This is a literary psychological fiction story I’m developing and figuring out where it takes me. Here’s part 1, part 2 and part 3, if you missed them.
It’s been a ride, making Jacob believe I’m clueless, and pretty much everyone around me. My friends don’t know, my family couldn’t believe me even if I told them. So nobody knows, I thought.
Until I realized Jacob does.
Maybe I knew he did, I just didn’t want to say it out loud.
I know you want to know, but it’d just be too easy to lay it out for you like that, in one sentence.
And too boring.
I’d rather let you get a clue and give you the breadcrumbs as I go.
Now you probably think I’m a spy, cause what else, right?
Maybe, maybe not.
So…
Palm Springs? I don’t think so. I’m not running away anymore.
I want to tell you about something that happened to me in the summer of 2018.
I took a sabbatical and went to Tokyo. I had been mentally preparing for this for a couple of years. So I packed a backpack with all my necessities. I was completely aware I’d be going to thrift shops and buying clothes, so I didn’t bother. I had some money aside, and this was their cue to go out the window.
This trip meant more to me than I could’ve imagined. It was something I had to do alone, on my own terms. Something I needed.
It’s fascinating to arrive in a new city and not know anything. Not even the language. I had booked a guide through Airbnb because I knew I needed some tips to learn how to get around the city.
So this was what a great Thursday looked like.
Asahi waited for me at the airport with a whiteboard that read M I A. He was tall and handsome, gifted with tons of black hair, arranged in a messy fashion. His clothing style was super casual, I would say very Instagrammable. I waved and soon found out he made jokes, and we got along perfectly. First thing we went to grab some well-done sushi.
And man, it was well done. The most incredible sushi I have ever had in my life. I felt like I needed some time for myself after we finished, but I was too embarrassed to tell him that. I just went to the bathroom and sat down with my forehead tilted and my palms held together near it. I thanked the stars for this opportunity, then went out for dessert.
I love Japanese cuisine, culture and lifestyle. Tokyo, there I was. Taking all that pollution in, without caring, because the food and the thrift shops and the LED signs at night were something to live for.
The guide went out with me for a full week, and after that, I was on my own. He told me about the areas I shouldn’t go to, about a couple of restaurants that I should never go into, as they belonged to the Yakuza.
In between our walks to see the most important tourist attractions, we had some very soothing afternoons, where we’d go to a lounge near my hotel with calming music, where they would serve us a few onigiris on the house. They had a very good coffee and tea selection. Also, great mocktails. We sat one time for hours and talked.
It was then when he told me a dubious story about a fox that was trapped in a barn and couldn’t get out. She was crying for help, scratching with her paws the wooden barn doors, but no one came to open it. He said a little boy caught her there one day, looking into some pile of boxes, making a mess. And then, it closed the doors on it, never coming back. It was very cruel, the guide said. I believe no matter the age, you should never do that to a poor fox. She must have been simply curious about finding a new place and getting out of a boring day.
– Have you ever done anything crazy just to get out of a boring day? — he asked while sipping on his warm ginger tea.
– Aaaah…I don’t remember. Maybe I had. Mostly, I go for a run in a new place when I get bored. I don’t know what else to do.
– I see. Running is good. When I run and then come home, I can lie on the couch for hours without feeling like I should get up. It’s a very nice feeling.
– That is absolutely right. I do that too. Or scroll my phone.
– Ohhh — he laughed — ohh yes. You could do it without even thinking for hours.
– That’s right. A bad habit.
– Bad or good, I like doing things that can keep me intrigued for so long. Sometimes I search weird stories like the one I told you, about the fox. It makes my day more interesting, so it’s no longer a normal day; it’s the day I found out about the fox.
– Ahaa, I know exactly what you mean. I’m a journalist and I my job is to seek good stories too.
– Oh right! I knew I had missed something about you. When I saw your Airbnb profile, I saw you had written that in your bio.
– Yeah, just in case I get around any weirdos, it’s a safety net for me. Like.. careful, don’t mess around, I’m a journalist, and I might make a story about you.
– Hahahaha, right! It’s a smart move.
– Right?
– Oh yes. But I don’t know one guide on Airbnb who doesn’t take their job seriously. And I know a lot of people in this business. Sometimes we get together at a bar, and talk about all the weird stories people tell us, at ease for hours. We have beers and some crackers with cheese. And we have a blast.
– People tell weird stories, huh?
– Oh, you have no idea.
– You would think tourists should be more silent, because they’re in a new place and all. That the guide does most of the talking.
– Yes, usually. But there are people who love talking. And the things they say…
– What’s the weirdest story you’ve ever heard?
– Ohhh — he giggled — let me think…there was one guy in his forties, who told me that he liked keeping his house flip flops in the freezer, during summer. That he loved waking up and feeling that cold sensation on his feet, and that once you feel how good that feels, you will forever be the guy who puts his flip flops in the freezer.
– No!
– Yes — he shook his head in approval, laughing.
– Are you in the fashion industry?
– Me?? Ohh no, why?
– I gathered by the way you dress, I believe you have style.
– Thank you, I try my best, and I love thrift shops as well.
We both smiled and sipped our teas. I felt my muscles unwinding after a long day, and my feet burning and pulsating from all the walking. It was a well-deserved rest.
I stretched my hands and back while saying — I like feeling my body this tired. I know I’ll sleep like a baby.
– Yes, me too. It’s one of the main reasons I have this part-time job. It’s an opportunity for me to work out and socialize. I don’t walk around the city so much on my own.
– Why not?
– I don’t know, I guess… I feel quite lonely, and I prefer running when I feel like that. Walking just reminds me that someone should be there walking beside me.
I nodded and smiled.
– That’s nice of you to share. If you feel like my questions are too intrusive, feel free to say so. I am a curious person, and sometimes I don’t realize what I ask of people.
– It’s alright, he said, returning the smile. — I get way more inappropriate questions than this.
– Is that so?
– Of course.
– From women?
– Yes, mostly.
– Haha! You are easy to talk to. It must be why.
– So are you, Mia. And I am not just saying that.
I smiled widely and truly felt like I was talking to a great person. I may be one to judge too quickly, based on my gut feeling.
– Well, I’d like to get your number if that’s ok with you, and meet up whenever. I am here for a full year with no friends.
– Yes, I would have given it to you anyway, whether you’d asked or not — then he giggled.
– That makes me feel better — and then he told me to unlock my phone and put his phone over mine, and his number popped up on my screen.
– Thanks!
– Welcome — said while crossing his hand through his hair, slightly tilting his hair on one side. — It’s our last day. So what are you doing tomorrow night? I will let you sleep today, I know you’re beat.
– My calendar is free, I smiled widely.
– Then you’re coming with me and a few friends at karaoke?
– Karaoke? Sure. Let’s do it.
He smiled widely — Wonderful.
Then he excused himself and went out to make a call. He said there will be no need to pay as he knows the owner here and it’s quite ok. “Just leave it on me,” he said. I thanked and grabbed my phone, getting ready for some scrolling to pass time.
That’s when I saw an article from the magazine I work for, headlining “How to master small talk and make friends easily.” I skipped and opened a new publication I was following. There were a few stories waiting there that I had saved the other days.
It was a regular Friday in Tokyo on my own (oh my GOD), I opened the hotel lobby door, and the hot air threw me off my game. I had to go inside and ask for a bottle of water.
– Are you sure you want to go out today, Miss? If you want, I tell you a really special place where is colder. Inside, you know? Away from sun.
– Yes — I smiled — I’m sure I can handle it.
– Ok ok, if you change your mind, here is a number to call and driver come pick you up, ok?
– Okay, thank you, arigato.
The lady with the chestnut hair nodded, with her head tilted on one side, and smiled politely. She seemed to be around 35. Everyone in this hotel was so careful with me, and it blew my mind. It wasn’t a 5-star hotel, so I was stunned by their behaviour.
I went down at a metro station in Shibuya, close to the area where the most thrift shops are. My mellow feet were dragging around the racks, trying to find clothes for tomorrow. There was so much cool stuff. Brands that I love, vintage shit and accessories by the kilo. There was a flea market full of tables where you could pick whatever. It was harder than I thought because first of all, the heat was unbearable, the sweat was sliding down my neck and forehead continuously, and because it was all there. You couldn’t distinguish so much of it.
Just when I took a couple of rings in my hand to watch more closely, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I looked, and the caller was an unknown number with a Japanese prefix. I ignored it and put it back in my hot pocket.
The phone was hot, my jeans and skin were hot too. Everything was steaming.
As I went into another shop and felt the cool air conditioning ice my wet back and the tee glued to it, I thought I needed a break. I checked my phone for coffee shops nearby or restaurants.
The lady from the shop asked if I was ok, and offered a glass of water. I took it out of courtesy and made a little small talk. She wasn’t from Tokyo, moved in just recently, and she loved it. She said thrift shops can be exhausting, and laughed. We both did.
I didn’t say I’m here alone, as the guide has absolutely prohibited me from saying that to anyone. I probably seemed all flushed or too pale. Sometimes I worry too much about what people think about me when they see me. I don’t know why. I found a cute sushi restaurant nearby and went there right away.
While I was walking, the same number called again, and this time I answered it, thinking it might be from my hotel. I didn’t know Japanese anyway, so if someone started talking words I wouldn’t know, I would just hang up.
– Hello?
– Hi, this is your driver speaking. I uhh, I was instructed by the hotel to keep close, so please tell me where you are, and I’ll find something to do around that area. Hope it’s no trouble for you, I mean, I don’t want to intrude, you won’t even see me until the moment you want to leave.
He wasn’t Japanese, I could tell that much. He spoke perfect American English.
– Ohh…aaahh…yeah, that’s interesting to know. Aaahmm, I didn’t expect this. Really?? Like…gosh to what do I owe this treatment?
– Yeaaah, yea, it’s on the house. Comes with your booking, you know. Just doing my job.
– Yeaah, ok ok. But still.. The lady from the reception gave me a number and told me to call it if I needed it; she definitely didn’t tell me about this itinerary of yours. Uhm..would you mind if I put you on hold while I check this? Thanks
So I grabbed that piece of paper, thrown in my tote bag, and there it was. The numbers didn’t match. I felt a nod in my stomach, and I pushed the hold button and watched as it turned from blue back to grey. I held it without knowing what to do, and then finally my voice came out.
– I checked it, and it’s a different number.
– Oh yeah, no, that was my old number. She probably didn’t get the email I sent last week. No worries, really, just tell me where you are, and I’ll be right there.
I didn’t know what to do, so I hung up and I blocked the number. Then I tried calling the number she gave me, but no one answered. I kept walking until I arrived at the sushi place. My whole mood changed; I was now vigilant, and my appetite was gone. I told the waiter to surprise me between 3 sushi packs I was indecisive about.
My phone rang, I checked the number on the paper, and it was the number that the receptionist gave me. Thank God.
– Yes? The receptionist gave me your number.
– Yes, miss. I know. Mia right? Do you need me to pick you up?
It was a different voice from the other phone number. I freaked out.
– Listen..A number just called just earlier and told me that he was my driver. And asked me where I was. What was that?? I’m a bit scared.
There was a short pause.
– I don’t know, it wasn’t me. I’m coming to pick you up right now, don’t move and don’t tell me where you are. Just send me your location.
I did, and then I hung up. I gulped down 3 pieces of sushi when my phone rang with this time the saved number of “hotel driver”. — I am outside, come when you finish, Miss.
– Should I come right away, or do I have time to finish my meal?
– Ok, you can finish, I’ll come in.
Incoming a big package of a man, looking like a security guard more than a driver. It was then clear to me this was no regular driver, although he had some wires in his ear and driver suit attire.
I felt goosebumps down my spine.
– Hello, miss. I am your Shin Park Hotel driver, Toru. Nice to meet you.
– Mia — I stretched my hand like it was a piece of dead veal, and my voice sounded like a scared teenager. God. I need more self-control.
–Mia, don’t be scared. I have everything under control, we’re going back to the hotel together from here. He talked in a cool and composed tone.
– What’s going onn?? Are you going to tell me?
He sighed, looked around and then leaned closer.
– In the last couple of weeks, there were some terroristic attempts by the mafia, towards tourists, all around Tokyo. They call them with regular phone numbers, which they burn right after, and ask for their location. You just saved your own life by not telling him where you were.
I froze completely, and my hands went numb. I thought I was going to faint, and he noticed because he leaned his hand over mine and smiled calmly.
— There is no need to get scared now. That guy doesn’t know who you are or where you are. These are just blind phone calls they do.
– But…he sounded American — I managed to say while lifting my head and looking into his big brown eyes. His forehead was like a square, and he had a really hip haircut. Long and thick healthy black hair.
– Yes, we don’t know. I heard there are a few Americans with them. But I think it’s Japanese mafia that’s holding the strings. No other mafia would dare do this here.
– The…yakuza?
– Yes m’am.
– Oh god…..I thought this would be a relaxing vacation. I took a sabbatical year for this! I am planning to stay here the whole year. I have already spoken with someone who’ll rent an apartment for me. What am I going to do once I leave the hotel??
– I suggest you stay at the hotel for as long as you can, but also, they’re targeting tourists. So naturally, if your name won’t appear registered at the hotel, you will be off the hook.
– But how do they have access to my name and phone number?
– They hack the hotel’s systems.
– Oh gosh. And so there are missing people right now as we speak?
– Yes. 8 women and 3 men.
– Oh gosh!!! I gasped and looked down at the grey ceiling.
– Really well done, Mia. Drink some water and be happy. You’re safe.
He talked with a nonchalance that baffled me. As if it were a regular day for him. His low tone, almost whispered, like he’d smoked before coming here in his car, with his window down just two fingers. Enough for the smoke to get out and enough to be safe.
He did smell of smoke a little bit, mixed with a boozy, amberish scent lingering on him. He had something sweet, faintly. I couldn’t help but notice his hands were so hydrated, and his navy suit looked tailored. He didn’t look like he threw something on him, hurrying to come meet me.
Maybe he was waiting for my call, as the lady from the hotel told me, ‘call anytime you want’. That obviously means he needed to be ready if I said I needed a car.
– You’re not just a driver. I said a few moments later, when the silence was too much to bear, and I was struggling to grab another piece of my Red dragon sushi.
– What gave it away? He smiled.
– Your body. I said bluntly.
– He chuckled and looked ahead. He was still standing near me, on my right side, which was the side facing the door.
– The hotel hired a few of us, a few weeks ago, when the attempts started happening. They couldn’t risk that big of a lawsuit. Luckily, they couldn’t kidnap anyone from the hotel you’re staying. So they’re still under a safe umbrella.
– Us meaning…?
– Meaning high-level security guards, trained in multiple fighting practices. Ever heard of Krav Maga?
– Yes, of course. You know Krav Maga??
– I master it. Every agent goes through rough training.
– Really? Impressive.
I felt like a little girl looking at a giant man in front of me who knew stuff that I didn’t. Was that everything I needed to know? I had so many questions and fears now. It was really not how I planned to start my Tokyo vacation. But then again, I bet nobody wants this, and this stuff just happens to people. Whether you like it or not, you can get called by someone from the yakuza who asks you where you are.
So now I had to expand my stay at the hotel, hoping that this thing would blow off, and also I couldn’t bear the thought of being by myself in a residential area, where Toru won’t be there. That was my driver and guardian’s name.
I left the US feeling broke and came to Tokyo, where I have a guardian.
What a crazy world.
Toru came with me around the area. I wanted to walk some more in a beautiful park nearby that had cherry blossoms. While he had to make a few calls, and I was sitting on the bench, I got a message from Asahi.
Hi, Mia:) Still no plans for tonight?
Oh, hi:), I think you overestimate my ability to make friends.
I might, but that’s a good thing. I’ll pick you up from your hotel with a friend. Is 9 ok?
Perfect, I should be home by then.
Great, can’t wait to hear you sing!
Ohh that is still debatable. I may join you for the drinks and music only.
Then I sent the gif that hides in the bushes.
Okok no pressure, but I think you’ll like it.
I sent another GIF with a side eye.
He sent 3 laughing emojis.
I completely forgot about my terroristic attempt problem. I will ask Toru to come pick me up tonight whenever I want to go home, I thought. Or maybe Asahi will take me.
Part 5 coming soon.
