The sun peeked through the curtains of Htet’s dorm room, painting the walls in warm gold. For once, the dorm was unusually quiet, the usual chaotic morning chatter replaced by the muffled sound of slippers shuffling down the hall.
Htet sat at his desk, staring at a worn photo tucked in his notebook. It showed a young boy, no older than five, in traditional Burmese attire, standing between his smiling parents. Behind them, a modest house framed by lush greenery hinted at a simpler time.
Htet (thinking): “It feels like a lifetime ago…”
---
Flashback: A Simple Beginning
Back in Myanmar, Htet’s life was nothing like the bustling diversity of Mizuhara International Academy. His hometown was small, where everyone knew each other by name, and traditions were woven into daily life.
He remembered the way his grandmother prepared Mohinga (Burmese fish noodle soup) every morning, the fragrant aroma of lemongrass and turmeric filling the house. The busy household members go back and forth preparing for a feast. Neighbours joined in the fun as well as kids laughing and screaming happily playing in the alley street In Front of the house.
Grandmother (gently while patting Htet's head): “Htet, you must always respect where you come from. Your roots will always guide you.”
As a child, Htet didn’t fully understand her words, but now, thousands of miles away, they carried a deeper meaning.
---
Htet’s father, a hardworking businessman, had always dreamed of giving his family a better life. When the opportunity arose to work in Japan, it was a chance too good to pass up.
Dad (determined): “This isn’t just for us, Htet. It’s for your future. You are also getting an opportunity to be introduced to diversity at a young age. Pa at your age would be so jealous of you to get this opportunity.”
Moving to Japan hasn't been easy. The language barrier, the cultural differences, it all felt overwhelming at first. Htet remembered standing in their small apartment in Tokyo, his suitcases still unpacked, feeling like a stranger in an unfamiliar world.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
But his mother, ever the optimist, had been his anchor.
Mom (smiling): “Change is scary, but it’s also exciting. There is not a single human being out there that is not scared of changes. We are too used to the comfort zone that we set for ourselves..it's not always a bad thing but also getting out of such a comfort zone might give you a new vision of what life is like out there Htet. Think of all the new friends you’ll make!”
---
Present Day: A Reminder of Home
Back in the dorm room, Liam barged in without knocking, as usual.
Liam (cheerful): “Yo, Htet! What’s with the brooding face? You look like the protagonist of a sad anime flashback.”
Htet quickly slipped the photo back into his notebook.
Htet (dryly): “Geez at least knock before barging in Liam. It’s called privacy. You should try it sometime.”
Liam flopped onto Htet’s bed, completely ignoring the remark.
Liam (grinning): “Come on, spill it dude. What’s on your mind?”
Htet hesitated, but something about Liam’s carefree attitude made him feel at ease.
Htet (reluctantly): “Just… thinking about home. Back in Myanmar.”
Liam (curious): “Oooh!! So, what’s it like there? I bet it’s way more interesting than here.”
Htet couldn’t help but smile at Liam’s enthusiasm.
Htet (softly): “Nah I wouldn't say so..It’s different. Simple. People are kind. There’s this big festival, called Thingyan, where we have water fights to celebrate the new year. It's originally just spraying water in a cup of palm size with a flower we called ‘Padauk’. It's aromatic and the whole purpose of Thingyan is to wash the sins/ bad past deeds so that we can start a new year as a new version of you. The current version with water guns and variety of equipments is quite chaotic but… it's fun in its own way, I would say.”
Liam (grinning): “Wow, I know about it since I coincidentally read about it but never knew the original version of Thingyan. Hmm…a country that celebrates by throwing water at each other? Haha Count me in!”
Htet (smiling): “Oh you surely would love participating in Thingyan. Perfectly tailor suited for people like you, Liam”
Both just smile and continue chatting about Htet’s life back in Myanmar.
---
Later that evening, Htet found himself in the dormitory’s communal kitchen, teaching Leila and Hana how to make laphet thoke (Burmese tea leaf salad).
Hana (curious): “So this is a traditional dish from Myanmar?”
Htet (nodding): “Yeah. It’s made with fermented tea leaves, tomatoes, peanuts, and sesame seeds. It’s kind of like a national dish. Normally there are dried shrimps to add more umami flavour. As for Vegetarians, they can choose to not put dried shrimps and still enjoy authentic Laphet Thoke”.
Htet: “To be honest…the ingredients are super common in Myanmar since it's like a common dish but outside of Myanmar, it's so difficult to find. Good thing Mom packed some for me in case I get home sick.”
Leila watched intently as Htet carefully mixed the ingredients.
Leila (softly): “It must be nice, having something that reminds you of home.”
Htet glanced at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice.
Htet (thoughtfully): “Yeah. It is. But hey it's not bad here too.”
As the group sat down to eat, Liam barged in once again, sniffing the air dramatically.
Liam (dramatic): “What is that heavenly smell? Htet, are you holding out on me?”
Hana (teasing): “It’s laphet thoke. And no, you can’t have any. This is a cultural experience. How in the heck did you even smell a salad out of nowhere?”
Liam (pouting while ignoring Hana's question): “Cultural experience? I’m very cultured!”
The group erupted into laughter as Htet handed Liam a small bowl, unable to resist his antics.
---
That night, as Htet lay in bed, he thought about how far he’d come.
Htet (thinking): “Home isn’t just a place. It’s the people you share it with. And maybe… this school can feel like home, too.”
Although Htet had been missing his home unnoticed to anyone, he also felt relieved that he is enjoying a new life in Mizuhara International Academy along with supportive friends. The words and speeches his parents made back when he arrived here felt alienated to him,
but now…he’s starting to cherish something that is rare to feel in life.
—(End of Chapter 14)---