It was a gorgeous day, so bright and sunny that even Dread looked cheerful.
On that day, a street fair was to be held.
There would be music, live performances, antique shops vendor wagons with food from all over the world.
And of course, ice cream and hot dog stands.
"わー、 so many people."
"Go and look around, Charo. Enjoy yourself."
"Okay! Are you... coming?"
"I'll stay here. There's something I want to do."
"What's that?"
"Never mind. Now, go."
Charo began to wander on his own.
Everything was new to him.
Walking around, he found himself in front of a small charming tent.
It looked very inviting.
"わー、ちっちゃい家。"
Charo peeped in.
It was beautiful inside with many bright-colored cloths and shining accessories.
But the next moment, somebody picked him up.
"It's all right. There's no need to worry."
The voice sounded familiar.
He looked up at the person.
He knew her.
The baggy clothes she wore, her long nails.
Yes, it was the woman he had seen in his dream.
"あ！あのときの！"
"I was waiting for you, Charo."
The woman sat on her chair and put Charo on her lap.
Then she lit a lamp and burnt some purple flower petals.
Smoke rose.
The same smoke he had seen in his dream.
At the same time, a sweet smell surrounded Charo, making him sleepier and sleepier.
♪
Little turtles crawl in the sea below
Stars fall in the sky above
Float your way back home
Float your way home to love
Run to the arms of the one you love
Claim what you're always worthy of
Find your way back home
Find your way home to love
In his dreamland, Charo slowly opened his eyes, and saw.
"My name is Andorra. I know you, Charo. We've met before one of your dreams."
"Yes... but..."
"I am the dream-traveler. I can talk with the dreamer. So I know, you are from Japan, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"And you want to go back to the boy Shota."
"Yes. But... how come you know?"
"You said so in your dream. Now, Charo, do you want to see Shota again?"
"えっ！"
Without waiting for his answer, Andorra brought her hand closed to
Charo's forehead.
Somehow, Charo was able to see Shota.
Charo was so surprised.
"ショウタだ！ショウタ、ぼくだよ。"
"Shh. Be quiet and watch."
"I am looking for my dog."
Shota was speaking in English over the phone.
He was trying very, very hard.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand. My dog, where?"
"ショウタ！ショウター！"
Charo called out to him, but soon the vision disappeared.
"I'm afraid that's it. You just saw a piece of Shota's dream. See? He is trying to find out where you are. He's even looking for you in his dream. And you know, maybe I can help. Why don't we see each other again? In your dream."
Saying so, Andorra stroked Charo on the head.
Charo tried to thank her, but the next moment he was awake.
"あれ？いつのまに..."
"Oh we should call it a day now. I'll see you again, Charo."
Andorra gently put Charo outside her tent.
Still feeling dreamy, Charo looked at all of the people.
They were eating, laughing, shouting. Everybody was having a great time.
Charo walked back to where he had left Dread.
Dread was still there, eating something Charo had never seen before.
"Yes. Right. It's got to be this!"
"What?"
"Peppermint ice cream. Take a lick. It's delicious."
"Y-yes."
"Nothing beats it, huh? Hey, what's the matter?"
"I saw Shota."
"What? You okay, kid?"
"A woman... I knew her. She was in my dream. She showed me Shota."
"Uh-oh... This is serious. Maybe too much sun. All right, why don't you sit here in the shade and rest. You should be feeling better soon."
"うん..."
Charo sat down, but he could not forget the vision of Shota.
Shota was looking for him.
This made Charo feel strong again.
A big smile with on his face as he watched Dread happily licking his ice cream.
