I tried my own version of 'The Pillow Book'

For the past few days, several note articles titled 'My Own Pillow Book' have been appearing on my home feed, and they caught my eye. When I read them, they were all so interesting. The first one I read was by Mikeda-san.

Spring is 8:00 AM. Time unfolds. When I take off my heavy coat and step outside lightly, the faces of the people passing by seem a little brighter, which makes me happy. I silently cheer on the new faces joining the usual crowded train. Looking at my own toes while holding onto the strap, I think about the year I've added to my life. My lunch plans are already set. I'm surprised at myself for having already mapped out what I'm going to do today. I feel nostalgic for the version of me who used to wonder what to do. I brought a bento today, but maybe it would be nice to explore a new restaurant. Let's invite someone and go out into the city. I see my reflection in the window with a soft look on my face and can't help but smile.

Summer is midnight. The night is fragrant. The heat that feels like it might melt you softens, and it's a time to catch your breath. It's fun to go for a late-night walk to the convenience store to buy ice cream. It's also fun to see that the laundry I hurriedly washed and hung out in the evening is completely dry, to press my hands together to the moon in gratitude, and then laugh at myself thinking, 'Wait, that's not right.' The cicadas that were chirping so loudly during the day are quiet. They're so well-behaved, it's impressive. It's also fun to think that I should go to sleep soon. But I want one more sip of coolness, so I want to forgive myself for cracking open a canned beer at this hour. Since the air conditioner is on all day for my pet, the only time it gets ventilated is when I go in and out of the balcony. Sleeping all fluffy in a cool room is just as happy as 'kotatsu and mandarin oranges'.

Autumn is 2:00 PM. Time ripens. In the dry, rustling wind, I feel that it's time for a break. The displays in town are all Halloween, and fast-food chains have their moon-viewing menus. I remember saying, 'In the reporter's handbook, it's spelled Halloween, not Hallowe'en,' and being laughed at for being uncool. It's interesting because, thanks to the moon-viewing menus, I feel like I'm training myself to see the moon even in the fried eggs I have for breakfast. Even when the sun is at its highest point, I feel a bit low on energy. I'm tired, too. The sun must be tired as well. Let's rest soon.

Winter is 5:00 PM. The wind is sharp. I feel the flow of preparing to end the day. Even though the hands of the clock are always moving in the same way. I like the gesture of pulling my collar up against the cold wind. Ah, my glasses are fogging up because of my mask. I take off my glasses and mask, and let out a soft sigh. Relieved that I didn't choke, I take a deep breath. It feels good to fill my chest with the chilly air. Where does this time go? It's frustrating to feel anxious even though I know spring will come. But I also know that the nights that seem to last forever are actually quite kind. That's why I think, let's go home soon.

<Afterword>
Oh, that was so much fun! This project made me as excited as when I saw a sign at the supermarket saying 'Spring is deep-fried food.' No, rather than a project, it's a game that was born spontaneously, and it's so wonderful that so many people are enjoying writing it; I just love things like this! I'd love to have the children in the writing class I teach write their own, too. Everyone, try writing one!

Thank you, Mikeda-san!