89 days: Memory in Raindrops

The rhythmic patter of rain accompanied me as I walked along the banks of the Nakashima River today. Despite the overcast sky, the gentle drizzle lent a tranquil atmosphere to the surroundings. My destination was the Megane Bridge, whose twin arches reflected perfectly on the surface of the river, giving the illusion of a pair of delicate glasses - hence its name.

As I sat by the river, quietly sketching the elegant structure, a passerby caught my eye - an elderly man named Taro Ishikawa. He approached me with a friendly smile, curious to know what I was drawing. It turned out that he had once been a local historian. He told stories of how this bridge, built in 1634, had withstood both natural disasters and human conflict. His reverence for the bridge's resilience resonated deeply and added layers of meaning to my sketch.

After our brief but meaningful conversation, I added fine ink details to emphasize the subtle wear and texture of the stones, hoping to capture the essence of strength Taro spoke of. The rain continued to fall softly as I finished, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of quiet reverence-for the bridge, for the people who cherish it, and for the delicate dance of time and memory reflected in the calm waters.