Later in the afternoon, we went back to Senbamachi for a hike. As much as I enjoyed the snow, it was nice to not need a coat. The rain met us when we arrived, and I didn’t have any other plans for that area, so I suggested we go back to the rental and have a chill day. But Luca proposed we stay and hike anyway. We all had umbrellas, and the rain was light, he said. Plus, there was no reason to waste the trip down the mountain. He made good points, so we hiked the soggy trail.
Everyone enjoyed it, though. True, it would have been nice not to walk around with wet pants legs, but we all wore smiles. Our lives are so busy and mostly contained indoors. It’s rare that we’re out in nature for this long and on purpose. I think the fresh air was good for all of us.
We came upon a cemetery. The kids ignored it, but I suggested we stop and pay our respects. Graves aren’t just stone sculptures on top of holes in the ground. They are the homes of our dearly departed who still deserve respect. Ali cried for them just like he did on our first date when the chess lady died. It warmed my heart to know, despite everything I put him through, he’s still the same sweet, sensitive guy I fell in love with that day.
Alessia rolled her eyes. “Daddy, you’re so weird.”
I don’t understand how or why Ali gets so emotional so fast. But I understand him. She should take the time to understand him as well, and I won’t have her brushing him off like that.
“Some of these sims have been dead for hundreds of years, Less. Somebody has to cry for them.”
Once Ali gathered his composure, we continued our hike. I saw a huge, impressive looking temple in the distance, so we headed that way. In front of the temple was another place to write wishes. I love how spiritual this culture is. It seems like everywhere we go, some being is going to transport wishes somewhere on our behalf. Once again, I cast my lot and wrote another wish.
After writing wishes, we headed back to town since it was getting dark and we worked up an appetite. By the time we arrived, the rain had stopped. We found a local restaurant a couple of blocks from the trail. I casually observed Alessia and Ali as I looked over the menu. I enjoyed watching them together and witnessing how their relationship has blossomed. Even though she acted like spending time with him was some obligation, they always had something special, just like Luca and I did. She’s not exactly a daddy’s girl, but she is certainly daddy’s little girl. I think spending weekends with him has caused her to see him in a different light. He’s definitely not the sad, boring, stressed out man she’s used to. They both light up when they’re around each other.
