I seemed to wait forever to see him, and then our time together would be over in an instant. I was always afraid to let go of his hand because I never knew when I'd get to hold it again.
There were some happy times. I loved hearing him say my name and having him hold me in his arms. The city always seemed dull and gray when I walked alone, but when I was with him, my senses were heightened.
In spring, I would notice the cherry blossom petals floating everywhere on the soft breeze. In summer I'd hear the tinkling of wind chimes and be reminded of the times I used to sit with Mom or Dad on the porch enjoying the cool evening breeze. In fall, we'd be enveloped by the heavy scent of the golden osmanthus blossoms. In winter, if he called, I'd happily wait out in the street for him, exhaling clouds of white breath, my ears tingling with the cold.
- Yakuza Moon: Memoirs of a Gangster's Daughter, by Tendo