Chapter 17: Grandparents' Visit
The morning sun shone softly through the curtains as Yasmine sat at the dining table, quietly finishing her breakfast. The scent of toasted bread and eggs filled the room.
"Get ready fast or we'll be late," her mother called from the kitchen.
"Alright," Yasmine replied between bites.
She quickly finished her breakfast and went to change into a light summer dress. Outside, her father was already waiting by the door with their luggage.
"The cab's here," he said. "Let's go."
"Okay!" Yasmine answered, grabbing her small travel bag.
Her younger sister Jemi skipped happily behind her, humming a random tune.
They stepped outside and entered the cab. The driver greeted them politely and started the engine.
Inside, the car was filled with quiet hums of traffic.
Yasmine leaned against the window, sipping on her orange drink with a straw.
"Aw, Yasmine, say something," her mom teased playfully.
Yasmine simply gave a small shrug and kept looking outside.
Her dad chuckled. "Don't tease her that much."
"Alright, alright," her mom said, smiling.
Yasmine sighed softly. (I think I'm feeling kinda bored... that's weird. I've never been this bored before.)
Then, like a spark in her thoughts, moments of the festival night flashed in her mind—Aijin's gentle smile, his voice under the fireworks, his words.
(No, no, no! Not that... Calm down, Yasmine!) she scolded herself mentally, her face warming as she blushed and turned toward the window to hide it.
---
After a few hours, the cab finally arrived at her grandparents' house—a cozy traditional home surrounded by blooming hydrangeas.
"Welcome, everyone!" her grandmother greeted them warmly, her hands open wide.
"Thank you for your concern," they all said together, bowing politely before stepping inside.
The scent of tatami mats and green tea filled the air.
"Akemi!!" Yasmine's aunt shouted with excitement as she spotted Yasmine's mother.
"Miwa!!" her mom replied with the same energy.
The two women grabbed each other's hands and began jumping in excitement like teenagers. Both Yasmine and her little sister Jemi stood still, staring at the scene in disbelief.
Her uncle appeared from the hallway, laughing. "Big brother! Long time no see!"
"Same with you," Yasmine's father replied, smiling warmly.
---
After greetings and chatter, the family went to visit the family grave. The weather was warm and calm as they prayed silently, placing flowers before returning home.
Back at the house, Yasmine noticed someone staring at her from the corner of the living room—a little girl holding a chessboard.
"Sister... Yasmine," the girl said shyly.
"Oh, Nori!" Yasmine smiled. "How are you?"
"I'm fine... But Sister Yasmine, can you play chess with me?"
"Sure," Yasmine replied, sitting down across from her cousin.
---
A few minutes later, the living room was filled with quiet concentration and occasional sighs.
(My cousin Nori... she's such a shy person. But when it comes to games...)
"Ahhh!" Nori suddenly yelled, slamming her hands on the floor.
(...When she loses, she rages out really well.) Yasmine thought, holding back a laugh.
Before the game could restart, her mother peeked into the room. "Yasmine, your grandpa is calling you."
"Coming," Yasmine said, getting up quickly.
---
She walked to a dimly lit room. There, on a futon, lay her grandfather—weak and pale, his breathing slow but steady.
"Grandpa... I'm here," she said softly.
His eyes fluttered open. "Y...as...mine... Is... that... you?"
"Yeah," she said, kneeling beside him and taking his frail hand.
"I'm... glad," he whispered faintly. "Well... I don't... have... much... time... left... Please... don't... be sad."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Grandpa... please... don't say that..."
Her grandfather smiled faintly before closing his eyes again, resting peacefully.
---
Flashback:
A small Yasmine, no older than seven, sat in her grandpa's lap, holding his hand as they watched the garden together.
"Yasmine," he said gently, "promise me something."
"What is it, Grandpa?"
"No matter what happens... don't forget to smile. Your true smile."
The memory faded as Yasmine stood there, tears streaming down her cheeks.
---
She walked outside and found her grandmother waiting.
"Did you talk to your grandpa?" her grandma asked.
"Yes..." Yasmine said quietly.
"I'm glad. He really wanted to see you. He was so excited to see you happy."
Yasmine nodded, wiping her tears. "I wanted to tell him more... about my high school life."
"You can tell me instead," her grandma smiled gently. "So, how is high school?"
Yasmine thought for a moment, then her expression softened. "One thing I can say..."
"What is it?"
"I'm really happy."
Her grandmother froze for a second, eyes widening. It was the first time she had seen Yasmine smile like that—a genuine, bright, and warm smile.
"Wait, am I being weird?" Yasmine asked nervously.
Her grandmother patted her head tenderly. "No, dear. I'm just happy... that you've found happiness."
Suddenly, her mother's voice popped up from behind, teasingly. "She likes someone."
"MOM!!!" Yasmine yelled, her face turning completely red.
Her grandmother giggled. "Is it true?"
"N-No! Not at all!" Yasmine stammered.
"Don't worry," her grandma said, smiling knowingly. "Whether you admit it or not, I can tell—he's the one who made you smile like this."
"Grandma..." Yasmine said softly, tears and laughter mixing as she hugged her tightly.
Her grandma chuckled. "What's this all of a sudden?"
"Nothing," Yasmine whispered. "I just... wanted to hug you."
---
The day passed peacefully. The house was filled with laughter, tea, and old stories. Yasmine felt her heart calm, surrounded by warmth and love.
Meanwhile, in Aijin's apartment, the quiet hum of the ceiling fan filled the room.
Aijin sat on his bed, clutching his head. "Ugh... my medicines..."
He reached for a small bundle of pills on his nightstand, taking a few before lying back down. After a few minutes, his breathing steadied.
"Uh... that was something," he muttered weakly. "I should... be more careful."
He closed his eyes, unaware of the summer storm slowly gathering outside.
The summer heat was intensifying—
and something far more intense was about to begin.
---
[ End of Chapter 17 ]