The Whereabouts of the Lemon Scent [Short Story] #ShirokumaLiteratureClub

The acidity drifting from the lemon tickled my nose. Is it because of my current state of mind that I sense the sharp, aloof lemon more than the noble, high-toned fragrance of the Earl Grey? I bring the cup to my lips and slowly pour it down my throat. I felt the sharp sting of the lemon, but it had no taste at all.

Earl Grey, it seems, is black tea scented with a citrus fruit called bergamot. I heard that from her, a tea lover. I cannot forget the shy expression she wore when she told me that the flower language of bergamot is 'fiery love'.

When I received a message from her saying, "I have something to talk about," I understood everything. So, this moment has finally come. Even though I had known for a long time, I had been turning a blind eye and letting it slide.

Five years of time does not let you reach a conclusion easily. Even though our hearts have completely drifted apart, the accumulated memories have become chains of affection that bind us together. Unable to move forward or go back, we have been left behind by the flow of time all this while.

No, perhaps it was only me who was left behind, and she was different. That must be why she is trying to put an end to this relationship now.

When I looked at the entrance of the shop, she was just walking in. She had a very nervous look on her face. When I raised my hand to signal her, she headed straight toward me.

“Sorry I’m late.”
Even though she should have arrived exactly on time, she apologized.
“No, it’s fine. I haven’t been waiting that long.”
I replied while taking a sip of the cold Earl Grey.

After that, no words followed. A silence that felt like an eternity continued for a while, and finally, she opened her mouth.

“You know...”

As if to interrupt her words, I continued.

“Let’s end this, shall we?”

She had thin tears in her eyes and was staring straight at me. Her expression, which seemed to be a mixture of slight surprise, sadness, anxiety, and relief, looked a little bit like that shy smile from back then.

Unable to find the right words, she indicated her agreement by nodding. Watching her, I finished the tea. Not only the Earl Grey, but I couldn't even smell the lemon anymore.

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▼I wrote this based on the theme "From Lemon," a fun project by the Shirokuma Literature Club.