Note: These posts guest star Nathaniel C. Pierson of The Pierson and Friends story created by Jes2G of Tumblr. Check out her incredible work here: storiesbyjes2g
In the morning, before sunrise – we take a few more pictures before it’s time to pack up and make our way back down the mountain.
About 20 minutes later, we see the sun inching its way into the sky on our right while the moon slides slowly away on the other side of the mountain. We stand, staring in awe.
Nathaniel: Look at this! Are you guys seeing this?
We are, and it’s the most beautiful thing we have ever seen.
It’s not until the spectacle is almost over that we think to pull out our phones and cameras and capture it to share with our families, but we know nothing will ever compare to seeing it in person.
Our trek down the mountain is much easier and faster than the climb up. We gather near the Onsen bathhouse, anxious to wash off the grit and grime we’ve gathered from the mountain. It’s still very early. I consider calling Me-Me to let her know that we’re safely off the mountain, but I’d hate to wake her. And I’m sure the boys are also still asleep, so I won’t get to talk to them even if I did wake her.
Stef disappears on us, but the rest of us change into our swimwear and take quick showers in preparation for our soak.
It’s just Mo, Nate, and I in the hot springs. I guess Stef shied away from soaking with us and hit the private showers instead. Nate steps into the springs looking like a Greek god. This kid not only has confidence to spare, but he has backed it all up.
After he settles in the water…
Nathaniel: Can I ask y’all a question?
Kai: Yeah, sure
Maurice: What’s on your mind?
Nathaniel: Since you’re both married – I was just wondering how you knew your wife was the one.
Mo answers first.
Maurice: It hit me gradually. Shay and I used to hang out all the time. But it wasn’t until I completely stopped checking out other girls that I knew she had my heart. I didn’t want anybody else; I only wanted to be around her. *chuckles* I actually missed her whenever we were apart, even if it were just for a little while.
Nathaniel: *To Kai* What about you?
I stop to think about it for a moment.
Kai: Sometimes I think I knew when I first saw her. I was completely blown away by her beauty. But it was after my pop-pop died that I was sure. It was a dark time for me, and Me-Me was the only person who could make me happy again.
Nathaniel: Okay, I can see that
Kai: What about you and your friend? Do you think she’s the one?
Nathaniel: Sometimes I think so. I can relate to some of the things you two are saying. But it’s not like I have someone else to compare her to. You know?
Kai: Yeah, I get that. You’re young, and you still want to mingle. Maybe you should tell her that.
Nate looks thoughtful.
I don’t know about the other guys, but I’m suddenly starving. We haven’t had anything real to eat in over a day.
Kai: Maybe we should grab some eats and talk about this more.
Mo is right behind me.
Maurice: Definitely
It’s still too early to call Me-Me and the boys, so we go to a small ramen joint in the Senbamachi neighborhood. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones ready for some good food. Only two small tables are available, and they are outside in the cold. After the chill we experienced in the mountain, we decide to take our chances, even though it means we have to sit at separate tables.
By the time our food has arrived, Mo and I are busy telling Nate some animated stories of our time in college. Nate reciprocates by telling us what it’s like to be young and free, living in Sulani. Unfortunately, Stef hasn’t shared much and is further isolated from the conversation when his cell rings.
After talking to whoever is on the phone, Stef calls me.
Stefan: Kai, I have some news.
I’m busy telling Nate about how one of my good friends suddenly decided that she had a crush on me and basically said it in front of Me-Me when Stef walks over – calling me a second time.
Stefan: Kai, we need to get home right away.
I stop in the middle of my sentence.
Kai: Why? What’s wrong?
Stefan: It’s Merlin. He passed away yesterday.
The blood drains from my face as I hurry to my feet. Stef is correct; we need to get home as soon as possible.
Kai: I’m sorry, guys. We’d better go. It’s our father-in-law.
Nathaniel: It’s all good. I’m sorry to hear that. Handle your business.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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