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The 2027 Beans Shop <Mid-Dream> Episode 17 (Final Episode) Opening

2024年7月22日 13:08

Spring was slow to arrive. It seemed the cherry blossoms were late all across Japan. Global warming affected everything, causing things to be early, late, intense, or stalled. No one could do anything about it.

I received calls from Mr. Tanigawa about twice a week. It seemed various problems were arising, including roasting, advertising, and other matters. Since this new job was becoming a reality, it was natural for me, but Mr. Tanigawa seemed to be having a hard time. I answered what I could regarding coffee and cafes, but there were things I couldn't answer.

In one phone call, Mr. Tanigawa's voice was bright. "I've decided on the opening date. It will be March 25th. I'll be sending out invitations, so please, do come."
I replied, "Thank you. I will be there." Three days later, an envelope arrived. The contents were as follows:

We are finally able to open. We would like to hold a modest opening party, and at the same time, we would like everyone to see the completed Bed & Breakfast <Wind Forest> and Cafe <Flower Tree>. The dates will be a 3-day, 2-night stay starting March 22nd. The party will be held on the night of March 22nd. If the weather is good on the 23rd, we would like to go cherry blossom viewing at the Osawa River. Please do come. Tanigawa

That was what it said. I replied by phone that I would attend. I also said, "Our shop won't be sending any flower arrangements or the like." Mr. Tanigawa replied, "That's fine." Furthermore, he said, "For those coming by means other than car on March 22nd, if you wait at the ticket gate of Rendaiji Station at 2:00, we will come to pick you up," so I replied, "Please do."

March 22nd was a clear, sunny spring day. I was waiting at the Rendaiji Station ticket gate at 2:00. Two other middle-aged couples were waiting in the same way.
I thought about greeting them, but decided against it. They might have been people staying at other inns. I shouldn't do anything unnecessary in this place.

At 2:15, Mr. Tanigawa arrived. He was in a white van. On the body of the car, "Bed & Breakfast <Wind Forest>" and "Cafe <Flower Tree>" were written in large letters. Mr. Tanigawa got out and greeted me.

I said, "That's amazing. You bought a car, too." He replied, "Yes. It's for picking up and dropping off customers. It's used." After that, he went to the two couples, greeted them, and then introduced them to me. "These are my parents and Keiko's parents." After exchanging brief greetings, we all got into the car.

The car drove toward Matsuzaki. Once the car crossed the mountain pass, it began to descend, and soon the Osawa River came into view. A woman in the car exclaimed, "The cherry blossoms are blooming."

The cherry blossoms on both banks of the river were already in 50% bloom. From now on, the number of tourists coming to see this will likely increase. After all, this is a famous spot for cherry blossoms. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it's one of the best in Japan.

The car arrived at <Wind Forest>. When we got out of the car, Keiko-san came out to welcome us. "Welcome," she said cheerfully. First, we were all guided to Cafe <Flower Tree>. "Please, sit wherever you like. I'll bring the coffee now," Keiko-san said.

Mr. Tanigawa went into the cafe kitchen to brew the coffee and ground the Mandheling. The water had already been boiled, so Mr. Tanigawa poured the hot water into the cups for everyone to warm them. Once the Mandheling was ground, Mr. Tanigawa began the flannel drip. Some people stood to watch. When the coffee was ready, Keiko-san divided the cake onto small cake plates for everyone.

Perhaps because I had come, today's coffee cups seemed to be Ginori. Ginori's <Fruit & Flower>, with cute fruits and flowers beautifully painted on a white background. It is a famous piece from Ginori. "This must have been expensive," I asked Mr. Tanigawa. "No, I collected them one by one as used items, so it wasn't that much," Mr. Tanigawa said. It might have been hard to find them. But I think he collected them because I said I liked Ginori.

The coffee was well-received. Some people even asked for seconds. The cake was small but delicious. "The party will start right after this, so we made the cakes small. If you get too full, the food won't taste as good," Keiko-san said.

After finishing the coffee and taking a breather, Mr. Tanigawa said, "I will now guide everyone to your rooms. All rooms except the ones being used today are open, so please feel free to look inside. I will guide you now. Also, the party starts at 5:00. Please gather here at 5:00."

I was guided to the second floor, as I was in a single room on the second floor today. I think he wanted me to see this room too. It seemed the two sets of parents were set to stay in the twin rooms in the storehouse. I entered the room and lay down on the bed. I suddenly became sleepy and fell asleep.

I was woken up at 4:30 PM. "The party starts at 5:00. Please get ready and come downstairs," Keiko-san said in front of the door on the second floor. I got up and took a hot shower, which woke me up. I changed clothes and went downstairs. Most of the people had already gathered.

Miyu-chan was there. Sawaki-san was there. Tanabe-san was there. They were all people who had lent their strength for this <Wind Forest> and <Flower Tree>. The parents were also gathered. It seemed I was the last one. The tables had been pushed together into one large table. The heights were different, so it was a bit strange, but no one cared about that.

Music played. It was Takao Kisugi's <Mid-Dream>. Everyone seemed surprised, but Mr. Tanigawa had played it for me. When it finished, Mr. Tanigawa gave a greeting. "When I was in Chiang Rai, Thailand, I was able to create the cafe and mini-hotel I had always wanted to build. This is also thanks to everyone gathered here today. Thank you very much." And so the party began.

For food, it seemed they had ordered a platter of sashimi from the Toyosaki Hotel. The sashimi platter served on a large plate was gorgeously arranged with spiny lobster, abalone, sea bream, grunt, horse mackerel, and spear squid.

There were also plenty of hors d'oeuvres like cheese and oil sardines. For those who didn't drink or were hungry, there were delicious-looking sandwiches. For drinks, one could choose from beer, cava, red wine, white wine, sake, etc. Everyone poured their favorite drink into their glass, stood up, and toasted. I chose cava as usual.

My seat was next to Tanabe-san on the right and Miyu-chan on the left. I thanked Tanabe-san. "Thank you very much. Because of this building, it took shape." Tanabe-san said, "Honestly, I didn't think you would use it so wonderfully. I'm glad I rented it out. It's a good thing for young people to start a new job. I'm the one who should be thanking you."

Miyu-chan listened to that and said, "But that Cassigneul is wonderful. I love Cassigneul too." As I thought, my guess was right. I thought Miyu-chan would be happy.

I said, "I really owe you a lot too, Miyu-chan. If I hadn't met you back then, I wouldn't have met Tanabe-san, and I might still be wandering around looking for a place for this matter. Please continue to take care of Mr. Tanigawa in the future."

Everyone ate well, drank well, and talked well. In no time, two hours had passed. Tanabe-san said, "I'll be leaving soon. Please call a taxi for the way home." Since everyone was drinking alcohol today, no one could drive.
When Mr. Tanigawa called a taxi, it arrived immediately. Mr. Tanigawa and I went out to see them off, but Miyu-chan and Sawaki-san also came out to see them off.

Before getting into the taxi, Tanabe-san said to Mr. Tanigawa, "If you have any trouble, come and consult me about anything. I might be able to be of some help."

Then the taxi started to drive away. Miyu-chan and Sawaki-san also returned to the cafe. Only Mr. Tanigawa and I were left in the garden.

Mr. Tanigawa suddenly said, "Thank you very much. I don't think I could have done anything on my own. It's thanks to you, Yamashita-san."

I also said, "No, it was very interesting for me too. I've run countless cafes and bean shops, but this was my first mini-hotel. But I had always wanted to try it someday. Since I was able to help with that, I'm the one who should be thanking you, Mr. Tanigawa. Let's do something together again. There are still many things I want to do and things I can do," I said, and we returned to the cafe.

Episode 17 (Final Episode) End.

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