An Invitation to the Passenger Seat Instead of an IOU

At 29, I knocked on the doors of a driving school for the first time.

After moving from the city to the countryside, I found life without a car to be incredibly inconvenient.

"I have to get my license..."

My anxiety grew, but the reality was harsh. The cost was about 300,000 yen.

I didn't have enough savings to pay for it right away. It's a pathetic story for a 29-year-old, but I swallowed my pride and bowed my head to my grandmother.

"Please lend me the money."

She nodded without a single look of displeasure. But I couldn't just keep relying on her. This was, after all, a "debt." I wrote up an IOU, outlining a repayment plan and setting a deadline.

My days at the driving school were a series of hardships. What I remember most is the graduation test for the learner's permit. I cleared the S-curve and the crank with no trouble. All that was left was to drive around the perimeter and reach the finish line.

"I've got this."

The moment that thought crossed my mind, my tension eased.

Thud.

With a dull impact, the car tilted. As I made a left turn, the rear wheel had climbed onto the curb.

"Alright, please return to the starting point."

The examiner's business-like voice echoed. The test was terminated due to driving off the road; an instant failure. To stumble on such a basic mistake.

Biting my lip, I paid the 16,500 yen additional fee and challenged the re-test.

Two weeks later. Under a clear autumn sky, I finally graduated from the driving school.

"I've successfully completed the driving school course."

When I reported this, my grandmother was as happy for me on the other end of the phone as if it were her own achievement. Just hearing her voice made me feel a little rewarded.

I'll work hard and pay the money back as promised. Just as I renewed that resolution.

A letter arrived from my grandmother. When I opened the envelope, it was written in elegant handwriting.

“Thank you for your report the other day. You did a great job.”

The words of appreciation mixed with katakana made me smile involuntarily. ...But as I read on, I was lost for words.

“As a gift for my 65th wedding anniversary, I would like to cover the costs for you to get your driver's license.”

For a moment, I didn't understand what it meant. Even though I had even given her a formal promissory note.

“This is the fifth time we have upheld our belief in supporting young people.”

My heart warmed. She wanted to support the future of a "young person." My grandmother's way of life was written there.

It was a #UnforgettableGift that was far heavier and warmer than the sum of 300,000 yen.

The promissory note was thus rendered void. However, the letter had more to it. There was only one condition presented in lieu of repayment.

“Once you gain confidence, take me out for a drive.”

It wasn't about money, but sharing time and experiences. To ride in a car I drive and watch the passing scenery together. That was the "payment" my grandmother desired.

I stare at the driver's license in my hand. It is not just a qualification, but a cheer from my grandmother herself.

The country roads are turning colors as autumn deepens. I start the engine. The vibration travels through my body.

I will drive safely. So that I never hit a curb again. Braking gently, accelerating smoothly.

So that she in the passenger seat will smile and say, "What a lovely view."

I intend to spend my whole life fulfilling this mission I received in place of a promissory note.

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#AnUnforgettableGift

I never imagined that such a wonderful project would be born from the community I run, "I'd Give Anything for a Helping Hand." Kotara-san, Bunseki-mama-san, thank you so much for all your hard work! I remember that from the moment I was consulted about the project, I was convinced that whatever form it took, it would surely be something great because it was being run by these two.

Well, even though I'm the community owner, I'm a delinquent who is way past the deadline!!! I'm so sorry!!!

You can see other works in this magazine, so please check it out below.

At this time,

・Those who participated in the project
・Those who read the works and left warm comments

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone. (Who do I think I am, anyway?)