雨と共にきたる
In with the rain...
Before I realize it, the cicada voices have fallen silent.
They say that mountain weather changes easily, and the chirping is oft to suddenly stop and restart.
However, this time they remain stopped, rather reluctant to revive.
An unnatural silence if there ever was......
The loud sounds coming from the mountain swallow that silence, and a deep growling shiver of wind gives my stomach a shake.
I shift my eyes across the veranda to confirm the state of the sky.
After all that time it was lucid across its face, before we knew it, it was leaden with a thin cover of clouds.
Tsudzura: This one is coming for sure.
Kei: You think it'll rain?
Tsudzura: It certainly will.
Tiny shadows traverse my vision.
Tiny elusive somethings come falling from sky to garden.
*Potsuri*------
The sound of a fragmenting drop of water.
Not the sound of any forgotten faucets that only recently began to spill water------
Upon the face of the fusuma byoubue-like mountain scenery, by one drop, and yet another, beads of rain draw trails as they land. (TN: Byoubue - screen painting. A fusuma is a paper door, so Kei is referring to a door painting. These are usually done in a zen style.)
The sound of rain hitting the roof tiles, by virtue of momentum, close the intervals, and change before long into an unabridged roar.
*Zaa!*------
The size of the drops and their fallen momentum bring a forlorn droop to the grass and leaves.
Tsudzura: Now then...... it seems it has become dark.
Rising to one knee, Tsudzura-chan pulls at the rope hanging above, and the living room is enveloped in lamplight.
Tsudzura: I've connected the electricity, but we have no a/c, so it would be nice if the rain brings the temperature down to something more comfortable...
Kei: It's hard to tell whether it will or won't, but will we be okay for water leaks?
Tsudzura: Hmm, I do wonder. At any rate, the room we are using now should be fine.
Kei: Well, that's a relief to hear.
By the way, of the three great lifelines, the gas turned out to be the kind distributed in gas cylinders, so it's prognosis didn't look promising. (TN: The three great lifelines - water, gas, electricity.)
Kei: But still, Tsudzura-chan, you're amazing. I had no idea you could do things like this.
Tsudzura: Well, I am a genius. This much should be a given.
I'd sooner say it's because she's raised so tough, but that makes it no less amazing. At least, I know I couldn't mimic this.
Kei: Anyway, it's nice that we have electricity, now. In a dark room, with all of this rain besides, it'd get a little depressing......
In one instant, the sky flashes pure white------
---and in the next, it disappears along with the light in the room.
Kei: ------What, what!? What in the world happened!?
Tsudzura: It is a mere blackout, Kei-oneesan. As long as the lines are uncut, it should reestablish in a little while.
Kei: Uuu...... Don't you think that lightning came down really close by?
Tsudzura: I suppose so˜
From the entrance hall, I hear a rap at the door.
Having been balled up underneath the dining table, Obana-chan pulls himself out and pricks up his ears.
Tsudzura: Oh? It appears to be a visitor.
Kei: A-are you sure it wasn't just the rain or wind hitting the door?
Tsudzura: But Obana usually doesn't react to natural phenomena like that. He darted out straightaway when you came though, Kei-oneesan.
Kei: In other words, the fact that Obana-chan's displaying interest means......
Kei: ......a visitor, really?
Tsudzura: It would appear so˜
尾花ちゃんゴー！
Obana-chan, GO!
自分が出る
I'll go myself.
葛ちゃんお願い
Tsudzura-chan, please!