one last time

Using both hands, I squeeze the toothpaste tube to get out what little is left inside. A morsel of the past thrusts out with escaping air. Next time, I will have to brush my teeth with the new and unfamiliar toothpaste I bought at a local store.

***

As I drove out of the driveway, I did not turn. In the rearview mirror, however, stood an empty house filled with memories.
I was taking only necessities—forms, papers, and the minimum amount of clothes. And a tube of toothpaste, which I had bought a few days earlier after running out of the old one.
New beginning?

鍵をカウンターに置き、内から施錠をし、荷物を積みこんだ車に乗り込む。振り返って見ることはしないけれど、窓を締め切った空き家がバックミラーに映っている。思い出がいっぱい詰まった、空き家。
一緒に持っていくものは、書類と最低限の衣類。それと、先日買ったばかりの歯磨き粉。古いのが切れてしまったから開けたばかり。新しい門出ったって、結局は過去を引きずっているんだ。

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