Just Another Day Zero (Aborted)

Just Another Day Zero was a failed attempt to write a spiritual prequel to the original Just Another Day, set over one hundred years earlier in another prefecture of Japan. A prefecture known as Hiroshima. As I began writing about the events of August 6th, 1945, I wondered if I really had any business there. My stories often deal with the hardships of death, but this was in a whole other category.


Original Working Title (Justice Another Day)

Chapter 1: Saisho no Suteppu (The First Step)

"Please give me the light of your wisdom; to dispel the darkness of my mind and heal my mental continuum," said a noticeably anxious young woman. She went on to say, "I must seek work this morning. It is required of me, but at the same time, it is frowned upon." The woman picked up a single incense stick and placed it in the bowl before her. She closed her eyes and proceeded to recite a mantra; "Om Mani Padme Hum." She concluded the session with a selfless wish. "May all beings be well, happy and peaceful," she said as she collected herself and her belongings. Sunlight drenched the temple. Outside, a bevy of wild flowers were blooming. There were faint signs of life off in the distance. The woman quickly made her way down the steps and began her trek into town. This would be a historic day.

As the young woman made her way into the port, she happened to eye a group of children. They were just like any other, but the way in which they walked, perfectly single file, was of special interest. Perhaps these children were on their way to school. Sure enough, one child said to another, "I have a new Hanafuda set if you want to play after class." The other replied rather simply, "Nice."

"Taiko's Weaving... this must be the place," said the woman, having apparently reached her destination. An older gentleman, in his early sixties, approached her upon entering the compound and said, "Do you have business here?" She replied somewhat hesitantly, "I am looking for work. I can weave pretty well." The man took a moment to look her over and said, "We don't usually hire women, but with the army off fighting the war, we are taking all the help we can get." He paused for a moment before adding, "What did you say your name was?" The young woman, trying her best to shrug off the man's demeanor, replied, "Naomi. My name is Naomi." The man said with a stern tone, "I am Taiko. I run things around here. If you follow orders, we will not have any problems."

Taiko led Naomi to a weaving board on the far side of the compound. He extended his hand and tilted his head, indicating a place for her to sit. She quickly familiarized herself with the equipment. Another of Taiko's workers, Kazuko, spared little time before introducing himself to Naomi. He said with a heavy heart, "Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. The boss can be difficult to work with, but he's a nice man once you get to know him." Naomi replied simply, "Thank you."

Naomi began to weave a container. In doing so, she became more confident in her work. She could see herself settling into a job like this. If only there were more time. If only in a perfect world. Nothing could have prepared Naomi, Taiko's workers or the town for what came next. A number of foreign planes had been spotted flying toward the coast early that morning. They were few enough as not to pose a substantial threat. However, one of them was carrying a payload the likes of which the world had never seen.

At 8:15 AM, a lone plane flew over the town. Taiko's workers looked on in horror as the plane dropped a device from its belly. It slowly descended toward the ground. Time had no meaning in those few precious seconds. A bright flash blinded the region. The floor beneath their feet began to rumble mere seconds before a sudden rush of air blew everyone back. Naomi became pinned underneath her co-workers. She tried her best to free herself, but it was ultimately a futile effort. Naomi felt helpless as she overheard the screams of others outside. She closed her eyes and proceeded to recite the morning's mantra again; "Om Mani Padme Hum." With a steady stream of tears flowing down her face, she then said in shock, "May all beings be well, happy and peaceful. May all beings be well, happy and peaceful. May all beings be well, happy and peaceful..."

To Be Continued in Chapter 2: Tan'itsu no Hana (A Single Flower)

Chapter 2: Tan'itsu no Hana (A Single Flower / 8:15)
Chapter 3: Aroma de la Naranja (Aroma of the Orange)