I think I've left Earth and entered another planet. Tokyo is out of this world. I'm done trying to make sense of this megalopolis, with its jigsaw of real estate and seething mass of people. The kaleidoscopic lights, crush of humanity, and sheer scale of it all makes it worthy of being the most populous metropolitan area in the world. A city of stunning contrasts, there's so much to do. There's the chance for quiet contemplation beside a carp pond in the Zen-like?Hamarikyu Gardens, the opportunity to watch locals retrieve their fortunes from wooden drawers at Buddhist?Senso-ji Temple, or take a visit to?Ueno Park. Across the colour-changing?Rainbow Bridge?lies?Odaiba's, the artificial island,?futuristic cityscape and Edo-style hot springs.It is even weirder and more bizarre than I ever expected and I am in awe of it all. Beside all those amazing and bizarre things, the city?throws out unexpected glimpses of its cultural core.?I didn't know what to expect, coming here with Tristan a

"That is perfect, arigato!" I speak into the phone, before dropping it on the bed. The cake is coming to the tea house ten minutes early, like I requested, just what I wanted to hear as a final detail to wrap up the ceremony. In Japan, it's very common to use imposter cakes at wedding receptions. A lot of them are made of artificial rubber and these faux confections are iced with wax. Since the wedding is such a small party, I opted to order a small Dulce de Leche cake from a bakery only a ten-minute drive from the tea house. A flourless vanilla cake with caramel icing and caramel drizzle, this is Janet's favourite flavour and it will be more than sufficient for the ten guests. I check my reflection, happy with my hair. Fastened in a loose sideways bun, I decided to tuck a pink cherry blossom above my left ear. My red lipstick isn't on my teeth, my winged eyeliner is applied immaculately, and my skin looks good. Happy with my efforts, I go back to my table to check my laptop before m

It's been just over an hour since I left the restaurant and I am freshly showered, dressed in comfortable yoga pants and a tank top. A hot mug of matcha tea cradled in my hands, I am huddled on the arm chair as I look out at the city lights of Tokyo, contemplating my hasty exit. Looking down at my phone, I look over the numerous messages Tristan has left me.*Where are you?**Why did you leave?**Call me. You're worrying me.**What's wrong? Talk to me.*All those messages have gone unanswered, what can I say? Hey, I found out you were once engaged and now I'm sitting here, stewing away bitterly? No, it's much easier to ignore him and that's what I intend to keep doing. I realise that it's a tad dramatic and immature but too many thoughts are going through my head. Wearing the chocolate shaped pendant Tristan gifted me, I twirl it between my fingers, unable to cease the comparisons. Once upon a time, he gifted another woman a much more significant piece of jewellery. I can't beli

"Excellent, you are making fantastic progress, Lacey!" Dr. Liz enthuses as she takes the virtual simulator helmet off my head. "You didn't even make a sound, hardly any reaction this time.""I'm surprised at myself, to be honest! Maybe I was just being a brat by avoiding heights."She laughs politely. "Not at all, your phobia was definitely genuine. It manifested over time, but you have been 100% committed to your sessions, and I think you can start living a complete life without my help."I'm partly surprised at her diagnosis. "Really? Aren't we supposed to have three more sessions?"She nods. "I think you have excelled so much during these sessions, you are better off incorporating heights in your everyday routine.""So using elevators more?""Yes, I would recommend you continually face heights where possible. Will you still be flying regularly? You were flying frequently the last few months, you said."My stomach flips. Not anymore. After I decided to quit working for Tristan

"Oooh, I really hope we find the one!" Jackie enthuses, nervousness tinged in her sweet and warm voice.?She looks at me with her wide ice blue eyes. Without a speck of makeup, she is a lovely looking girl with her natural tan and ash blonde hair. She will make a gorgeous bride."You will. When you find the one, there's no feeling like it.""That's the thing. How do you know? There are so many pretty dresses, how will I ever choose?""Well firstly, don't say that you like them all. Don't be afraid to say you hate it, it needs to be perfect in every way possible.""But"I see her twiddling her thumbs and I gently put my hand on hers. This might be a family affair and a personal engagement, but I need to treat her like a client first and foremost. "Nothing for nothing, I've done this a thousand times. You will know the dress when you see it. I mean, look at where we are."?I get her to take another look at our surroundings. We are sitting in the back fitting room of Isadora Vivien