Week 2 Story: "Matcha Magic for a Flu Dream"
It’s February 27, 2025, one week after their first gathering. A cool breeze dances through the Japanese garden. Cherry blossoms flutter down, glowing pink in the morning light. Russell Akiyama stands by a wooden table, his big eyes sparkling with excitement. He wears his blue jacket, an Aki Matcha badge pinned proudly on it. He holds a bamboo whisk, eager to make his special drink.
“Let’s make matcha!” Russell says with a big smile. He picks up a shiny, old Japanese bowl, dark like the night sky. He scoops bright green matcha powder from a tin. It smells fresh, like a sunny meadow. He adds warm water—just 80 degrees—and whisks quickly. The matcha turns frothy, with green bubbles popping like tiny stars.
Ryo Tatsuki walks in, looking unwell. Her long black hair shines, but her nose is red, and she sneezes loudly. She wears a white kimono, holding her sketchbook tightly. “I got the flu,” Ryo says quietly. “It’s flu season. I feel so tired.”
Russell looks worried. “Oh no, Ryo! Don’t be sad. I know a magic trick! Magical Matcha can make you feel better.” He grins, grabbing a jar of honey and a small piece of ginger. “Matcha with honey and ginger helps flu. It makes you strong!”
Ryo blinks, curious. “Matcha can do that?” She sneezes again, but her eyes brighten.
“Yes!” Russell says. He stirs honey and a pinch of ginger into the matcha. The honey adds sweetness, and the ginger gives a warm, spicy kick. He hands her the cup. “Drink this. It’s magic for your flu!”
Ryo holds the cup, the matcha glowing green in her hands. She sips slowly. “It tastes so nice! Sweet and warm… I feel cozy already.” A small smile grows, her cheeks turning pink.
Russell sits beside her. “MATCHA is the best! It’s from Akiyama family grown with care. It has good things inside—like energy to fight flu. You’ll be okay soon!”
Ryo closes her eyes, her hands around the warm cup. “I had a dream last night, even with my flu,” she says softly. “I saw green hills and a big, happy sun. Flowers danced under the light. It felt so warm and bright.”
Russell claps his hands. “Green hills? Like matcha green tea fields? That sounds so nice! Maybe it means you’ll be healthy soon!”
Ryo nods. “Yes! The sun was so big. The flowers smiled. Maybe it’s a sign of happy days for 2025!” She sips more matcha, looking stronger already.
The two sit by the table. The garden feels calm—paper lanterns shine, bamboo whispers in the breeze. It’s a Zen place, quiet and happy. Russell picks up his whisk again. “This is fun! Let’s meet every week. I’ll make matcha. You tell me your happy dreams, Ryo.”
Ryo smiles. “Yes! I’ll watch the future. It looks sunny and full of flowers!” She draws in her sketchbook. The page shows green hills under a big sun, with flowers everywhere. “This dream makes me feel better,” she says.
Russell grins. “See? Matcha is magic! It helps your flu and brings happy dreams!” They sip quietly. The matcha tastes fresh, sweet from the honey, warm from the ginger. Ryo’s nose is less red, and she laughs softly. “I feel stronger already,” she says.
The sun rises higher. Cherry petals drift into the matcha bowl, mixing with the bubbles. The green glow sparkles, like a magic potion. Russell and Ryo laugh. Their friendship grows with each cup.
“See you next week!” Russell says, waving his whisk like a wand.
Ryo holds her sketchbook. “The future… it’s so bright!”
The garden fades into evening, lanterns lighting up like stars. AkiMatcha’s green leaf logo shines on the table—a promise of more happy stories to come.