Vol 2 Chapter 5 Part 3

After the lecture, we left the hall and bought our talismans. Since they could be given as souvenirs, I saw some people buying several. Apparently for the souvenir ones, the purchaser goes to the Jizo statue first, holds all of them out, and prays “Please grant these people’s wishes as well.” Then, each receiver faces the direction of Kyoto, places their hands together, and says their name and address. And apparently, they don’t need to give their postal code.

Anyway, I only bought one for myself. Holmes and Akihito each bought one as well. We left the temple and walked down the path, looking around at the courtyard.

“I really enjoyed the priest’s lecture,” I said quietly, looking at the fall foliage. “I was surprised at how funny it was.”

Holmes nodded and replied, “I think it’s wonderful how he weaves meaning into the humor.”

While Holmes and I spoke, Akihito walked silently in front of us. Come to think of it, he hasn’t said much since we left the temple. I wonder what’s wrong? I leaned forward to peer sideways at his face and noticed that his eyes were moist. Huh? Is he…moved by the story?

Holmes took a handkerchief from his inner pocket and walked forward to offer it to him. “Akihito, you can use this to wipe your tears.”

“I-I ain’t crying!” Akihito rubbed his eyes with the end of his sleeve and whirled around to face us. Apparently he was embarrassed that we found out he was moved to tears.

“You were moved by the lecture, right?” Holmes asked. “There’s no need to hide it. When your heart is touched, tears well up in your eyes. Your sensitivity is remarkable—no wonder you’re an actor.”

“Sh-Shut up!” Akihito blushed furiously.

Holmes, who was still holding the handkerchief, smiled from ear to ear. Holmes… He seems kind at first glance, but his wickedness is at full power. Once again, the people around us giggled at the two.

After circling around the courtyard, we finally made it back to the Jizo statue with the sandals that was near the entrance. There were already many people holding out yellow talismans with both hands and praying, not to mention the crowd of people still waiting in line to get in.

Akihito gripped his talisman tightly and shouted loudly, “Akihito Kajiwara, twenty-five years old! Please grant me success in the entertainment industry!”

Holmes tapped him on the shoulder. “Akihito, you don’t need to state your age. You do need to give your address, so say it in your heart.”

The people around us burst into laughter. I couldn’t help but laugh with them.

Still, Akihito did wish for success in the entertainment industry. What about me? If I’m hesitating like this, will my wish even be granted?

“I’m going to wish for my grandfather to stay in good health for the next year,” Holmes said, holding the talisman between his hands.

“You really like that guy, huh?” Akihito quipped.

“Yes, and if he were to fall ill, all of his responsibilities would fall onto me. Illness is the one thing I can’t do anything about.”

Right. I’m still a student, so there’s no way I’d have a serious, important wish. “I’ll wish for my grandmother’s good health too, then.”

Akihito’s eyes widened in shock. “What the heck, you guys?! Now I seem like the greedy one!”

“No, I think your wish was good,” Holmes said with a serious expression. “Those with honest, steadfast wishes are more likely to have them granted, I feel.”

Akihito looked bewildered. “R-Really?”

“Yes, really.”

After this and that, we finished our visit. Holmes asked, “Shall we go to Arashiyama now?”

Akihito and I nodded eagerly.