先の「能登半島地震」の影響で、富山（高岡市）にある実家の一部が崩れ、様子を見に帰省した。
倒れた灯籠、崩れ落ちた瓦や塀……。生まれ育った「巣」の無惨な姿に、心が疼く。
「大丈夫だよ、ありがとう」
そう言って気丈に振る舞う母だが、そっと握った手は冷えて強張り、いまだに緊張しているのが伝わってくる。
ふと立ち寄った地元のお店で、「地震どうでしたか？」と声をかけてみる。
「店内に商品が散乱して片づけが大変だったけど、こうしてすぐに営業が再開できて有難い。そちらこそ大丈夫だった？」（洋菓子店スタッフ）
「高層階にあるレストランの食器がたくさん割れましたが、従業員もみんな無事で安心しました。お互い、引き続き気をつけましょうね」（ホテルスタッフ）
本当はいま、そんな余裕はないはずなのに、みんな笑顔と温かい言葉を返してくれた。
元気づけるつもりで戻ったのに、逆に私が励まされた——。
朝に目覚めること、今日もいつもと同じ一日を生きられること、家族と「おやすみ」の挨拶が交わせること。
当たり前は、奇跡の集合体なのだと、改めて実感させられた。
「そうだ、今日は実家の家族にカレーを作ろう」
うまく眠れずに目覚めた早朝、コートのポケットに財布を入れ、「カレールー」を買いに散歩に出た。また、片足を一歩ずつ前へ。
一日も早く、みなさんに心穏やかな日々が戻ることを願って。
〜Pray for HOKURIKU〜
non編集部
To buy curry roux 〜Pray for HOKURIKU〜
I went back my family home to see how things were going at the beginning of the New Year 2024. Due to the recent “Noto Peninsula Earthquake” part of my parents’ house in Toyama (Takaoka City) collapsed.
There I found fallen stone-lanterns, collapsed tiles and walls… My heart ached at the cruel sight of my hometown where I was born and raised.
“I’m okay, thank you.” My mother was acting stout-heartedly, but her hands were cold and stiff, and I could sense that she was still nervous.
When we went out, we stopped at a local store and I asked staff, “How was the earthquake? “
“After earthquake it was difficult to clean up the mess of goods in the store, but thankfully we were able to reopen soon. Are you okay too?” (Confectionary store staff)
“The restaurant on the upper floors had a lot of broken dishes, but we are relieved to hear that all the employees are safe. Let’s continue to take care of each other.” (Hotel staff)
Everyone returned smiles and warm words, even though I know they could not possibly afford to do such a thing at the moment.
I went back to my hometown with the intention of encouraging them, but instead I was encouraged.
To wake up in the morning, to be able to live the same day as usual, to be able to say “good night” to my family.
I was reminded once again that the ordinary is a collection of miracles.
I thought to myself, “Yes, I will make curry for my family today. ”
Early in the morning, after waking up without a good night’s sleep, I shoved my wallet in my coat pocket and went for a walk to buy ‘curry roux’. I also put my feet forward step by step.
Hoping that peaceful days will return to everyone as soon as possible.
〜Pray for HOKURIKU〜
non Editorial Department
