I haven’t even had my morning tea yet and Fujita-san was already in my office. Sometimes this man is a bit pushy but at least he doesn’t smoke in my office.?
“Good morning Fujita-san.” I bow slightly. “How can I help you today?”
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“I just wanted to make sure that everything is set for my dau…” He coughs, “my -niece-. She’s supposed to take the exam on Monday…”
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Slowly I sit down and touch the end of my moustache. Why did he looks so uncomfortable calling this girl his niece? She is his niece right?? “That’s right Fujita-san. I’m? a bit loss however why you would come here by yourself. Didn’t I tell you? that her parents should come instead?”
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“Well, Makoto will be with her mother? Monday afternoon.” He stares at me with such piercing gaze, those eyes never change I and I’m glad I”m used to it now. “I just wanted to be sure -everything- was in order and if there’s anything you need, then you should tell me -now-.”
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“No Fujita-san. Nothing with regards to Makoto. If she passes the test then she is welcome in this school.” Of course I don’t have to tell him what happens if she doesn’t pass… Or do I?
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“Good. I trust you’ll take care of -everything-.” He takes his cap and puts in on. “In case you need me, just send word to the precinct.”
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“Wait Fujita-san!” There was something I was curious about and since it is for the welfare of my students, I should ask. “I was wondering when Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi will be coming back to school?”
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He stops in his tracks and looks down for a while. I’m almost afraid he’s not going to answer, or he’ll shout and say “mind your own business”.
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“Tsutomu is graduating this year and I have been holding a spot for him…” I take a breath, “You should really consider bringing him back but if it takes any longer…”
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“I -know- Takami-“sensei”. I’m working on it with his mother.” He sounds truly annoyed now but he stops from slamming the door, “I”ll let you know as soon as I hear word.”
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Sitting back down, I breathe a sigh of relief.. Hopefully my day fares much better.? I think for a moment of that young man, such a bright young man he was. It would be a shame to lose him but now it is obvious what has happened. No wonder he’s changed so much the past few years, unlike his younger brother. Ah but he is much older and at that difficult age. A shame really.