“Fumi, who are you threatening this early in the morning? The mirror or yourself?”
Fumi turned sharply.
“Mama, motivation is important. Billionaires do not wake up and just remain poor.”
Her mother blinked slowly.
“And since when are you a billionaire?”
Fumi grabbed her fishing net with full confidence.
“Emotionally, I am already rich. Financially, we are still negotiating.”
Her mother laughed despite herself.
“You this girl. One day your mouth will carry you into trouble.”
Fumi kissed her cheek quickly.
“Mama, relax. Trouble knows I do not have transport money.”
Outside, the village was already alive. A group of girls sat under a tree plaiting hair, chewing groundnuts, and most importantly, analyzing other people’s lives as if it were their full-time job.
As Fumi walked past with her net over her shoulder, one of them called out,
“Ah-ah! See our fisherman’s wife.”
Another added,
“No, no, she is the CEO of fish chasing.”
Laughter erupted.
Fumi stopped, slowly turned, and walked toward them like a queen entering a meeting she never scheduled. She dropped her net, folded her arms, and smiled that dangerous smile.
“So this is the morning meeting of the Association of Gossipers?” she asked sweetly.
The girls laughed harder.
“At least we are not inside water every day like fish.”
Fumi gasped dramatically.
“Excuse me. First of all, fish have peace. No stress, no gossip, no fake friends. Honestly, I am considering joining them permanently.”
One girl rolled her eyes.
“Who will marry you if you keep behaving like this?”
Fumi leaned closer.
“Who said I want to be displayed like plantain in the market, waiting for somebody to price me?”
The group went silent for half a second, then burst into uncontrollable laughter. Even the girl who had asked the question could not hold it in.
Another one shook her head.
“This girl, you are not normal.”
Fumi picked up her net proudly.
“Thank you. Normal is boring.”
As she walked away, one of the girls shouted,
“Fumi, when you catch your biggest fish, do not forget us.”
Without turning back, Fumi replied,
“If I catch it, I might marry it.”
The shoreline welcomed her like an old friend. The waves rolled gently, glittering under the rising sun, stretching endlessly as if they were hiding treasures meant only for the brave.
Fumi stepped into the water, the cold hitting her legs. She inhaled deeply. This—this was her place. No noise, no judgment, just her and possibility.
She spread her net carefully, her movements practiced and confident. Then she paused, closed her eyes, and whispered softly,
“God, I do not need plenty. Just one big miracle.”
She peeked one eye open.
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