A client bought me omiage. It means travel memento. It was a sweet cake from an earthquake-devastated town. When I bit into it, the papery crust crackled, suddenly soft inside. He showed me photos of swollen roads and fallen homes. So sad, I said, and pushed more in my mouth.
Meredith McLean is an Australian writer now living in Japan. She has been published in magazines such as Aniko Press, Sojournal and Denizen’s Digest. You can visit her Linktree.
The one next to yours says Lilly. It’s fitting that yours has gumnut trees embossed and hers has ladybird engravings. I like to think somewhere you are together, talking, growing up. It’s been so long I’ve forgotten your actual birthday. I’m guilty, embarrassed, but I still do think of you.
Meredith McLean is an Australian writer now living in Japan. She has been published in magazines such as Aniko Press, Sojournal and Denizen’s Digest. You can follow her on Instagram at @here.with.meredith