Momoka

About the author

Momoka ABE is a senior student at Akita International University. She took the Creative Writing in Fall 2025, taught by Joel Friederich. She was born in Tochigi prefecture, and raised in Shizuoka and Kanagawa. She studied abroad at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic from February 2024 to January 2025. She really loved the scenery of the city, people there, and food there.

She loves playing guitar, drawing, and taking photos. Many of her works are inspired by her daily activities and study abroad experiences.

Snow flake

She asked me,

ー”Why are you so excited?"

"Look! Because it's snowing!"

I wanted to share this excitement.

But since she grew up in Akita, snow doesn’t really surprise her anymore.

I worried if I got a little too excited in front of her

When I looked at her, embarrassed, she whispered,

ー”Snow isn’t so bad after all.”

Flowers at Market

I asked her,

"Which would you rather receive: flowers that never wither or flowers that can wither?"

ー"Of course, flowers that wither.

　 Flowers that never wither aren't really flowers."

”But you can keep the ones that never wither forever, right?”

ーHmm,
　Wouldn't it be nice if you were given a new flower every time one withers?”

The Watch

A man bought me long ago.

He wore me every day.

He wound my spring every morning.

Tick,

He whispered, “Let’s have a good time today.”

I felt his heartbeat.

I heard his laughter,

and cry.

I saw his hands grow older.

I feel the shine on my face has faded.

The metal strap lost its gleam.

But still, he kept me close.

Then, one quiet evening,

He took me off.

He cleaned me gently.

He placed me in a box,

Darkness.

Silence.

I closed my eyes.

Years passed

or maybe moments.

One day,

I felt light again.

I saw someone smiling and

heard him saying

“Dad’s watch.”

Now I sit on your wrist.

You may take me off, too

someday,

whispering “for my son.”

Until then, I will keep your time.

I will keep your love

and memory

to pass them down.

Tick,

Tick.

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