kaze wo atsumete

April 2041 - Cynthia and Robert Kim are 44, Justin is 17, Julie is 7 (Aimee Wheeler is 17).

For spring break the Kim family takes a trip to their vacation home in Takemizu Village. They haven't been there since before Julie was born, and Robert and Cynthia want to have a family vacation there before Justin leaves for college.

Cynthia teaches Julie how to bow like a native.

"Like this Mommy?"

"Almost baby. You don't need to lower your head quite so much."

The vacation home is still pretty sparsely furnished, although they have a few nice pieces like the table and chairs. Neither Robert or Cynthia are very good cooks, so if they don't go out or have food delivered, they end up eating sandwiches or frozen dinners.

Julie's bedroom is on the second floor across the hall from her parents' room. It has a beautiful view of the surrounding forest and pagodas.

Justin sleeps in a small room on the first floor that has its own entrance on the side of the house.

The first few days of the trip are rainy, so the family ends up staying at the house.

"We'll go out when the weather clears up," Justin tells his sister. "The town is really cool."

After two days of rain, Julie is pretty bored.

Robert and Cynthia don't mind it. They spend long lazy mornings cuddled in bed listening to the peaceful sound of rain on the roof.

Robert also goes fishing in the small pond. He's heard that fish bite more frequently during the rain, but he doesn't have much luck.

Eventually the rain stops, and the Kims go out to explore Takemizu Village. Julie eats chirashi for the first time.

*****

"So how was your trip?" Aimee asks.

"It was great. It rained a lot, but we still got to see some cool temples and pagodas."

"It sounds amazing. I'd love to go to Japan someday."

"It's pretty cool. But it's good to be home."

"I'm glad you came over, because I wanted to ask you something. We have prom coming up, and I was wondering if you'd like to go with me."

"I'd love to, Justin. Thanks for asking me."