inside?” the service man asked once it was out of view.

“Yes, please,” Naoko said.

“Right this way,” the man in the white suit said. The men bowed and headed into the bright green and shiny building.

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Back in Sweet City, the monorail safely landed on the ground. Kaya smiled to herself. That was a fun ride, she thought. The guide sighed as she prepared herself for the next dead lover to lead through Sweet City. The service man unlocked the door with a smile on his face. Kaya gave him a puzzled look. What could he be smiling about so much?

When Kaya stepped out of the monorail car, her jaw dropped. A man with short blonde hair dressed in jeans and a dark blue t-shirt stood inches away.

“Ryan?” she asked. The man held out his arms.

“I’m here,” he said. Kaya covered her agape mouth as tears of joy formed in her eyes.

“It’s you! You finally made it!” she said. The guide ran over and hugged her boyfriend at long last.