[Short Story] Have You Found Comfort in the Capital?

As the sun began to set behind Tokyo’s towering skyscrapers, its golden orange rays briefly illuminated the city, mira gazed out the window of the Shinjuku Line train, feeling drained after a long day of work at the hotel where she was employed, “I’m so tired today, I want to quit, but finding another job isn’t easy,” she thought. Around her, people were absorbed in their phones, their tired faces creating a quiet atmosphere in the otherwise crowded train

“I remember how, back in Semarang, people would talk to each other on the bus,” Mira mused to herself, a faint smile crossing her face as she thought of her hometown. It had been six months since she had left Central Java to work in Tokyo.

On her first day, Mira was in awe of Tokyo’s orderliness, the trains were always on time, the streets were spotless, and everyone moved briskly, as if racing against time, however, that initial admiration quickly faded, what had seemed like an impressive discipline soon began to feel like an overwhelming pressure.

Even a slight delay at the station would lead to a packed train, and her job at the hotel wasn’t any easier. Her uniform had to be immaculate, and everything had to be perfect. She cleaned dozens of guest rooms each day, where cleanliness standards were incredibly high—bed sheets had to be perfectly folded, bathrooms had to gleam, and every detail had to be flawless. Her supervisor also frequently inspected her work with a stern expression.

“Mira-san, you need to speed up,” her supervisor would say repeatedly. Although polite, the words felt sharp and demanding.

In her tiny room, Mira sat staring at a photo of her parents on the table, “How can I get used to this place?” she whispered, she missed the sound of the adzan from the mosque near her home, the aroma of fried rice from street vendors, and the casual conversations with neighbors in the afternoons. In Tokyo, everything felt unfamiliar, even the cold winter air seemed to cut into her heart.

But Mira knew she couldn’t leave,she had a three year work contract to fulfil, vvery time she thought about quitting, she reminded herself of her family’s dreams resting on her shoulders.

One afternoon, on her day off, Mira sat on a bench in a small park in Shinjuku, the evening breeze caressing her face, bringing the scent of blooming sakura flowers.

Her phone buzzed in her bag, interrupting her thoughts, It was a call from her old friend, Laila. Hesitant, Mira answered the phone.

“Hello, Laila,” Mira greeted, trying to mask the exhaustion in her voice.

“Mira! I’m so glad you answered! How’s everything? I heard you’re working in Tokyo now., That’s incredible, you made it!” Laila’s voice was full of enthusiasm.

Mira smiled faintly. “Yeah, that’s right,” she replied briefly.

“You must be so proud, right? Working in Tokyo, the city we always dreamed of. You’ve made your dream come true!”

Mira sighed. “Laila, you know… but I feel… I don’t know.”

There was a pause. “How can that be? Are you not comfortable in Tokyo, the capital of Japan?” Laila asked eagerly.

“Tokyo is beautiful, but I feel stressed almost every day, ometimes I miss home, talking with the neighbors or just going to the rice fields with my friends.”

Laila was quiet for a moment, then, after a while, she said, “Mira, you’re far from home, but I know you’re strong, don’t you remember how you used to say, ‘If I make it to Tokyo, I’ll prove to myself that I can do it’? You’ve already done that. But don’t forget, Mira, you’re only human. If you’re tired, it’s okay to rest for a while.”

Mira smiled more sincerely this time, Laila’s words touched her heart, she realized that Tokyo had been her dream city.

“Thank you, Laila. I think I really needed this call,” Mira said.

“Anytime. If you need someone to talk to, I’m always here for you,” Laila replied.

Mira paused. Those words were comforting. Maybe it was true that Tokyo wasn’t the most welcoming place for someone like her, but perhaps she just needed to grow stronger.

That night, as Mira walked home, she asked herself, “Am I comfortable in the capital?”

“Not yet,” she answered quietly. “But I’ll hang on. For now, that’s enough.”