Water striders are colored by the midsummer rain.
A flock of pigeons moves, creating ripples that float on the water’s edge.
The cool climate makes the rain bounce, and the water surface releases steam.
Yes. I, Kanade Harui, was holding a pigeon.
As if gently comforting its feathers in my heart…
“Coo, coo-coo-coo-coo—”
As time passed, the pigeon sought food.
Looking for small fish in the shallow water.
I couldn’t help but peek out from the car window.
They continue their lives while holding onto the life that remains.
I tried to become a mirror.
Because the pigeon is beautiful.
Even if blurred by the rain, it stands in the mist.
Human heartbeats, the pigeon’s way of living…
They were in love.
Like a magical flock melting into the water.
I instinctively opened my smartphone camera.
To capture the way they faced each other.
I felt that it was more beautiful than human love.
Love does not just mean dating; the news of mating has already arrived.
The water’s edge makes a splashing sound.
Swaying on the water’s surface where such an El Niño phenomenon occurs.
…And then, I instinctively opened the car door.
The ribbon of my heart, awakened by the pigeon’s actions and behavior, is about to bloom.
However, only one of the pigeons, the female, looked at me and tilted its head left and right.
Is it signaling me to come here? Or will it bring a new encounter? Not understanding, I stripped naked and dived into the deeper water.
However, there is no way they would come to the deep water.
I got out of the water, approached the shallow area, and went to see the pigeon.
I had a similar feeling when a pigeon brought by my partner was injured.
When I wanted to encounter their flock while swimming, and when I was going on monthly dates with Karen, saying I would “take care of them”—I wondered how they were deepening their connection in the water.
Splash-splash, splash—!
When I looked into the water mixed with plankton, the pigeon—he and she—were flapping their feet and pressing their bodies against each other.
It seems they noticed me while continuing their act.
I stared at the pigeon’s flustered expression and tapped the shutter of my waterproof smartphone repeatedly.
Perhaps because it was silent, they did not notice me.
But one pigeon looks at me.
The distance gradually becomes closer.
The pigeon brings its beak close to my lips and gently kisses me.
From its appearance, I realize the pigeon seems to be female.
It is a taste of love different from a simple “coo”…
You and I are naked.
Skin and feathers touch…
A moment of silence…
I suddenly thought, “This is wrong!” and pulled myself away from her.
But she kept looking at me, waiting for me to put my feet on the land by the water.
Then, with a flapping sound, she came closer to me.
Along with the silence, the water striders at my feet scattered.
The pigeon sat down snugly beside me while I was still naked.
I sat blankly next to her…
Plop… flap… swish—
The summer rain soaked our entire bodies.
Our body heat gets wet in the rain and releases steam.
The pigeon asked me:
“No one will disturb us today, will they?”
—I smile quietly like a teenage girl and say, “That’s right.”
I shouldn’t be able to hear the voice of a pigeon, but my senses had become sharp while working at an animal hospital; it is likely an effect of being too close to animals.
Pigeons are cute, and their appearance is beautiful.
If my partner, Karen, approached, what would this little pigeon say?
I listen intently to the continuous, indistinct sound, like a murmuring voice.
To feel the same nature while in my birthday suit.
Who exactly are you to me?
――――
The next day, Karen tells me, “You’ve added another lover.”
I remember that her expression was somewhat distorted.
I didn’t think I should make excuses.
After all, she had also caught a resident called “Popporo.”
Once again, I opened one cage.
I hope you lay strong chicks—
And then, the pigeon laid eggs and flew away when they became chicks.
I hope you stay healthy and live well—