Old Ties and New Beginnings

The park felt smaller than I remembered. Jia and I strolled through it, the familiar sight of the swings drawing us in. Without hesitation, Jia plopped down on one and motioned for me to do the same.

"So, ten years," she started, swinging slightly. "You just up and left, didn't call, didn't text. Not even a postcard."

I gripped the swing's chains and gave her a mock glare. "You didn't call me either, Jia. Don't act all high and mighty."

Her lips twitched, betraying the smile she tried to suppress. "Fair. But I stayed here, in our city, while you ran off to... what was it? LA? Living the dream while I suffered through exams and boring weekends."

I snorted. "As if high school here wasn't a nightmare too. You should've seen my homeschool routine—it was torture."

We both laughed, the tension melting away as if the years hadn't separated us.

Jia leaned back on the swing, looking at the sky. "Honestly, though, it's good to have you back. Even if you forgot how to speak Japanese."

"Hey!" I protested, kicking the ground lightly. "I didn't forget—it's just... rusty."

"Rusty, my foot," she shot back, grinning. "You sounded like a toddler talking to Granma earlier."

I stuck my tongue out at her, and we both burst out laughing.

As the sun dipped lower, we wandered to our old school. The gates were still the same, the playground a little more worn but still standing. Jia pointed out the spots where we used to play and where we'd gotten into trouble.

"Remember when we snuck into the art room and spilled paint everywhere?" she asked, laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach.

"How could I forget?" I replied, chuckling. "You blamed it all on me!"

"Because you were the mastermind!"

The memories felt like a warm blanket, comforting and familiar.

By the time we returned to Granma's house, the air was cooler, and the stars were starting to peek through the sky. Granma greeted us with a table full of soup dumplings, rice, and a variety of side dishes.

Jia dug in immediately, humming with delight. "Granma, you're a legend. This is the best meal I've had in forever."

Granma beamed, patting her on the head affectionately.

Dad sat next to Granma, speaking with her in rapid Japanese. I caught only bits and pieces but didn't mind. Seeing him so happy, so at ease, was enough.

After dinner, Jia hugged me tightly before leaving, promising to come back soon. The house felt quieter without her chatter, but the warmth of the evening lingered.

Dad seemed content, sitting next to Granma and flipping through old photo albums. The sight made my heart feel lighter, even if a small part of it still ached.

I will move on.

For tonight, I let the warmth of family and home fill the spaces in my heart.