Canon's Diary

My whole body feels stiff. Last night’s lesson was a tough one. The pain in my neck is probably from tensing up too much during my swing. My chest, abs, and thighs are sore. I didn’t sleep well either, so I stayed in bed until 8:30 in the dark room, on purpose. When I opened the curtains, bright sunlight poured in. Placing a hand on my right shoulder, I loosened the muscles and headed to the sink, brushing my teeth and washing my face as usual. I had run out of bread, so I went to a nearby convenience store and bought a rice ball and a bottle of green tea, and quickly filled my stomach.

Almost unconsciously, I kept going over the points I needed to improve from yesterday’s play. I should use my body more fully, I thought, and take a more decisive swing. This cycle of thoughts had become part of my usual routine. When I turned on the TV, there was a feature on the situation in the Middle East. Two months after the fighting began, a ceasefire had finally been reached, but tensions remained high, including concerns over a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Even so, the stock market seemed to be looking ahead, reaching new record highs.

After breakfast, I sipped the coffee I had brewed the day before, now gone cold, while half-watching the news. I could hear cars passing by, faint birdsong, and announcements from the bus terminal, though I couldn’t quite make out what was being said. I opened the windows wide and started tidying up the room. I swept away the fine dust and wiped down the refrigerator. It didn’t take much movement before my body began to warm up. The temperature has been rising day by day.

A short sound came from my phone. In our family group chat, my younger sister had sent a “thank you” sticker to our mother. It was Mother’s Day. When I used to live with her, I would give her flowers and things like that, but doing it every year somehow felt a bit embarrassing, and lately I haven’t been giving anything so elaborate. Things I couldn’t say, times when we argued over nothing. My hand holding the phone paused for a moment, and then I sent a thank-you emoji as well.

In the afternoon, I plan to step onto the court again. I want to check my movements. Even if it doesn’t go well, that’s fine. After a shower, I’ll make carbonara for dinner to refuel with some carbohydrates, then take a sip of Scotch and bring the day to a close.