kscans

I wrapped up our beach time just after four o’clock and headed toward the mountain campsite.

Since the mountain belonged to the Mutual Aid Society, we could freely make paths and prepare the land for comfortable camping as we pleased. Usually, it was used for training or raising unusual creatures, but today we had it all to ourselves. We’d checked multiple times beforehand to ensure it was safe for the children, so there were no concerns.

We parked the car at our planned spot and immediately began preparations.

“Well, let’s start setting up the tents and preparing for curry,” I said.

“Okay!” the twins chorused.

“Ai, Midori, Rika, and Hikaru, you’re on curry duty.”

“To be honest, I’ve only cooked during home economics class. Will that be enough?” Rika asked hesitantly.

“I’m in the same boat, but curry should be manageable… though I’m a bit worried about cooking rice in a mess tin for the first time,” Hikaru added.

I’d debated between using a mess tin or a rice cooker, ultimately choosing the former. It was camping, after all. Better to go with something that felt more authentic to the experience. We had packed rice just in case, so if things went wrong, we could always heat those packets in hot water.

“The tent team will be me and Sarna. Let’s do our best.”

“Yes! Though this is my first time and I may make mistakes, I’ll give it my all!” Sarna replied earnestly.

She didn’t need to be so intense, but that was fine.

“Alright everyone, let’s get started!”

“Roger that!” they all responded.

Time for me to get to work too. I took the tents from the car and carried them to our designated spot.

“Let’s set up the women’s tent first.”

“Yes,” Sarna replied.

I’d prepared a rather large tent that could accommodate four people, which made the setup somewhat troublesome. Sarna and I worked on pitching the tent while following the manual.

“By the way, Sarna, you live with just your father, right?”

“Yes.”

“Did he say anything about this? I mean, even though there are other girls, you’re still going on a short trip with men.”

“Not particularly. He’s quite serious and rather inflexible, but he’s still reasonable.”

“That’s good. I was a bit worried.”

Looking at Sarna, it was clear she’d been raised well. It was truly impressive that her father had raised such a proper daughter all by himself. But that’s precisely why I was concerned.

From observing Sarna, I could tell her father must be very principled. I thought there was a chance he might object to her going on a trip with men. I was prepared to visit him directly to explain if necessary, but nothing came up before our departure day.

(There’s also the possibility that Sarna lied to her father…)

But it seems she came after having a proper conversation with him, which was a relief.

“By the way,” Sarna said suddenly.

“Hmm?”

“What are your thoughts on death, Hideo-san?”

“Huh?”

That came out of nowhere. Noticing my reaction, Sarna must have thought her question was too vague and decided to clarify.

“I have a book report assignment for summer vacation.”

“Ah… right, those things.”

I remembered how I used to make tenuous connections between books and my personal experiences, padding my reports with self-indulgent stories to meet the word count. I’d fill about eighty percent with that approach, then return to the actual book for the remaining twenty percent and wrap up with some nice-sounding conclusion.

“I picked a book from the library without much thought, and it turned out to be one that makes you contemplate death.”

“Ah, I see.”

If it were me, I’d put that kind of heavy book back on the shelf after just a few pages. If there were assigned books, I’d find a way to muddle through as I just described, and if I had free choice, I’d pick something lighter. It’s not that I dislike reading. It’s just that having to write a report alongside it makes it terribly tedious.

“Yes. I was hoping to hear an adult’s perspective… I’m sorry for bringing up such a topic during our fun outing.”

“No, it’s fine. But, hmm…”

Death, death, death… No good. The skeleton father keeps flashing through my mind. Hey, Hades, could you stop bothering me even after you’re gone? My internal Hades keeps asserting himself despite my attempts to push him away.

(Even setting aside Hades, this is a difficult question.)

I’ve lived a rather carefree life. I’ve never really contemplated death. I’ve cried at my grandparents’ funerals, but that was grief over their absence. I can’t say I’ve deeply reflected on the concept of death itself.

“It’s hard since I haven’t thought about it much, but if I had to say something…”

“Yes?”

“I think people might take death too seriously.”

Sarna’s eyes narrowed slightly. I realize my statement could be misunderstood, but I hope she’ll hear me out.

“I’m not saying I take life lightly.”

“Then what exactly do you mean?”

“How should I put this… Death is like a twin brother or your other half.”

From the moment we’re born, death is already right there beside us. It’s an inseparable part of our existence.

“So I think it’s wrong to hate or fear such an entity.”

“That’s…”

“To naturally accept this inevitable visitor with a ‘hey there,’ we should view it with a level perspective.”

Even as I say this, I know it’s merely an idealistic view. Of course, facing your own death or that of a loved one is frightening and unpleasant. I couldn’t possibly claim to practice what I preach. But if I were to seriously consider death… yes, that would be my answer.

“Perhaps those who can naturally appreciate death after its long companionship with life are what we call saints or something similar.”

“…”

“Was that helpful?”

“Y-yes… it was a perspective I hadn’t considered before. Very insightful.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Afterward, we continued setting up the tent while engaging in casual conversation. It was fairly challenging, but not at all bad.

“Hey! We’re free now. Need any help over there?” I called to the curry team.

“We’re fiiiine!!” the twins shouted back.

“Thank you, but we have everything under control. Please relax,” Hikaru added.

“That’s right! Just sit back and chill!” Rika chimed in.

Since they didn’t need help, I decided to lounge around. I sat in a camping chair and turned on the radio. It’s not that I particularly love radio programs. Honestly, I don’t really care about the content. I just enjoy relaxing with the radio playing in the background.

(Summer twilight, sipping coffee with the radio and children’s voices as background music in the midst of nature…)

To put it mildly, this is absolutely perfect.