No207 Günlük Yürüyüş

“My daily walk. I didn't pass a single person today. That, too, was a special moment.” My name is Megumi. Once again, I began walking slowly through the residential neighborhood at dusk. But perhaps because I started a little later than usual today, there wasn't a soul in sight. There was no sound of car engines or people talking. Only the sound of my own footsteps and the distant chirping of birds echoed quietly. I didn't make eye contact with anyone. I didn't exchange a single nod. In its own way, it felt strangely refreshing. Flowers blooming by the roadside swayed gently in the breeze. The color of the sky slowly shifts from orange to purple. This time, when I'm not disturbed by anyone, I can walk at my own pace and think only of myself. There's a pleasant stillness here—one that makes me want to call it “my own time” rather than “loneliness.” I'm not looking for anyone. But knowing I won't run into anyone actually makes me feel more relaxed for some reason.