Man, what a day! I swear, Kushimoto is wild. I’m just a charcoal burner, right? But today? Phew, it was like a rollercoaster.
So, I wake up early, like, way too early. The sun was barely peeking over the hills. I’m thinking, “Great, another day of burning wood.” But then I remember, I gotta hit up the market on Koshino-cho. Gotta get some supplies, ya know?
I stroll down the streets, and it’s all quiet. Just me and the sound of my flip-flops slapping against the pavement. I pass by the Kushimoto Fish Market. Man, the smell hits ya like a brick! But I love it. Fresh fish everywhere. I’m talking tuna, mackerel, you name it. Makes me hungry just thinking about it.
So, I grab some fish for dinner. I’m feeling good, right? But then, bam! I trip over a loose stone on the sidewalk. Like, seriously? Who leaves stones lying around? I’m cursing under my breath, but then I see this old lady, Mrs. Tanaka, and she’s laughing at me. I can’t help but laugh too. She’s like, “You okay, young man?” I’m like, “Yeah, just practicing my acrobatics!”
After that, I head to the charcoal pit. It’s on the outskirts, near the coast. The view is sick! You can see the waves crashing against the rocks. I love that spot. But today, it’s super windy. I’m trying to light the fire, and the wind’s like, “Nah, not today, buddy.” I’m getting frustrated. I’m yelling at the fire like it’s a person. “Come on, burn already!”
Finally, I get it going. But then, outta nowhere, this seagull swoops down and snatches my lunch! I’m standing there, mouth agape, like, “Did that just happen?” I’m chasing this bird down the beach, flapping my arms like a madman. People are staring. I’m like, “Yeah, just a normal day in Kushimoto!”
After that fiasco, I’m finally back to work. The charcoal’s starting to smell good. I’m in my zone, you know? But then, I hear this loud noise. It’s a bunch of kids playing soccer on the street. They’re kicking the ball around, laughing, having a blast. I can’t help but smile. Reminds me of when I was a kid.
But then, one of the kids kicks the ball too hard, and it comes flying right at me! I duck just in time. I’m like, “Whoa, that was close!” The kids are all laughing, and I’m pretending to be mad. “You little rascals!” But inside, I’m just happy to see them having fun.
As the sun starts to set, the sky turns this crazy orange color. I take a moment to just breathe it all in. Kushimoto is beautiful, man. The ocean, the hills, the people. It’s chaotic, but it’s home.
I finish up my work, and I’m exhausted. I head back to the market to grab some dinner. I’m thinking about that fish I bought earlier. But guess what? They’re out of it! I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” So, I settle for some ramen instead. Not bad, but it’s no fresh fish.
On my way home, I pass by the Kushimoto Shrine. It’s all lit up, and there’s this peaceful vibe. I stop for a sec, just to soak it all in. I think about how crazy today was. From tripping over stones to chasing seagulls, it’s been a wild ride.
I finally get home, and I’m beat. But I can’t help but smile. Kushimoto, you crazy little town, you’ve done it again. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!