About Haruka
Chapter 1
Takarazuka Revue is a century-old theater company, formed only by women, which is located in a small town of the same name near Osaka. Specializing in musical theater, its grandiose productions attracted a huge audience to its two theaters, and a large audience to its cable channel.
The company has five main troupes, and a sixth one for senior actresses who still wanted to maintain their association with the Revue and perform from time to time. Hanagumi and Tsukigumi are the original troupes, with the most traditional plays and larger budgets. With a more traditional approach, Yukigumi was the first troupe ever to perform 'Elisabeth' in Japan. Hoshigumi was the place for very strong actresses. Last, but not least, Soragumi, the youngest troupe, less traditional and more experimental.
The Takarazuka exercised great fascination to the public, mainly due one simple fact: only women could perfom, the actresses who play male parts are referred to as otokoyaku and those who play female parts are called musumeyaku. The majority of Revue fans are women. And Tenou Ayako was one of those women.
Born Tsuchiya Ayako, she lived her whole life in a small town called Hakui, located in Ishikawa prefecture, on the Sea of Japan coast. Hakui is the main city in the Southern Noto district, and the area contains almost all of Hakui's shops including hardware stores, clothes shops, electronics stores, opticians, restaurants, second hand shops, pharmacists and supermarkets. The town had 20 thousand people and its noted for its silk and artificial textile production. Also the town claims to be the UFO sighting capital of Japan, so theres a lot of UFO-related stuff around the city.
Ayako was a regular girl who fell in love with Takarazuka and its magic when she was a teenager and spent a summer with her aunt, who lived in Osaka. The woman never married or had any kids, so her niece was the only one she was able to share her passion for musical theater.
She visited the Grand Theater once when she was there and she was forever amazed by its grandeur. After going back home, she spent every Sunday in front of the TV, watching any VHS tape she could put her hands on.
Being from a small town and coming from a traditional family, Ayako was alone with her fascination for the Revue. Her parents thought that being a fan would not help her with anything, that she should worry about school and finding a good husband, like her sister did before her. They did not like Ayako's aunt that much, she was very independent, and a single working woman in her forties, living alone in a big city was not something they wanted for their youngest daughter. They allowed Ayako this one luxury, being a fan, but that would be all.
When she left Hakui for college, as the first Tsuchiya woman to pursue higher education and maybe a career, against her parents' wishes, Ayako could taste freedom for the first time. She wanted to become a nurse; she wanted to help people in the clinic next to her parents' drugstore. After starting nursing school in Nagano, Ayako found out she could go to Tokyo more often. She could easily go watch her favorite stars at the brand new Takarazuka Tokyo Theater and no one would stop her.
Her days were filled with studies, part time jobs to support herself and her trips to Tokyo. And she couldn´t be happier. Even sacrificing a lot, like money and time, she was having the time of her life. She would go to the capital at least every other week, to see the plays and to see her favorite stars. Being a Takarazuka fan was an expensive hobby, but she did not really mind. Watching those women on stage, showing her a world full of fantasy and imagination made everything better
Until the day she met Hideyuki. Hideyuki was an older med student who lived in Nagano all his life. He was a sweet, humble guy, with modest dreams. He wanted to become a doctor and move to a small town, to help simple people and live a simple life.
It was love at the first sight. Hideyuki was the only son of a simple family and his lack of ambition, considered by many people as a flaw, was considered his greatest value by Ayako. They decided to wait until her graduation to get married and move back to Hakui, where he would get a job at the same clinic she wanted to work. And they would be happy. Just like that.
Soon, Ayako's trips to Tokyo became too expensive for her, in a non-financial way. She and Hideyuki almost didn't have any time to spend together, so weekends when he wasn't doing shifts at the university hospital or pulling all-nighters to study, he would be with her. Soon, the fantasy world that Takarazuka provided her wasn't enough anymore. She still saw a few shows on Sky stage, but she just went back to a live performance on her wedding trip, when Hideyuki took her to Takarazuka.
The first time Ayako set her foot on the Theater again, after so many years, she almost cried. She was so happy for just being there and living that emotion again, with someone she dearly loved, was too much for her.
Hideyuki was a simple man. He didn't really care for arts or sports, always a practical kind of man. He was happy if his new bride was happy. And just seeing Ayako's smile during a play, was enough for him.
The couple started their married life in Hakui, they both working at the clinic. Living near her parents, Ayako could ask for her mother help when she had her first son, Hideo. She loved working by her husband's side, even if that meant not being able to spend any time with her little boy. Or watching any Takarazuka performances. Being a nurse meant taking care of everything in an almost personal way. Her husband was a kind man; he didn't mind leaving the clinic to visit his patients.
A lot of people admired the young doctor. One of them was his son. Hideo was so proud of his father that he decided to follow his steps at a really young age. He wanted too, become a doctor and live a simple life in the country. And he lived a free life, with a rich childhood. Ayako, even loving her work, decided to step down the clinic to be with her son, she didn't wanted the boy to grow up thinking life was just about work.
When Hideo left town for his medical training, his father said that he needed to grow up as a human being. Hideyuki didn't want his only son to stay in that town, doing his work. That was his dream, and his boy needed to find one of his own.
Hideo went to college in Nagano, and, just like his parents did before him, he met his future wife, Rina, there. He was this shy country kid and she was the sophisticated big city girl. Her father was the chief of medicine of a big hospital at Nagano and she wanted to be a dancer, but a car accident when she was 15 killed any chance she had. So she decided to become an English teacher. She always loved anything from the US.
He became a doctor at the age of 23, and stayed at Nagano, working at his father in law´s hospital. He always loved children and growing up as an only child helped his decision to become a pediatrician. Rina became an English teacher at the Ueda Nishi, a high school near their apartment building.
Life was good for the young Tenou couple. Their first son, Hideyuki, named after the man Hideo admired the most, was born in a sunny Saturday. The second, Hiroaki, was a feasty baby, born a couple of years later. The two boys were the joy in that little family, and their grandparents, loved to have them for the summer. The Tenou always thought that boys needed to be boys and having their grandsons running around their home was just a dream.
When Haruka, Hideo and Rina´s third child and first girl, was born, the whole family celebrated. After all, she was the youngest and the only girl. Rina just loved to dress her up, with cute little dresses and laces. Maybe that little blonde girl, with shiny green eyes, would help her old dreams to become true. Haruka started ballet and piano lessons when she turned four. The instrument was a constant in her mother´s life and Rina wanted her children to learn how to play it. But her boys were happier playing videogames than piano. Haruka, on the other side, just loved it.
Haruka felt so free during her ballet classes. She just felt like that was her place, where she could have fun. Her teacher, a former ballerina from Hakucho Ballet Academy, was a demanding woman, even with the little kids in her class. After all, among them could flourish a real talent. That was her motto and her kids needed to always be the best. She was very pleased to see that Haruka, who was always playing around, had the grace and posture like a real ballerina. That was talent, a real gift.
One of the girl's first memories of her grandparents' place was being in front of the TV, in a hot summer Sunday. Haruka saw how her grandmother was watching those beautiful people dancing and singing and the older woman was so ecstatic, like Haruka never saw her before. So, that magical environment started to fuel the young girl's childhood dreams. If Ayako loved that, Haruka would like it too, right?
Her summers were filled by foolish, childish pranks and games. But every Sunday afternoon, it was the time to watch performances of that musical theater company. It was so magical that the youngest Tenou couldn't take her eyes off the screen. She was only five years old when, one afternoon like any other, she came into the house, looking for a glass of water to cool down the insane humid summer heat. Haruka spent the morning running around with her older brothers, not letting them leaving her behind.
Although younger, she always ran faster than the two boys did. Curious like every other kid her age, Haruka stopped everything she was doing to see her grandmother, an adorable old lady who always had a smile on her face, with teary eyes, practically glued to the screen. The child never saw her grandmother so excited about something, the woman didn't even notice her presence. She stared at the TV, seeing that it was some kind of recital, as it was presented with her ballet class before summer. The difference was that women and men of the TV seemed to have more fun than she had fun during the recital.
Haruka had become so bored that almost had not presented herself, but Rina had been so excited with the only daughter getting such an important role. It was so strange, she only wanted to run and play with her brothers, but her mother got so excited that had spent weeks helping the teacher to sew all the costumes. That day, she did everything right, not wanting the teacher to reprehend her in front of her entire family, including her father, who had taken a day off to watch his youngest daughter. And if Hideo had made the effort to show up, even unwillingly, it was her obligation to present the best possible job.
Haruka couldn´t even understand what the actors were saying, or rather sang. And seeing all those people with their colorful clothes, heavy makeup and wonderful voices, gave to the small child another reason to love even more spending the summer at her grandmother's house.
In that summer afternoon, a tradition was born. All Sunday afternoons were reserved for that special moment between grandmother and granddaughter. The first time, Haruka was shy, so she watched the entire show from the door, for fear of disturbing Ayako. Soon, she was glued to the screen, where she even sang, badly, the lyrics of most famous songs.
Ayako never talked much during those shows she was watching so dearly, thinking Haruka wouldn´t understand. It was just something fun for the child, she would forget about it the second she went back to Nagano. Nothing more than a childish infatuation. Ayako always watched the plays by herself; her husband never really cared enough about it to spend hours of his Sunday in front of the TV.
Although the woman knew the kind of fascination the Revue had on people. And she always thought Haruka already had a great sensitivity, despite her young age. Ayako hadn´t been blessed with a daughter to share her hobbies, especially on that theater company that she followed since her teenager years. She never had the courage or the talent to be anything but a fan. Not that she would be able to do anything, her family would never let her. The thought saddened her not so much now. She had a great life, with a great son and amazing grandchildren.
And Ayako could enjoy her Sunday afternoons watching Takarazuka plays on TV, with her only granddaughter.
The woman couldn´t be happier.
Being just five years old, the child didn´t understand that there were only women on stage, due to the talent and commitment with which those actresses portraying male roles.. With their low voices and slender bodies, soft features hidden under layers of heavy makeup wouldn´t let show the true gender of those actresses.
After silently watching the presentation, Haruka decided to go back to play with her brothers in the back yard, repeating some phrases spoken during the performance, especially if it involved being protective. Her brothers, being nine and ten years old, respectively, usually got into her game, being the villains of the story that the girl reproduced with the perfection allowed by her young age.
From the house, the grandmother just watched the children playing, certain that the fascination her granddaughter felt would soon disappear, it was normal to happen with such a hyperactive child. It must be the influence of having two older brothers.
The woman took a good look at Haruka, as the child ran from one side to another, jumping from one brother to another. She had her long blonde hair tied in a braid, like always. The young girl didn´t like it so long, but her mother thought a girl needed long beautiful hair, like a real lady. But the child couldn´t care less. At age five, she was still a kid, her life was running around and playing with boys who lived in her neighborhood. She didn´t even care if they´re older than her. She always said that girls were so boring.
Ayako knew Haruka had a thing for any kind of excitement; She loved feeling the wind hitting her face as she ran. And she ran! If the little girl had inherited any talent from her father was his speed. As soon as she learned how to walk, running came right after.
Just like Hideo, 30 years before her, she also had the same green eyes, just like him. And even begin a little tomboyish, she was Hideo's beloved princess, his baby girl. And the girl hated being called that. She hated being treated differently for being a girl.
"Haruka! Hideyuki! Hiroaki! Come eat watermelons!" The woman said, putting the tray with red triangles perfectly aligned along the doorway.
Since her grandchildren were born, Ayako's house had never been completely empty. Her only son had moved to Nagano for college, so it was good to see the house so full of life, even if only for a few weeks during the summer. Nagano was a beautiful town, with beautiful snowy landscapes, but it was a large city, a true metropolis. A little too much for her. She loved how calm and boring her life was now.
Seeing the children running to sit on a wooden pallet and the boys begin to fight for watermelon pieces, the old woman focused on the girl, in her bare and dirty feet. She seemed far from the princess that her father believed she was.
"Haruka?" she called, smiling at her distracted granddaughter. With a huge piece of watermelon in her mouth, she chewed quickly to respond to her grandmother with the education that her mother taught her, but she almost choked. Laughing lightly, Ayako stroked the girl's back, helping her to swallow the lump. Haruka laughed her flawed smile; her baby teeth began to fall in late April, and wiped her mouth.
"Did you like that play you watched with Grandma?" Maybe every adult had this unconscious fear of not being able to entertaining such small children. And Ayako wasn't different. She was a little sarcastic, but taking care of her grandkids meant a lot to her.
"Unh!" "Haruka shook her head excitedly. "I'm gonna be a hero just like that guy! And I'll save all the damsels!" She stood up, putting on her best battle posture. Decided to not to confuse the child's head, telling about the cast being all-female, the woman just smiled when she saw her other two grandchildren playing with Haruka.
At eight, Haruka did not look at all like her age. She was a little too tall for her age, being easily mistaken by a 12 year old, due to years of physical activity and good genes. Her blonde hair was a little shorter now, around her shoulders, and she was still getting used to it. Since she was a very active girl, she hated how her hair got in her way.
Another summer was fast approaching and now could go to her grandmother's house with her newest friend, Chiba Mamoru.
Haruka had met the boy when his family has moved to the apartment above hers. Mamoru's mother was a doctor in the same hospital Haruka's father worked and his father was a lawyer. Without siblings or other kids his age, it wasn't hard for the both of them quickly become best friends. Even being polar opposites, Mamoru being a quiet child and Haruka always so active and running around.
"You´re gonna love my grandma's. We can go to the beach, she can drive us to the lake, and we will build sandcastles, and catch fireflies!" The blonde little girl explained to her friend, who was seated by her side, on their way to Hakui.
No one could really understand how those kids became friends, but since Haruka's brother decided she was too young to play with them. Being thirteenzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Hideyuki was a almost teenager now. He just started middle school and being the serious boy he always was, he already decided his future. The boy wanted to be a doctor, like his father and grandfather. He didn't have time to play with an 8 year old. Haruka didn't really mind, she always thought Hideyuki was too boring.
Hiroaki was 12 and even not being like his brother, he didn't want to lose any time with his younger sister. He was always playing his videogames and Haruka liked to run, always playing outside, chasing the other kids around. That was a little too much for him.
Mamoru was a quiet and shy boy. He and his parents just moved to Nagano, from Tokyo. Normally, children would hate moving far away, but not him. Since his parents worked a lot, he spent most of his days by himself. Moving to Nagano, after his mother got a job at Nagano City Hospital as an obstetrician, was just a new chapter in his life. And he couldn't help but feel excited. It was like an adventure, just like his father had said. And Mamoru always believed in his father's words.
The boy met Haruka when Rina took her to meet the new neighbors, just after their move. And they just clicked. Rina and Mamoru's mother even joked, saying they would become a couple and get married someday, but the children were so unphased by this idea. They were just kids, they had more important things to worry about.
Haruka invited Mamoru to spend two weeks of their summer at her grandma's place. Since the boy would be alone for the most part of his vacation, his parents didn't see a problem, and they knew their son Mamoru was a responsible boy, he knew how to behave. And since the Tenous didn't mind taking him, they didn't mind either being away from him.
The trip to Hakui was quiet. A bored Hiroaki was playing on his phone, mad cause he couldn't bring any of his games. Hideyuki was reading a book about anatomy that he borrowed from his father's personal library. And behind the wheel, Rina was focused on the road. This wasn't the first time she would be staying by herself at her mother-in-law's. Hideo had to work, as usual.
She didn't mind he was always working, and she didn't mind at all spending time with her mother in law. Ayako treated Rina like the daughter she never had. And Rina knew how much Ayako loved spending time with Haruka, watching shows on TV.
Rina herself prefered books, specially american literature. She always loved anything from the US. At college, she studied English, and she went to visit the US when she was still single. And, as an English teacher, she was very fond of literature but Rina knew that watching plays really helped Ayako and Haruka to bond.
They would be staying in Hakui for 2 weeks and Rina knew Haruka was a little too young to make that trip by herself. So it was up to to take her daughter to Hakui, cause, even loving grandmother so she thought it important to grow along with her grandparents and Japanese culture which is always important that contact with older And even loving american culture, she thought it important to grow along with her grandparents and Japanese culture which is always important that contact with the elderly.
As always, the days passed quickly for children. Hakui was a quiet, boring city. At least for the older boys. For Haruka and Mamoru, it was pure bliss. They could run on the beach, swim in the lake; go to festivals, hunt fireflies and, of course, watch out for aliens. In Nagano it was so much harder to do it all.
The only time that Haruka and Mamoru were not together was on Sunday afternoons. That was Haruka and Ayako personal time, to watch the plays on TV together. Mamoru didn´t understand why his best freiend was so hooked, so mesmerized by the TV.
That was pretty much the only time he was alone, so he took that free time to work on his summer reading. Mamoru couldn't really understand the fantasy world Haruka was locked in during Sunday afternoons. To be honest, he thought people singing and dancing on stage was a little dumb.
Hiroaki even told him men didn't watch those kind of plays and Haruka was always fighting him, because she thought it was something that everyone should see. Those shows were one of the few connections with her grandmother she had, so she thought it was important enough for other people to watch, and see how complex the screenplays were. Even if she didn't entirely understand it at least now she knew that only women were allowed to perfom, not men and women like she first believed.
Mamoru didn't really understand Haruka's passion about the Revue. And yet, he thought that was the best summer of his life. Simply because he could feel in his bones that he would be friends with this girl forever. He didn't care the fact they're only eight years old.
And he wouldn't feel alone ever again.
On the day that Haruka celebrated her 10th birthday, she received an unexpected gift from her grandmother. Ayako had called earlier in the previous week, saying that the two of them would spend the 27th together. The girl couldn't wait, it was so rare her grandmother getting out of town where she lived, to visit her in Nagano. Haruka had been so excited to know that Grandma was coming, especially to spend the day with her, it was really something else.
But on her birthday, a date that was more than special, even more by visiting grandma. Ayako had kept quiet about what they would do and this had left Haruka so anxious that she had not slept well. After all, the summers in Hakui were the highlights of her year.
Haruka loved spending tine with her grandma, listening to her stories, about her youth and the first years of marriage. Her favortite was about her grandpa Hideyuki took Ayako to Takarazuka.
As Haruka grew older, she learned more about the Revue and their amazing actresses. Haruka was fascinated by otokoyakus, actresses responsible for bringing to life the male roles. The otokoyakus were very popular, they represented the perfect men.
When the bell rang, the girl ran to answer. Tenou Ayako was a small, thin woman with blond hair starting to gray, stuck in a high bun. She wore her purple-framed glasses that matched her brown eyes. Wearing a black pencil skirt that reached below the knees, a white blouse and a red cardigan, she looked a little older than she really was. Haruka had never seen her grandmother wear clothes so serious before and she got worried for a second. But Ayako grinned and opened her arms.
"I spent the last couple hours on the train. Can I have a hug from the birthday girl?" she said.
The girl jumped into her grandmother's arms, smiling.
"Haruka! Let your grandmother in!" Rina yelled from the kitchen where she was busy frosting Haruka's birthday cake.
"Rina, you don't need to worry, I´m planning to take the birthday girl for a ride," Ayako said, still by the door. She didn't use to visit her son. However, she had a big surprise for her only granddaughter and she couldn't wait to see her face. "Why don't you go change, Haruka? Our train leaves in 40 minutes."
Ayako smiled at her granddaughter running back to her room. Despite her height, Haruka was nothing more than a sweet child. She was always with a smile on her face, happy with everything she did. At school, she was popular and adored by her classmates and teachers.
Haruka said goodbye to her baby ballet lessons, for age 4 to 6 students and started her children's classes. She was a rising star, her ballet instructors were so proud of her talent and how they helped her develop her gift. All of them were unanimous about one thing: Haruka not following a dance career would be a terrible loss.
Haruka loved every second of her ballet classes. In ballet, she felt like she could express herself and be just who she really was. And there's nothing better then let her body move.
She had two passions in life. One was ballet and the other one running. And she ran like the wind. Her mother, in a playful mode, was always saying her daughter learned to run before learning to walk. She also loved to play the piano, but Haruka was a very physical child, the piano was too static for someone who could not sit still.
"Mother? Why don't you come inside? I'll make you some tea. " Rina said, still not understanding why her mother in law was just standing there. She couldn't remember the last time she saw Ayako in such classy clothes.
"I hope you don't mind me taking Haruka out today. But I assure you it's a good surprise and I know for sure she will love it. "
Rina smiled. Ayako spent the last 3 hours in a train, just to be with her granddaughter on her birthday. The boys were out, Hiroaki was spending the day studying with his brother at the library, getting ready for high school entrance exams and Hideo was working at the hospital, as usual. She would ask him to start taking easy, working less hours, maybe even moving to Hakui one day and taking over his father's clinic. Specially now, that the kids were growing up...
It was her youngest child's birthday; Rina was trying really hard to stop that 'I'm getting old' feeling that she had. Haruka was growing into a fine young lady. Maybe a little tomboish, but how couldn't she not be? Always surrounded by men, it was just natural. That's one of the main reasons Rina was so adamant of her daughter doing ballet classes.
In a record time, the girl was ready, her long blond hair in the usual ponytail, she hated her hair being so long, but she also knew how much her mother loved her hair. If it was up to her, she would have short hair by now.
Haruka didn't have a lot of fancy clothes. She knew her grandmother was taking her to a special place, cause she never saw Ayako wearing clothes like that before. Her grandmother was more of a kimono lady, but coming all the way from Hakui wearing a kimono wouldn't be practical. So, with that in mind, Haruka decided to wear a cute green dress her father bought her last Christmas. She was Hideo's little princess and even not being all girly, he liked to buy her dresses. Haruka tried to tell him she was not a dress kind of girl, but she realized, at an early age, it wouldn't kill her to do that for him.
So, she wore her pretty girly cute green dress, and got her black doll shoes. Those shoes weren't comfortable, but they were perfect with the dress. In 20 minutes, the young girl stood in front of her grandmother, excited about their mysterious trip. Ayako looked at her, feeling proud of her only granddaughter. She waved her goodbyes to Rina and Haruka kissed her mother's cheek.
"Have fun, you two. Cake will be here when you come back, "she said, while Haruka was putting in her dolly shoes. "I'll have Haruka's room ready for you, mother. This way you will be able to rest," Rina finished.
"Let's go Haruka. We don't wanna be late, right?"
And off they were, to this new surprise adventure.
It took them 3 hours in a tedious train to get to their destination. Being an active child, Haruka was bored in no time. Ayako, already knowing how to deal with this, stated to tell some old stories about her college days, and how she took this very same train to go to Tokyo and have fun with her friends.
And as usual, Haruka listened to her grandmother's stories with real interest. The only time they had together was during the summer. The birthday girl still didn't know where Ayako was taking her, but their destination didn't really matter now. They talked a lot, Haruka talking about her latest ballet recitals, and how boring school was. She wasn't a bad student, but, unlike her older brother, Haruka wasn't a big fan of school. She was well liked by her classmates and teachers, the fastest girl in gym class, but she would give up school in no time.
"If you don't like school, what are you planning to do in the future, Haruka?" Ayako asked, looking at the window, they were really close now.
"I don't know, grandma... I think I'll like school later, just like Hide-nichan, " That was the first time she admitted her general dislike about school and all, and that made her feel a little embarrassed. Her father and grandfather were doctors, her mother was a teacher. She should be, at least, a little excited about learning.
"You're still really young, dear. You'll find out soon... Just don't worry about it now. Or today." Ayako kissed her granddaughter's forehead, feeling the train stop. The older woman took a deep breath and got up, taking the girl by her hand. This is it. She hoped this trip had the same effect on Haruka that the one she made when she was Haruka's age, to her aunt's place, so many decades ago. Even today, Ayako couldn't forget how amazed she felt back then.
Tokyo was a huge city. Nagano was practically a small village next to how enormous the capital was. With almost 20 million people, Tokyo was a huge, modern, never sleeping organism. With tall buildings and people always running around, even not being late but always busy, it was beautiful in its weird, messy cacophony.
Haruka was extatic when they left the station. She never saw Tokyo outside the TV, it was a whole new world for a 10 year old. Who could think a place like this was just a few hours away?
Ayako was smiling when she called her granddaughter's name. She was once like this, amazed by the big city, but Haruka, even in her young age, already had something that Ayako didn't.
Braveness.
Looking at the child, Ayako saw anything but fear. She already knew Haruka was a courageous girl, and she felt pride of her, so young and so not scared of the big city. For someone who was born and raised in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, a place like Tokyo could be scary. But Haruka was so excited, like she always was.
Ayako called her granddaughter's attention and took her by the hand. Tokyo was a big place and she didn't want to lose her. They called a cab, Ayako telling the driver where to go. Haruka was so amazed by everything she was seeing, the buildings, the people. Oh the people! Everyone was so different! Even for a Saturday, anywhere she looked she could see someone doing something. And Ayako was contagied by this happiness.
"What are we doing here, Grandma?" The child asked after a few minutes. It was the middle of the day and yet, everything was so bright. She didn't have any clue to where Ayako was taking her.
"You will see, child."
The ride was considerably short. The traffic wasn't that bad for a Saturday and they arrived at their destination in no time. Haruka saw many people gathering in front of a beautiful building, some of them were wearing matching colorful jackets. Most of them were women, who were smiling and talking quietly to each other. Ayako let Haruka look around and realize where they were. Curious about what was happening, Haruka looked around. She was the only kid there, she saw teenagers, young women and middle-aged ladies, all waiting patiently in line.
Wait. This couldn't be truth. Her grandmother couldn't have done this to her. Haruka looked up and saw, in graceful letters, the name of the building.
Takarazuka Tokyo Theater.
"I used to come here all the time when I was young, before the rebuild. It's a beautiful place, brings me so many memories," The older woman said, taking the tickets out of her purse. That was the first time Ayako saw Haruka speechless. She knew the girl liked to watch the plays with her, during the time they spent together in the summer, but she had no idea Haruka would react like this. She had this idea, of taking Haruka to watch her first live performance a couple of years ago, but only now her granddaughter was old enough. She felt like crying, watching the girl so flabbergasted by the sight of the theater.
She felt that exatcly same way, when she stood at that same spot, more than 40 years ago. The exilirating feeling, of being part of something so beautiful, it was a pure dream. And she knew Haruka couldn't believe they were there.
"Are we going to watch a play? I mean, we're going to watch a live play? With people? We're going to watch the Revue? Live?" Haruka was so excited she was talking really fast. Ayako just kept smiling, knowing she did something good. She gave the tickets to Haruka, seeing her granddaughter trying to read. Some kanji were a little complicated for her, but she didn't care.
She was going to watch a play in a Takarazuka theater for the first time in her life. Nothing else mattered.
Ayako and Haruka were walking back to the station, to catch the train back to Nagano. By the older woman's calculations, they would be home just in time for a late dinner. Probably they would have Haruka's birthday cake tomorrow morning, before Ayako needed to go back to Hakui.
Haruka was surprisingly quiet during their trip back to Nagano. Ayako thought she was tired, they had a really long day, with travels and the play. The Revue tickets were a little expensive, and Ayako made sure to get the best ones she could find. After all, it was a speciall occasion and Haruka deserved the best.
"If you liked this theater, we should go to the grand theater, next year," Ayako said, trying to capture her granddaughter's attention. She was trying to not being worried by Haruka's silence. She was just tired. That's all.
Ayako knew that a tiny possibility of Haruka hating her gift and not telling her existed. Of course, after all, Haruka was a honest child, and maybe she was afraid of hurting her grandmother's feelings. The girl knew how important being there meant to her. Ayako felt silly now.
"Grandma..."
Haruka broke the silence, ignoring Ayako's statement. She raised her eyes, looking at the woman in front of her. She was so grateful for what Ayako did for her, for this special day.
For basically changing her life.
Again.
"What is it, Haruka?"
"I wanna... " Haruka started, her voice so low, like she was uncertain or even scared. She was celebrating her 10th birthday. Her brother made this same decision when he was younger than she was.
This was right.
"What do I need to do to be on that stage? 'Cause… That's what I want to do. I want to be there, I want to be in Takarazuka. And one day you'll watch me in the Grand Theater!"
Again, then young girl was excited again . She was just gathering her thoughts to explain to Ayako her feelings.
"Really? If you're serious about this, I'll talk to your father about it."
"I am! I wanna be an actress! Just like those we just saw! Just like those we watch every Sunday!"
The old woman closed her eyes and smiled, happy for treating herself a trip to Tokyo, like she did when she was just a student, all those years ago. And now, she would have the most amazing reason to ensure the rides again...
TBC.