219 Mushrooms Can Be Dangerous

Kaoru had so much to do. She wanted supper for her future mother-in-law to be perfect. She had decided on matsutake, a species of mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) known for its spicy taste and aromatic bouquet. She couldn't afford fresh ones, so she would have to resort to dried ones.

She found them at the market. The man behind the counter thought her pretty, so he gave her extra. She had come here early just to catch him. She looked at her pocket-watch, an heirloom from her father.

7:07 AM.

Remember this smile, she thought in appreciation, because I'll be sure to come back!

Oh, I'll remember this one, he thought.

Kaoru hid her engagement ring. Negotiating money doesn't mix well with overt engagements. Her mother had taught her this.

Much of the preparation for tonight required her whole day, and she was just getting started. It'd be the first time her mother-in-law-to-be would meet her, so she hurried back to tend to the other culinary tasks, but also do a final run-through of what she would be wearing.

She was back by 7:45 AM.

At 7:55 AM, Susumu peaked in around the front entrance. He snuck up behind Kaoru and tickled her, making her yelp. She pretend-slappeded his shoulder.

"Kaoru, there's no one around," he whispered slyly. "You said you would consider it." She knew exactly what it was.

"Susumu, you know how I feel. The wedding's only next week. Can't you wait, you randy young man?"

"No. I can't."

"Yes. You will."

He sulked, flopping on the sleeping mat. She sat next to him and held his hand.

"In a week, my love, we'll be together the right way. We begin our journey. Nothing can stop it. Not even the Emperor. Not even this stupid war. We'll have a wonderful, long life; and a boy and a girl. I'll finish my trade and you'll be well placed in your profession. Life will be sweet."

"You deserve it, Kaoru," Susumu said, pouting less.

"We both do," she replied. She consulted her timepiece. "Oh, my. It's 8:15. I must get busy. Be gone with you! Tonight will be perfect."

Susumu didn't even make it out the door.

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AUTHOR'S NOTES:

For Monday, August 5, Day 218 of the 2024 Story-a-Day Challenge

366 WORDS (without A/N or PS)

Accompaniment photos were AI-generated but the madness was not.

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ABOUT THIS STORY:

At 8:15 AM, Monday, August 6, 1945, the USA's B-16 "Enola Gay" dropped the first atomic bomb to be used on another nation. In Hiroshima, those closest to the explosion died instantly, their bodies sublimating into black char. Birds burst into flames in mid-air. The white light flash burned dark patterns of clothing onto skin and the shadows of bodies onto walls. The blast wave instatnly followed and all but the very strongest structures collapsed. Within minutes 9 out of 10 people half a mile or less from ground zero were dead.

It is said the atomic bombs made unnecessary a ground invasion of Japan; it is also said that this saved over a million lives, in lieu of the hundred thousand who would be labeled as the bomb's casualties.

Why does trading a hundred thousand lives to save a million not comfort me? Is it because I usually deal with death one at a time? What I can get my mind around has limitations!

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THIS CHALLENGE GRINDS ON, 366 WORDS AT A TIME...

There are currently three surviving prolific, pathetic, and copacetic Vocal writers still participating in the insane, inane, Spokane 2024 Story-a-Day Challenge:

• L.C. Schäfer, challenge originator

• Rachel Deeming (challenge participant)

• Gerard DiLeo (Bulbous Actuator, 4th Class, which is pretty scary when you think about it)

Read them. Support them. Give peace a chance.