I finally got my driver’s license in the spring.

Since Shinkiba-san and Shinagawa-kun already had theirs,

I was the last at the agency to acquire mine.

While driving was convenient, it also came with a great responsibility,

one I hadn’t felt ready for.

However, this year, on a sunny day, 

I finally had someone I wanted to take on a drive.

It was a clear day at the airport when

Kureichirou-san spotted me.

Giving me a big wave, 

he slipped through the din of the crowd.

Kureichirou: “I’m sorry I kept you waiting!”

Hiiro: “Did you get lost?”

Kureichirou: “A little.”

He chuckled.

The summer bustling with visitors, comers, and goers.

With Kureichirou-san in the passenger seat, we began to drive along the coast.

Gulls glided in and out of the wind 

just beyond the open window.

…I had noticed this earlier, but for some reason,

Kureichirou-san was holding a large apple in his hand.

Hiiro: “Where did you get that apple?”

Kureichirou: “It was given to me at the airport.”

Hiiro: “Was there a specialty store?”

Kureichirou: “Not exactly… 

There was a man who dropped an armful of apples. 

When I helped pick them up, he gave me one as thanks.”

Hiiro: “What will you do with it?”

Kureichirou: “What will I do? Well, I was going to eat it…”

Hiiro: “But what if it’s poisoned?”

Kureichirou: “Ufufu, don’t be silly. It’s not like I’m ‘Snow White’.”

He split the apple with his bare hands and divided it into quarters.

Kureichirou: “Doesn’t it smell lovely?”

Hiiro: “...”

Kureichirou: “I appreciate your concern, but there’s no need to worry.

The apple seller was very kind to me.”

At the next stoplight, I took a piece.

For a poisoned apple, it was terribly fresh and juicy.

My suspicions disappeared with every bite.

Eventually, we left the sea behind and entered a mountainous road.

Steering with one hand, 

I folded the map Shinkiba-san had given me with the other…

Hiiro: “...I apologize for dragging you to a job as soon as you arrived.”

Kureichirou: “Oh no, I completely understand.

I’m just happy to be here.”

It was Shinkiba-san who had requested my services this time.

He wanted me to pick something up from a farmer in Ninomiya.

Even though I’d borrowed his car for the job, 

I hadn’t realized our destination was in the mountains.

The disparity between his crude map and the rugged terrain was astounding.

Hiiro: “It should be around here somewhere…”

Suddenly, the car jolted to a stop.

My body jerked forward.

The backwheel spun helplessly.

We were stuck in the mud.

As panic seized me, 

Kureichirou-san hopped out of the passenger seat,

and placed both hands on the back of the car.

Kureichirou: “I’ll push.”

Understanding his message, 

I pressed on the accelerator, 

and we freed the car together.

Hiiro: “Thank you.”

Kureichirou: “It’s no problem.”

True to his word, he smiled as if he’d done nothing at all.

Before long, the woods began to clear,

giving way to row upon row of fields.

Cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes.

The verdant produce grew in neat lines, 

casting distinct shadows on the ground.

We were so high up

 that it almost felt like we could brush the clouds.

A single-story house overlooked the plantation.

Beside it was an enormous tree, 

its branches heavy with fruit.

They were bright yellow 

like freshly squeezed paint from a tube.

Getting out of the car, we went to find the owner.

Kureichirou-san spotted someone first 

and pointed towards the distance.

Kureichirou: “Is that who you’re looking for?”

There was a woman alone amidst the greenery.

She was hunched over, weeding the fields.

Then, all of a sudden, her elderly frame toppled over.

Kureichirou: “M- Ma’am!”

We carried the woman back to her house and checked her for injuries.

Thankfully, she didn’t seem to have any.

Farm Lady: “...My sons will be terribly cross with me. 

They’re always telling me not to work the fields alone.”

Kureichirou: “The important thing, however, is that you’re safe and sound.”

Farm Lady: “All thanks to you. 

I appreciate the two of you for coming to my aid. 

Although, might I ask, why are you here…?

Kureichirou: “We…”

Kureichirou-san faltered and looked at me for help.

We’ve finally arrived at the purpose of our visit.

Hiiro: “I am Shinkiba’s son.”

Farm Lady: “Ah, you’re the detective! 

Your father was of great help to us back in the day.”

Hiiro: “I believe he received something from you every year, so I’ve come to pick it up in his stead.”

Farm Lady: “Yes, yes, I give him a portion of my vegetables as a token of thanks. However…”

The woman’s gaze shifted towards the fields, 

and she dropped her head with a sigh.

Farm Lady: “My dear, how could we let this be…”

We were granted permission to take what we liked, 

and soon ventured into the fields.

I carried the basket 

while Kureichirou-san surveyed the vegetables.

Kureichirou: “It seems like everything is ripe and ready to harvest. 

We ought to take advantage of the situation and choose the best ones.”

He gradually began to fill the basket 

with produce in all shapes and sizes.

Kureichirou-san carefully plucked the vegetables with his gentle hands.

It was as if he was asking each one for permission before taking them away.

My fingers began to numb as the basket grew in weight.

Kureichirou-san worked with a smile 

until he finished his harvest with one last tomato.

Suddenly, the wind began to blow, drawing my attention towards the sky.

Hiiro: “What kind of tree is that?”

Kureichirou: “It’s a summer mikan.”

Hiiro: “Is it also ripe?”

Kureichirou: “No…”

For some reason, he hesitated to answer 

and the conversation drew to a sudden close.

We ate our lunch outside on the porch.

Rice balls, pickled radish, thick miso soup.

It was nothing special, yet my chopsticks hungrily moved on their own.

Farm Lady: “All the ingredients were sourced right here. 

They’re from a smaller field, but it grows quite a bit.”

Kureichirou: “Did you harvest everything yourself…?”

Farm Lady: “Oh no, my sons actually came by to help yesterday.”

Then, she looked at the summer mikan tree with a smile in her eyes.

Farm Lady: “Honestly, I wanted to give Shinkiba-san a couple of fruits from that tree as well. However, my husband raised it with such love that it’s grown far too large to harvest.”

Kureichirou: “If it’s alright with you, perhaps we could help.”

Farm Lady: “T- That would be lovely, but I wouldn’t want you to fall.”

Kureichirou-san stuffed a rice ball into his mouth.

Taking in his hearty grin and wide stature, 

the woman seemed to cast aside her fears.

The tree was massive up close.

Its leaves and branches practically touched the sky.

I held the step ladder steady as Kureichirou-san carefully ascended, 

using a pair of scissors to snip at its fruit-ladened boughs.

Plucking and peeling a mikan,

he tossed a segment down to us.

Together, we each brought the fruit to our lips.

Hiiro: “...”

Kureichirou: “...”

Farm Lady: “...It’s awfully sour.”

Sour.

And bitter.

Farm Lady: “Summer mikan are actually harvested in winter.

Throughout the summer months, we let them sit and ripen to their full sweet potential. 

I doubt anyone could eat this as is.”

Kureichirou: “I know a way!”

Suddenly filled with determination, 

Kureichirou-san began picking the fruits and piling them into his arms.

Their yellow hue reflected in his sparkling eyes. 

Kureichirou: “If we boil these in sugar, we could create a delicious marmalade! 

Would it be alright to harvest all of these?”

Stunned, the woman nodded without the slightest hesitation.

Kureichirou-san stepped off the ladder 

and moved deeper into the boughs of the tree.

I held onto the basket and circled the area beneath him.

Farm Lady: “...This tree was actually never meant for profit. 

My husband would always distribute its fruits to our workers. 

I didn’t think that’d be possible this year, 

but it seems things have changed thanks to the two of you.”

Once we filled a basket, I took it back to the woman’s kitchen.

There, we washed the fruits, peeled them, 

and boiled them in a pot with sugar.

A sweet scent permeated the room.

The bitterness had all but faded, 

leaving nothing behind but pleasant memories.

Before long, I returned to the garden to find Kureichirou-san with a second filled basket.

Kureichirou: “There are still more at the top, 

but I thought I’d leave those for the birds to enjoy."

Hiiro: “We have plenty as is.”

Kureichirou: “Before we go in… 

Would you like to come up here and pick some fruit too, Hiiro-sama?”

Hiiro: “I’m no good at climbing trees.”

Kureichirou: “Then I’ll help.”

He reached his hand out to me, 

and I felt myself drawn in by his smile.

Kureichirou-san’s palm was large and thick, 

yet soft as cotton.

His fingers were creased with deep lines, 

giving him a sturdy grip.

If I had that kind of strength,

there would be so much more I could do, so much more I could see.

As the thought occurred to me, 

I was filled with gratitude that Kureichirou-san was by my side.

With his borrowed strength, I easily ascended the tree.

As I pushed through the leaves and branches, 

the world came into view.

The base of Mount Fuji was obscured by the mountains of Tanzawa and Hakone.

Between Shonan and Odawara were the Soga Hills.

And in the distance, the Sagami Bay of my childhood.

I could see everything spread out before me at once.

There was probably no better place to catch the changing of the seasons 

than this singular mikan tree in the midst of Ninomiya.

As I plucked a mikan off its branch, 

sunlight poured down on me.

The sunset chased us as we sped along the coast.

Kureichirou-san held a jar of marmalade

up to the rearview mirror, 

observing the glow of the sun as it refracted through the glass.

Before long, I could hear the soft sound of his breathing as he fell asleep.

Cars truly were convenient.

I could feel the weight of newfound responsibility upon me.

By the time we got to Fujisawa, 

it was already night.

The light was on at the agency.

However, Kureichirou-san showed no indication of leaving the car.

Hiiro: “...Kureichirou-san?

Kureichirou: “I think I’ll stay here.”

Hiiro: “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

Kureichirou: “Is it the person I remind you of…?”

Hiiro: “I talk about you all the time, so he’s already familiar with you. 

There won’t be any need for formalities.”

Kureichirou-san lowered his head, 

and fiddled with the short sleeve of his polo shirt.

All his energy seemed to wither away.

Hiiro: “...I apologize. I didn’t mean to push this on you.”

Kureichirou: “No, it’s fine. I want to go in. 

It’s just… I’m not sure I’m brave enough.”

Suddenly, someone tapped on the window.

Startled, the two of us got out of the car.

Waiting for us outside was Shinkiba-san.

Shinkiba: “Welcome back, you two. I appreciate the help..”

Hiiro: “I’m sorry we’re so late.”

Shinkiba: “Did something happen? 

I heard the sound of the car outside, but nobody came in…”

Hiiro: “No, everything’s fine…”

I glanced at Kureichirou-san 

and saw he had straightened up in surprise.

Kureichirou: “You’re the apple seller from the airport…!?”

Shinkiba: “Oh? 

And you’re the kind gentleman who picked up all those apples for me.”

Hiiro: “...What are you up to?”

Shinkiba: “Nothing at all. It was merely a coincidence.”

Kureichirou: “I- It’s nice to meet you. 

M- M- My name is Funeno Kureichirou!”

Father: “It’s to meet you too. I’m Hiiro’s father.”

My father lived and worked at the detective agency.

However, it had been a while since I’d stepped foot into his living quarters.

At the familiar dinner table 

were the same two chairs we’ve always had, 

along with a third that wasn’t there before.

It was probably for Kureichirou-san.

My father scanned the basket of produce as if in search of something.

He must have been looking for…

Kureichirou: “This is for you, father.”

Father: “This is…”

Kureichirou: “Summer mikan marmalade. We made it from the fruit left on the tree.”

My father took the jar and held it up to the light.

Bits of mikan pulp bobbed in the liquid.

Father: “What a beautiful golden hue. 

A color that could only be achieved over time by the efforts of many.”

As he spoke, a nostalgic smile grew on his face.

Father: "Shall we have some for dinner?”

It was the 3rd day of Obon before I knew it.

The sun was already setting as our departure time arrived.

As we were leaving, my father handed us a paper bag.

Father: “A souvenir for Kureichirou-kun.”

It was a tin of Hato Saburou that must have held a flock of 50.

Wrapped with a thick ribbon, it was clearly meant as a gift.

Father: “Please share these with your family. I hope I’ll be able to meet them soon.”

Kureichirou: “M- My family is…”

Overwhelmed, Kureichirou-san trailed off.

The tin of Hato Saburou. Myself.

My father’s smile wasn’t just for Kureichirou-san.

When Kureichirou-san realized that, his eyes began to moisten,

 and he gripped the paper bag even tighter.

Kureichirou: “I’ll look forward to it…!”

Father: “As will I.”

Hiiro: “...Are you sure it’s alright for me to take the week off? Only I will be gone.”

Father: “Our tasks will start picking up from today.”

Hiiro: “Isn’t that all the more reason to stay?”

Father: “It’s a collaboration project with the police. There are about 5 to 6 suspects we’ll need to arrest.”

Hiiro: “...”

Father: “But you worry too much! Just go have fun!”

He pushed us forward

as if chasing us away.

Sitting down in the airplane, 

Kureichirou-san rubbed his fingers together anxiously.

Kureichirou: “...I still can’t believe the apple seller was your father. 

What a small world we live in.”

Hiiro: “He did it on purpose.”

Kureichirou: “!?”

Hiiro: “He planned everything from showing up at the airport to dropping the fruit.”

Kureichirou: “W- Was he testing me!?”’

Hiiro: “He probably wanted to meet you and realized there was a possibility you'd refuse a visit.”

Kureichirou: “I’m sorry…”

Hiiro: “Kureichirou-san. Thank you for making the effort.”

Kureichirou: “I didn’t do much… It was the two of you who gave me the courage.”

Kureichirou-san opened the tin of cookies on his lap and began counting the Hato Saburou.

Kureichirou: “These are for my father, my mother, and my little sister. 

Then, I’ll save these for the public officials, the fieldworkers, the neighbors…”

Hiiro: “It seems 50 won’t be enough for your entire family.”

Kureichirou-san’s eyes filled with tears 

as he lovingly named each Hato Saburou.

Outside, the setting sun glowed, 

shedding its light on a golden marmalade sky.