Thoughts on the Chaotic Cherry Blossoms | Essay

April 1, 2020.
The twins, who would soon turn one, were dressed in matching outfits and sat side-by-side in their stroller.

"We'll take them from here."

That day, the two of them, knowing nothing, made their nursery school debut.
Without understanding why, they were left behind by their mom and dad.
Their overlapping cries followed my husband and me.
However, because we had absolute trust in the nursery school that our eldest daughter also attended, we were able to smile a little and part ways with them.

We thought we could do it.

The time was 2020.
The fury of COVID-19 was gaining momentum, and masks, disinfectant, toilet paper—everything—was disappearing from the world.

When the twins' nursery school adjustment period had passed three days.

"We apologize, but due to city policy, the nursery school will be closed."

It became impossible to attend nursery school.
A few days later, I was scheduled to return to work.

The most anxious spring of my life was about to begin.

The voices of children echoed throughout our home all day long.
With my older daughters making a huge fuss about being bored, and the twins crying and sobbing if I didn't pay attention to them, I returned to my job at a vocational school while carrying those voices all over my body. During class hours, I would switch off with my husband, and there were even days when I would lecture while carrying the twins on my back during online classes.

I think we did our best.
My husband, the children, and I.
We quietly endured these days.

That is why, on our days off,
going for a walk by the nearby river was our family's joy.

Rice balls with furikake and broccoli.
Sausages and rolled omelets.
We hung those on the stroller and walked along the river.

I could see others spending their time in the same way in the distance. We spread out our lunch while maintaining a silent distance from one another.
Only the large carp swimming in the river kept up a 'three Cs' state, overlapping and continuing to appeal to us about something.

Before I even noticed the commotion in the world, the cherry blossoms I looked up at had long since passed their peak. Petals floating on the river drifted silently past me. Watching them, I quietly nibbled on a rice ball.

"Mom! Take a picture!"

I suddenly looked toward the voice.
My eldest daughter had climbed the embankment and was sitting at the base of a cherry tree.

—I see.

Whether the cherry blossoms are past their peak or not, it makes no difference to these girls.
For them, spring has arrived again this year, just as it always does.

—The broccoli in the bento box. Maybe I'll grill it next time.
And I should definitely buy the smoked sausages again.

Thinking about the next plans for this spring.
We will slowly make our way through this chaotic season.

"Okay. Say cheese."

(999 characters)

I have participated in Rinka Sanjo's essay project once again.
Sorry for being last minute (I'm a repeat offender).

Work has been a bit busy, so I was wondering if I could manage it, but...
before I knew it, I was writing.
I just love the sense of what Rinka weaves too much... That's why I couldn't help myself...

That spring back then.
It was painful, but my family was always, always by my side.
It is an unforgettable memory of spring.

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・Shiimo Takatsuka
Mother of 5. While working as a vocational school teacher, I am writing on note mainly about stories of my 5 children and husband. I love alcohol and my family.