One Bowl of Soba ｜一碗荞麦面

原著作者｜栗良平 It was New Year's Eve in snowy Hokkaido The busiest night for the soba shop below The last customer left the air was still and deep The owner and his wife were preparing to sleep Then the door opened a mother stepped inside With two little boys trying to hide Their clothes were old but clean and neat "Excuse me, sir— can we have a seat? Just one bowl of soba— would that be okay for three?" The mother asked softly very politely "Of course," said the wife, "please sit right here." She brought them warm tea and holiday cheer The owner cooked one bowl but here is the trick— he added extra noodles fast and quick They shared the hot soba; it tasted so good The boys smiled happily as they ate their food The next New Year's Eve they came back again The mother looked tired from work and from pain "Again, just one bowl is all we can buy," the owner added extra— on the sly They ate and they talked: "We will pay our debt; next year will be better— do not forget." The third year arrived the boys grew so tall They ordered one bowl— the best meal of all The owner put in lots of noodles to share The family was laughing without any care "Thank you for the soba," they bowed and they left Leaving the owner happy like a chef Many years passed by the shop was so bright New Year's Eve came on a cold snowy night Two men in suits and a lady so fine walked into the shop waiting to dine The lady spoke up with tears in her eyes: "Do you remember us— to your surprise? We are the family who shared one bowl; your kindness gave us a very strong soul. Tonight we want three of your best soba soup, to celebrate life with this happy group!" The customers clapped the bells started to ring The warmth of the soba made everyone sing前往小宇宙评论区与主播互动