–Morning 8:30
Wide ocean, wide sky.
From beyond the mountains toward the airfield, a Riot Impulse comes flying over the CS Myojin Ward Sea.
And Popporo the pigeon, along with me, Kanade Harui, became interested in the air force’s flight training as it prepared to take off, so we came here for a drive.
As fellow birds, why don’t we welcome it?
As a thank-you for making me cry before.
The green shining on the visible earth seemed to light two lives.
We rest on a park bench where the Riot Impulse passes and drink cold tea.
I share that cold bottled tea.
I pour tea into the bottle cap and let Popporo take some in her beak.
I also pour some into my mouth and swallow it with a gulp…
And then—I kiss her, Popporo, and let her drink the moisture I held in my mouth.
Popporo is also happy and flaps her wings.
Being able to check how deep our love is by confirming our mutual affection is also a trait of being a veterinarian.
You and I, just how long have we spent together.
–Morning 9:00
Though the years pass, I remember the days we lived in the apartment.
The splashes of water scattering from the flowers of love and the wind between Hinato and Karen.
No matter how I compare it, that narrow apartment and the open scenery are different.
Just like this cold tea, Popporo used to lay eggs.
As a doctor, every time she gave birth, I replaced the birth bath with a shower and gently rinsed Popporo’s body.
“Splash, splash.”
Does the ocean spray watch over the growth of pigeons like this?
–Morning 10:00
She blooms like a parent and child.
Since it is no use just waiting like this, we read a book.
Popporo reads through the same language and sentence patterns.
“You can still read just as well today.”
“Coo, coo.”
I stroke her back and think this.
Humans cannot read through the exact same language and sentence patterns, but Hinato can.
It makes me think that family represents an ecology that is the same yet different.
Is it because I am a doctor who treats animals that I look at things from this perspective? I look forward to Hinato’s growth as well.
Come to think of it, there is a factory across the coast.
The scent of the sea drifts in.
Just how far into the sky will we fly…?
–Morning 11:00
Quiet sound of waves, quiet sea breeze.
The Riot Impulse still has not flown over.
While playing a light game with Popporo, I chase the clouds with the same perspective and feeling.
Like the tetrapods floating at the water’s edge, the three of us in our family and several pigeons have always ridden together, but Popporo, despite being the second generation, is none other than the central pigeon.
As the symbol of the Harui family, she emphasizes her broad pigeon chest like this sky.
Even though a small daily life is filled with small discoveries, she spent her wings toward a situation of constant change.
Like clouds that fade and fall, grow and take shape, the sky is clear.
Can pigeons feel that way too? Popporo, you are our pride.
Following the waves of the great mother, let’s follow the tide water that even reflects the sky…
“Coo-n.”
–Afternoon 12:30
One by one, people flocked to this park.
They leave their vehicles right beside it or in a nearby parking lot and make footsteps.
Everyone heads toward the high ground along the coast with eager steps.
Suddenly, my chest makes my heart race as well.
Is it from my own will, my memories, or the civilization colored by science?
Popporo and I moved to a concrete area along the coast and waited for the sky to roar.
Cherishing people, cherishing pigeons, riding the wind even if we are of the same sex—
“Whoosh-n.”
“Waaaah—!”
The Riot Impulse flew over.
Holding Popporo, I brought out my smartphone camera.
I panicked and got excited for the photo opportunity in the crowd.
“Click, click.”
When I think about it, even mixed in the crowd, the loved chicks have grown like these small waves.
I feel us sharing meals daily and cuddling in bed.
Like the ferry right in front of us, the pigeon flew over.
That is why pigeons lay eggs, leave their chicks behind, and set off on a journey.
Will the grown chicks fly away like this too—?
“Zoom, zoom-zoom.”
The camera stops at the moment when memories are layered with five colors of smoke.
“I have always been taking pictures of Popporo.”
“Click.”
Ten minutes later, the Riot Impulse flew away to the other side of the mountains.
Me and Popporo—
Our two romances will continue for a long time…