A phone call from Tokyo

She asked me what I had to offer: the unseen questions of human life, the things we have experienced, and the pain that has shaped us. From the hot summer months, I have learned to love the cool summer nights, especially sitting next to you by the fire while listening to the crackle and pop as our eyes follow the smoke up to the stars. I have always wished for more time at this moment. During the cold winter months, I have learned to appreciate the warmth of the human touch and frost-kissed mornings—the smell of roasted coffee. The shoulder you reveal invites me to kiss you as I gently hold you softly from behind; I wish the winter moments would freeze in time with every kiss. She knows love is not blinded. Love is not built from material things and words without meaning, but trust. Our shared experiences have woven a bond that transcends distance and time.

The emotional security of knowing she is supported when things are looking down; I'm here holding her head up, easing the thoughts of fear with honesty as I look into her eyes—the quiet strength in her posture as she lifts her head, dispelling fear with raw honesty. Our eyes meet, and in that shared vulnerability, a profound connection blooms. That lets her know I'm here when her heart needs me.

The soft ripple in her voice awakened the dormant magnetism within me; blood surged, and my fingertips tingled with anticipation. As my nail traced the spine of the maple leaf, I imagined touching her in the spirit, feeling the same anticipation I feel whenever I'm about to see her or feel her hand's inner lock with mine.

I know she's lying in bed, looking up at the ceiling, her feet probably propped against the wall as she allows her mind to be anywhere but here and there. Through the static of the call, I can almost feel the warmth of her breath; each sigh is a reminder of the connection we fiercely hold to despite the miles.

She's allowed my words to enter the space she made for us, like the mountain peak in the distance from the city, standing tall and steadfast against the backdrop of Tokyo's shimmering skyline. I'm picturing her dancing in the breeze and neon lights reflecting off the tranquil Sumida River, her cord values emphasizing the strength and stability of love.

She ponders in the quiet of our call, our souls entwined, bridging the gap across Tokyo's silhouette. As the question becomes clear, what do I have to offer?

I could say love; while "love" may seem obvious, she understands its transient nature. As a single mom who poured her heart into past relationships only to face disappointment, she seeks something more enduring.

Like a rock surrounded by trust, loyalty, love, happiness, and peace, the five cord treasures live in her sunset. Only a brave heart will wake up, waiting for her light to twinkle over the cityscape. Hand in hand, we wander through her garden. I listened carefully to learn the language of her love, and only then was I able to hold conversations with her heart and pierce the walls of her pain.

I could say passion, but even the fiercest flames can dwindle. I have lived long enough to know that passion needs nurturing. Neglect or complacency can starve it, leaving only embers. The side effect of passion without attention is the star that fades into the night sky—leaving only darkness to the point that your eyes cannot see the hands in front of you. The hands holding the kindling need a spark to start the flames, and both partners are committed to keeping the flame burning brightly. The reward is seeing the flames' light in your eyes, bathing in your smile. It is only my heart's desire.

I could say devotion, but time often tests its strength like a delicate thread—love that lacks devotion can fray under the weight of time. Love, once vibrant, sometimes fades, leaving echoes of what once was. The pause in her voice, the remembrance of her sigh, and the slight smile are whispered secrets shared between hearts. It's the room my heart wants to live in for the rest of my days.

What words do you say to touch two hearts that are in need? Words escape me while I look up and talk to myself, picturing the cherry blossoms on her lips. The soft smile that blooms behind them speaks to me without worrying about the day, showing me that she trusts me with the emotions she places within my hands.

She is the maple leaf that can easily crumble in hands that are not gentle. I know her heart has been through a lot, but still, she gently lay in my hands. As I listen carefully as she breathes and knocks on my door, my heart pauses as if I can smell the maple leaf breath through the phone; she blows her spirit inside the maple leaf as the sun touches the north tip like a compass directing my eyes to the beautiful open meadows.

The feeling of peace covers me, from the neon lights painting my skin and warm water cradling me, and clarity dawns. I breathe, and the words emerge—soft, inevitable, and long overdue.

I offer you peace and the promise to nurture our love with the care your heart deserves. I know there will be days without sunshine, we will have rain. So, the most important thing I can offer is me, and the thing you hide behind the cherry blossoms roses is your smile.

Your smile deepened and strengthened me, cutting the miles between us. It's a superpower you should never lose; it is the very making of you. So, what do I have to offer? It's the very thing that this world, the sun, the moon, and the people around you depend on

Your smile!

A phone call from Tokyo.