[Short] Cold Tea

-- short story --

Pour hot water into the cup.
Swirl it slightly, then discard it.
Put tea leaves into the warmed cup.
It smells good.
I just watch the color as it gradually deepens.

It is raining outside.
The sound of rain hitting the leaves overlaps with the sound of it falling.
Even though it should be quiet, something is always ringing.
Only the tea silently changes its color.
I leave it as it is.
It gets a little stronger.
It turns cloudy.
I leave it a little longer.
I touch the rim.
It is still hot.
I heard the sound of wings.
It is rare to see birds on a rainy day.
I had thought they were hiding under the leaves.

I open the window.

The sound increases.

The small, wet shadow does not move.

"...Is that all right?"

There is no reply.
I just stare.

After a while, the bird disappeared beyond the rain.

I close the window.
The cold tea is on the table.

I drank it all.