Wishing in the Water

“See? Doesn’t it taste better when sitting outside?” Kaya asked. Naoko bit into his cheese.

“Yeah,” he said. The guide bit into her sandwich.

“Mmm!” she said. “So good! It’s like the spices are having a party my mouth.” Kaya giggled as she took another bite.

“Kaya,” Naoko spoke up.

“Hm?” she asked.

“Why do you want to go to the Fountain of Love so badly?” he asked. Kaya lowered her sandwich.

“There is someone I am hoping to meet again,” she said.

“Who?” the mouse boy asked.

“My boyfriend.”

“What’s his name?”

“Ryan. We came to this Heaven about three years ago. We got separated and I ended up further into the circles than he did.”

“Why is that?”

Kaya sighed. “In life, we got into a fight on the night of a big party. We stormed off in different directions. He went one way and I the other. As I walked away, I began to regret what I said. The more I walked, the more I missed him. So, I turned around to try and apologize.” She broke down trembling.

“The roads were icy that night,” Kaya pushed herself to say. “I think it was about two or three in the morning, really dark. The stop sign along the road had been knocked down. A truck driver lost control of his wheel and started speeding towards me. Ryan called my name and tried to save me, but the truck got us both instead.” Her eyes welled up with tears.

“I didn’t even get to say I was sorry,” she said. “I keep wishing that I can see Ryan again just to do that.” Naoko put down his cheese and gave his guide a big hug.

“It’s okay,” he said. “We’ll get to the fountain.” Kaya looked at him with wide eyes.

“Do you mean it?” she asked.

“Yes,” the mouse boy said.

“Thank you, Naoko,” the guide said. “You are so sweet.”

“You’re welcome, I guess,” he said. Kaya slipped out his grasp and picked up her sandwich.

“But let’s finish our lunch first,” she said. “The fried chicken sandwich doesn’t taste good cold.”

“Alright,” Naoko said. Both with of them resumed those lunches.

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Around three o’clock, Kaya led Naoko Fountain of Love to the center of the city. The white chocolate structure flooded out thick caramel chocolate. Little silver and gold coins were at the both of the chocolate. The sun overhead made it look that much more appealing.

“Hang on,” she said. The guide reached into her dark blue jean porch and pulled out two golden coins. She handed Naoko one.

“On the count of three, okay?” Kaya asked.

“Alright,” the mouse boy said. They both made wishes on their coins.

“Ready?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. They turned to that fountain made of chocolate.

“On three,” Kaya said. “One… Two… Three!” The two coins flew straight into the chocolate, sinking down with the rest of the little golden and silver coins. Naoko turned to his guide.

“What do we do now?” he asked. Kaya held out her arms and twirled about.

“I will now take you the monorail,” she said. “You get to see more of the city and get to your destination at the same time.” The guide grabbed Naoko by wrist.

“We better go now,” she said. “If we hurry, we can catch the best seat in the monorail.” The mouse boy smiled and shrugged.

“Alright,” he said. “Take me there. Can you please not run so fast? It hurts when you pull my arm.”

“Fair enough,” Kaya said. They began their walk down to the monorail station.

“Is it made of sweet too?” Naoko asked.

“Of course,” the guide said. “The city looks even better from above!”

“Really?” he asked.

“Uh-huh!” Kaya said. “Let’s hurry. I want to show you my favorite seat!” They picked up the pace down the chocolate road.