はじめの一歩

The First Step

Station worker: Oh, Indeed. "As far as Hemidzuka station" it says.

So says the station worker as he takes my ticket and checks the entraining and alighting points.

Station worker: It's rare for a lone young lady to come to such a remote place.

A station worker, standing around and clipping tickets by hand, certainly has a retro feel that you hardly find anywhere else.

And yet, showing no sign of inferiority or boredom, he has a mysterious air of harmony about him.

A kindly enough old man... or at least, he seems fairly advanced in age.

Perhaps the retiring age here is different from most.

Station worker: Ma'am, are you a runaway?

He says, after a glance at my bulging travel bag.

Kei: No, I'm not!

Station worker: Hmmmm.

He doesn't seem very convinced.

Come on, I'm really not...

Station worker: Then I guess it's that. You have a relative with a house around here?

Kei: Umm, something like that. My father's house is in this area.

Station worker: I see. There's not much here, but take your time and enjoy it.

To be spoken to like a friendly acquaintance by this man at our first meeting is a rather fresh experience.

At least, I can't imagine something like this at the station I use to go to school.

...Still, it's not like automatic ticket gates ever strike conversations with you.

Although I don't plan on staying long, I figure I might as well take the common courtesy to give an honest "Yes, sir!" in response when...

Cool voice: If I may...

From right behind, the chill voice from only a moment ago.

I can feel my ears burn red.

In such a small station, with only one ticket office, it's only natural that she would come here.

Uuu, I feel like flames could burst from my face......

So as not to get in the way, I shrink away and open the path.

She proceeds half a step forward and hands her ticket to the worker.

And as he accepts the ticket, the station worker says...

Station worker: Oya oya. It's rare for a lone young lady to come to such a remote place.

............

Umm... that's the exact same line you said for me...

Girl in uniform: Is that so?

Station worker: Could it be that you have a parent's house in this area?

......Could that phrase be in the reception manual or something?

Girl in uniform: No, sir, I simply have some business here.

Station worker: Hoho. I see, I see.

The two seem to have started talking about something but, anyway...

I guess I shouldn't really be paying attention to every little detail, huh?

A bus ride from here to my father's house would take about thirty minutes, but...