Memory of the nose

Leaving for the supermarket, I was overwhelmed by memories of when I stayed here in Japan two years ago. The reason for that was a distinct smell that somehow made me remember. Actually, rather than the Proustian notion that smell induces memory, it felt more like a revival of a smell induced atmosphere. Aaaah, that sweet fragrance that springs from the relief having been able to avoid the immanent threat of a summer storm! Thunder and lightning in the mountains nearby, yet the cicadas do not cease their monotonous chorus. It's as if this relief had lit up the hot bubbly baths of every home and house, while little children are throwing away their dirty clothes in the washing basket and getting prepared for mom's Sunday evening meal...

It was one of those moments I felt true happiness without any apparent reason. Gratitude.