[Wind-Blown Literature Club] Candle [600-character novel]

A whole cardboard box of candles arrived.
I was the one who ordered them, and I ordered them because I needed them.
Even so, the thud with which it was placed down sounded quite heavy.
Since there are 500 candles in one box, it is quite substantial.
As I stared blankly at the cardboard box left at the entrance of the temple living quarters, thinking it was so heavy it might make my knees give out, a voice spoke up.
"Shall I carry it for you?"
The young delivery worker who had just placed the box down said.
"Huh?"
"No, um, well. That, Osho-san? It looked like it might be too heavy for you."
The sound of "Osho-san" (Reverend) wavered with uncertainty.
Perhaps he was unsure what to call me.
Maybe not just me personally, but monks in general.
Still, when I thought about how he had carefully chosen how to address me, I found it somewhat endearing and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Oh, um, what should I call you..."
"Ah! 'Osho' isn't wrong, though. You are correct. It's just, well."
It is also a title used for those in relatively high positions.
Being addressed that way as a still-young monk makes me feel a bit intimidated. Well, since I am the only one at this temple, I don't mind being called that.
"That's right, well then, just use this."
I said that and pointed to the cardboard box. To be precise, to the surname on the shipping label.
"Um, Izumida-san."
It felt ticklish to have him stare intently at me while saying my name.

#WindBlownLiteratureClub

Just sliding this in at the last minute!!!!!!!!

*The header image was borrowed from Everyone's Photo Gallery.