he guided his bike into the space beside the small shop and leaned it against the wall.

"welcome!"

he shivered slightly. "hello. it's cold today."

"indeed it is," the elderly lady, mrs nakamura smiled, her eyes disappearing into her wrinkles. "the usual?"

"yeah. thanks."

'to Fran's friend, i know you will bounce back soon.'

the radio was on. and seamo's mata aimashou played.

"nice song isnt't it? but so melancholic," mrs nakamura commented as she handed him his buns.

he smiled. "how's your english lessons coming along?"

"oh, not bad. dana's programme certainly helps alot."

"maybe you should write in one day."

she laughed. it was a hearty laugh. "maybe."

she handed him his change. "maybe i will dedicate a song to you. to bless you till you reach home."

he bowed slightly. "i will thank you from my heart."

"goodbye," he said, raising the paper bag with the buns.

he continued on his way.

november 11. in the midst of autumn. his last autumn in tokyo. a month or so more, his last christmas in tokyo. and then the midnight flight back to munich on new year's eve.

he should reach munich just after midnight, munich time. on new year's day.

a brand new start.