SS 'Autumn Leaves Season' / Meddlesome Fable (Participation in Delusional Review Project => Response)

■ Mimuko-san Delusional Review #3

This is a work that depicts a wavering heart in love, and the scene where the autumn leaves dance in the wind is beautiful.
It expresses the saying 'a woman's heart is like the autumn sky' quite well.
It really captures that sentiment.

When writing the two kanji characters for 'kouyou' (autumn leaves), I sometimes find myself momentarily confused about whether to read them as 'kouyou' or 'momiji'. This is especially true during this time of year as we approach late autumn. In my case, another element of confusion was added about six months ago, leading to the present moment.

'I am Nomura Momiji,' she introduced herself.

That woman, Momiji Nomura, is 25 years old. She is my editor in charge, who started showing up at my house around the same time the cherry blossom front arrived. She is young enough to be my daughter, and...

'I've been a fan of your work since I was in high school, and I joined Shuto Publishing just to become your editor.'

...She is a person full of 'cunning' charm who says such cheesy lines with a straight face, but for me, having lost my wife just three months prior, I was grateful that she at least stirred up the gloomy, extinguished atmosphere of my home.

She seemed interested not only in literary magazines but also in fashion magazines, and she would sometimes flutter around me like a butterfly, dressed in feminine dresses on her slender frame.

'Sensei, what do you think? I bought this balloon-sleeve skipper because I thought it was kind of nice. Does it suit me?'

'How would I know?'

'I can take off this ribbon belt at the waist, but do you think it's better without it?'

'Well. I think that navy blue suits you, but I don't know about the ribbon or anything like that.'

'I want you to call it 'midnight blue', Sensei!'

'Is that so?'

I don't know to what extent the editorial department at Shuto Publishing intended this, but for me, who was losing the will to create, the presence of Momiji Nomura, who would innocently fawn over me like a puppy, was a salvation.

The news of her death arrived yesterday. The wife of Kaede Itaya, a younger writer from my hometown, was hit and killed by a truck that had run a red light and plowed into the intersection.

He is a junior ten years my junior who has looked up to me at every opportunity. I had met his wife several times, and I couldn't think of it as someone else's problem. Unable to wait for the wake, I visited Itaya's home accompanied by Momiji Nomura. I thought that her presence might provide some comfort to Itaya as well.

Late autumn. A weekday afternoon. The autumn sky after the typhoon had passed was ironically clear. Itaya's home is a detached house facing a natural park in the city, and the deeply colored autumn leaves in the park only served to accentuate the sadness.

I am sorry for the sudden intrusion. I doubt there is any situation where someone like me could be of help, but I came as soon as I could.

My name is Momiji Nomura from Aki-Fuyu Publishing. I thought there might be a need for a woman's touch, so I have come to assist.

Wearing a square-neck dress and a collarless jacket, with her hair tied back and a single pearl necklace, Momiji Nomura looked composed and elegant.

Itaya, who had come to greet us, nodded slightly a few times, but eventually spoke as if forcing the words out.

I am not in a state of mind to entertain guests right now. I will send notice of the wake soon. I appreciate your concern, but please leave for today.

He was wearing the same trousers and dress shirt he must have had on since yesterday. His face was sweaty, and his hair was disheveled. Perhaps it was better to leave him alone after all.

First, make sure you get some proper rest. Contact me if you need anything.

I bowed slowly and left the Itaya residence.

The road to the nearest bus stop was buried in countless fallen leaves brought down by the typhoon's rain and wind. Occasionally, a strong north wind would whip up the deeply colored leaves.

Teacher.

Momiji Nomura, who had been walking behind me with a thoughtful expression, spoke up.

I am going back to Mr. Itaya's place. He looked quite worn out, and I want to go and help him with something.

I was speechless. I could not bring myself to tell her not to go. It felt as if time had stopped, but in reality, it must have only been a few seconds.

I see. Please be a support to him.

I felt as if someone else's voice had spilled out from my own mouth.

Yes. Excuse me.

As Momiji Nomura turned back, a strong gust of wind blew through, and the autumn leaves in the park shook all at once with a roar. Countless red and yellow leaves danced in the wind, swirling against the canvas of the deep blue sky. Momiji Nomura, in her mourning clothes, ran through the center of that circle.

It is ending, I thought.

The season of autumn leaves is coming to an end.

<End>

Wow, this project really makes you use your brain, lol. I'm learning so much.