Correspondence: A Japanese Epistolary Novella 7-1

Seven Exchange

Dear Kyoko,

Thank you for sending me the book.

I read the story you wrote.

We’re in it.

Our hometown scenery, our childhood selves, our student days spent together.

And the time after we began living in separate towns.

That book was our story—yours and mine.

And then, what came along with the book… I don’t know how to put it into words.

Foolish as I was, I never even realized—why you left this town and moved to the city.

Now, at last, I understand everything.

Ever since I received your package, I’ve been thinking.

That you are in this world.

That someone like you exists—like a miracle.

That thought filled me with gratitude, and I picked up my pen and faced the page.

Before I knew it, two full days had passed.

I didn’t feel hungry. I didn’t even want to sleep.

What I wrote, I showed to the mentor I assist.

He read it, and then introduced me to an editor.

After reading my work, the editor said this:

“I’d like to take you on and help you grow as a writer—for the next two years.”

What lies beyond that, I don’t know. There are no guarantees.

My dream hasn’t come true yet.

But I feel like I’ve finally taken a big step forward.

Still, there’s something more important to me than my dream.

Greedy as I am, I don’t want to let go of either.

I never want to lose you again.

Takeshi Kitahara
March 25, Syowa51(1976)