Midori laughed as the snow i had thrown

hit her in the cheek

and fell to the ground.

we walked side by side

feet sinking into the snow

just like my heart was sinking further

each time we were together.

just like i was sinking further

sinking deep

in Midori’s sea.

she was all i could think about

all i could dream about

all i could talk about.

i was sinking further and further

and only further

as it got closer to the day she leaves.

Midori returned the gesture

slapping me in the arm with a ball of ice

that soaked moisture into my sleeve.

“まじで？*” i exclaimed

kicking up snow in front of us

so it sprayed onto her legs.

she gasped at the cold

but we both burst out laughing.

her house came into view

and i saw her aunt standing in the front doorway

waiting for us to fetch her.

then

we all walked together

home

to have dinner with papa.

[ *　まじで (majide): seriously, are you kidding me? ]