The Balloon Page #2

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add up on a calculator.

Shall we bet on which way

the balloon is going to move?

That's no fun.

That's odd, it's coming this way.

Stop looking at the balloon.

Look at me!

You look positively radiant tonight,

Mikiko.

Is that what you want me to say?

Don't you like me anymore?

Just the opposite.

That's why I'm helping you.

Thank you so much.

But I don't think that guy

will be my chance.

He's young and good looking,

is he not?

A bit.

You'd not be unhappy

walking down the street with him.

What about the girl he was with?

Not his wife.

I don't want to do anything sinful.

Sinful? The act of living

is a sin in itself.

Are you such a weak woman?

- You're making fun of me.

- Shall I stop?

I believe you said his name was

Keikichi Murakami.

So you remembered, after all.

You're bad, dear.

And, what would you have me do?

What would the balloon do?

Well thank you for your custom.

I will see you tonight, in Gion.

Please take care.

CAMERA NO MUTSUMIDO

Welcome.

Your S3 model has been selling fast,

Mr. Murakami.

We had them out on display.

Now there's only one left.

How about that!

That's good to hear. Thank you.

Have a seat.

By the way, this question

may sound a bit odd.

That woman in the photo you

have in your window...

Oh, that. I took it.

I took some nude shots

of the same model.

- Would you like to see?

- Nudes?

What do you think?

She's got a lovely body.

She came looking for work.

The model, do you know

where she's from?

I'm not really sure.

Sachiko.

What was it

that model said to you?

She said she was helping out

at a bar called Osome.

She did?

Shall we stop by

on the way back from the party?

How about it?

Lovely to see you again. It's been a while!

You've got a girl who does

modeling work here I think.

- You mean Rui?

- Is she here tonight?

Ruiko, you say? So it is her.

From Nishijin?

Yes, that's right. She's taken the night

off. Something about her brother she said.

Why do you want to know?

It's not important.

Anyway, please enjoy yourselves.

Do you know the model then?

Not exactly...

She's the daughter of a family who were

very kind to me 8 years or so back.

You lived in Kyoto?

Yes, it was immediately after the war.

I had a factory which made

parts for submarines.

I was removed (probably by occupation

forces) and I was sent off.

I came to Kyoto alone.

I see.

I left my family in Tokyo and advised

my factory start make frying pans!

It was almost like being in exile.

Her family rented me a room.

It was near Ogawagashira in Nishijin.

An old weaving house at the end of an alley

with a tiny shrine and a statue of Jizo.

I was going to Daitokuji

Temple to meditate every day.

Not really trying to getting

anything out of it...

I was deep in despair but

the discipline helped.

Looking back on it now, it

was probably good for me.

Mr Aso. Are you at home?

Please come this way.

- Thank you.

- This way.

It's nasty weather!

Please come in and get out of the rain.

You're very kind.

You had some business with Mr Aso?

Yes, I used to rent the upstairs

room - quite a while ago.

The second floor just opposite here.

Yes, I remember. But you

have really changed!

So you remember me?

- You used to go to Daitokuji Temple.

- Many years ago.

Speaking of old we've been here

doing gold leaf work 50 years!

Now I'm just an old guy and

if I laugh I drop stuff!

But this job has fed and

clothed us right through.

I sometimes think it's

too good for us though!

I think she's back.

Rui?

It's me. From Tokyo.

Mr. Murakami!

You haven't changed a bit.

- Here you are.

- Thank you.

You're alone? Where are your parents?

Both dead.

Dead? Really?

Mother 4 years ago. Dad just recently.

I see. I didn't know.

So it's just you and your little brother.

We were always poor.

It would've been the same

even if they were still here.

If I'd known,

I would have brought flowers

or some incense to offer.

Mr. Murakami, you've become

quite distinguished!

How so?

Ah, my hair's gone all white you mean!

Let's call it 'romantic gray'!

You were still in school when I was here.

How old are you now?

24. They call me 'obachan' now.

What happened to the upper

room I used to rent?

Tatsujiro uses it.

- I'd like to see it.

- It's pretty messy, though.

Is He still at School?

Yes, he's working part time

and at Gakugei University.

Good for him.

He was demonstrating

yesterday and got detained.

- Any problem?

- No, it was fine.

I had to take time off work to go to

the police station to collect him!

You work in a bar in Kiyamachi, don't you?

Yes but how do you know...

I went there last night.

...

The camera shop guy in

Shijou showed me your photo.

That's not nice...

Mr. Murakami I... I modeled nude.

Do you think that's wrong?

I don't think a girl

like you should do that.

I don't agree.

It's embarrassing as a woman maybe...

But taking my clothes off...

I only show the outer me.

That's different to the me that's inside!

In any case, that's finished.

I managed to pay off Tatsujiro's

university fee arrears.

I'm going to stop modeling now.

You're really going to stop?

I can't keep doing it.

I'll rent this room out...

We can probably make it through

until my brother graduates.

I'd like to rent it

and meditate at Daitokuji again.

If I could only find the time.

I'm home.

Welcome back.

On the way back I dropped in to

Iwakura's (he was arrested with me)

I brought some of those potatoes you like.

I see! Thank you.

Tatsujiro, here's an unusual sight...

A very rare visitor.

OK hang on. I just want to take a few

of these over to the people opposite.

I've got something for you.

Keikichi, I'm going out.

Have fun.

- What are you doing today?

- Probably going out.

I see. Don't be too late.

Tamako, you mustn't go out

today.

You must take your temperature

again at lunchtime.

Special delivery.

Who is Mikki?

Rika, tidy these away for me.

Make sure you wipe the gloves.

It's a woman's handwriting.

MUSIC AND FASHION

It says "Music and Fashion".

Looks like a fashion show and

a singing show combined.

Some modern idea?

It's today!

Will you go?

I don't think so.

It's been a while since we last

stayed home on a Sunday like this.

Silly! That's the teacup lid.

I did that flower arrangement.

Do you like it?

It's called "Fantasia."

There's one in your room, too.

Smells good, doesn't it?

- Will you play cards?

- With you?

I'll get them from my room.

Hello? Yes, Yes, that's right.

Hello Kumiko.

Tamako, about the other day...

You want my brother, right? Just a moment.

- Keikichi.

- Is it for me?

It seems you have been waiting for a call.

Hello? Yes, it's me.

I don't like you calling me at home.

What can I do?

You never come to the bar.

Will you come today?

No. I'm going out in just a moment.

You promised not to be a burden.

Well, come afterwards,

even if it's just for a bit.

I don't know if I can.

In any case, don't call me here. Goodbye.

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