We ride some more and I tell Chichi and Okaasan all about the horse.? I’ve named him Ringo, since horses like apples, though it’s not the time of year for apples.? Ninjin would be a good name too.
The carriage starts going slower, and I ask Chichi, looking out the window, “is this where we’re going?”
Jan 9, 1886 – Mid-Day
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Makoto chatters and I half listen. “Ringo?” Cupping my chin I continue, “I should’ve brought those instead.”
We pass by many fields and the roads get a little rougher which slows down the carriage somewhat. I am seeing the torii gates come to view, they are rather archaic structures as old as this town of Akashi, a town named by the same clan who settled here from the province of the same name.
?EURoeis this where we?EUR(TM)re going??EUR?
I nod. This town is not very prosperous. It must not be much to look at compared to Ito… But Hiroaki despite getting a job at the Tax Bureau refused to give up our ancestral home and instead travelled back and forth during the weekends. It’s an odd thing, traveling like that but I did the same thing in Ito. I suppose distance doesn’t matter when it comes to things important to us.
The scenery fades to the background as I keep on looking out the window with my daughter. I have no real stories to tell her about this place having left it so early. And the ones that I can tell are not the ones I would like to. Finally the carriage comes to a stand still. I look at the all too familiar steps leading up to the village. It’s as old as it’s looks.
“You two ready?” I ask.
I grin up at Chichi with the hole in my smile. “I bet I can eat apples fine now!” It’s not even the least bit owie now…
There are big torii gates. “Oh! That’s a lot of steps.” I smile at them. “After sitting its fun to walk,” I tell them.
We leave the carriage. “Goodbye, Ringo-san. You did a good job!” I pat his neck. He’s a nice horse.
Hajime’s old town comes into view, and I watch out of the window. I like these older places, sometimes Tokyo seems to be trying so hard to be modern and western…
“This reminds me a bit of parts Mibu,” I say, with a smile, like the parts that we sat on the edge of. Thankfully it’s not been built out like Tokyo…
I try to imagine a small Hajime, running past here. He’s quiet now…
I wonder what his parents were like.
I wait for Hajime to help down Makoto, and then myself. Makoto gives “Ringo” a long good-bye.
I take Hajime’s hand with mine, and Makoto takes his other, carrying the bag from the rest stop while I carry the basket that’s a lot lighter since we ate our snacks. “All the way up, right?” I ask, squeezing his hand and smiling up at him.
Makoto says goodbye to the horse, while I tell the driver that there’s some rest houses a few streets down. I have hired him after all for the entire day. He speeds off and I find myself walking up the steps with mother and daughter.
“Here Makoto I’ll take that.” It’s a bit heavy for her after all and I don’t want the sake to spill.
?EURoeAll the way up, right??EUR?
“Yes. Don’t you remember?” We walk up the steps and about half way through where it levels, I look to the left where there is a clearing of trees. If one goes down that way, it leads to the river and that big turtle like rock. On this same level is a small market but it’s almost deserted since it is noon. Vendors only come early in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon. There is a small temple here as well. But I’m not here for that and so I lead them to go up a bit more and then turn right, where we come into a small sized pathway that runs beside a small brook. There is a sakura tree there but it is barren and I tell Makoto to watch her step as the old stones were unleveled due to age.
We make another right turn, this time into a small alley where the houses are close to each other, actually almost on top of one another. They were not into making large houses here in this village, actually almost everything is small. I stop by one of the gates. Staring at it for a while before going up to knock. It is hard to see inside since the front wall is high. Hiroaki liked his privacy since father used to keep the walls and gates low to let light in but now it’s mostly to keep strangers out. One can’t really blame him after what happened.
I bang on the gate a bit. “Yukiko! It’s me your uncle! Open up!”
A man takes a peek first. I see him and I’m surprised. He is the youngest son of Suzuki Shigesuke, Kinosuke who from what I know was a friend of Hiroaki. What is he doing here?
“Yamaguchi-san! Well this is a surprise.” He smiles at all of us as he opens the door. He is only a few years younger than I probably 36. “Yukiko is inside cooking. I just came by to drop some firewood.”
“Is that so?” I say and look him over. He doesn’t look like he’s been out doing chores, in fact he’s dressed in a light Yukata. I turn to Hide and Makoto. “This is Hide and the little girl is Makoto, my daughter.”
“Ah… So the boys are in Aizu?” He doesn’t say anything else but he knows of my sons. Since Tokio and Hiroaki did not like each other, I am uncertain if Kinosuke knows of my ex-wife.
I nod and enter without waiting for them. There is a small garden and it’s been kept trimmed, the engawa is also clean. That is good.
“Uncle!” I hear a slight shriek from the back, followed by hurried footsteps but it stops as Kinosuke disappears. They must be talking… I sigh. What is going on here?
There’s a brook I see as we’re walking. I stop for a minute to look at the water and I hear more water somewhere else! But I don’t want to fall behind, so I skip back to catch up with Chichi and Okaasan.
I keep looking at the trees, there’s no leaves, so can’t I see the water?
But my cousin is nearby! That is good too.
A man comes out. I thought my cousin was a lady, not a man.
>>Ah?EUR? So the boys are in Aizu?
Boys? But then I hear the man talking loudly, and a woman. I hold tight onto Okaasan’s sleeve as we go inside the gate.
“Oh yes I remember,” I say, it’s been a long time but of course I remember the day he brought me here. “You pointed out a sword-maker somewhere around here.” It’s not really changed that much, but then again, I didn’t get to go into the village itself.
Makoto tarries by the brook – I grin slightly, if it’s not animals, it’s water. Before I can tell her to catch up, she does, and grabs onto my sleeve, and holds on.
Soon we’re at a house with tall walls, a bit taller than those around them. Is that necessary in such a small village? Or maybe the desire for security was similar for his brother as well? I remember many good-bye kisses were followed by a request to lock up.
Hajime introduces us to a man, I’m slightly confused as he’s wearing only a yukata in winter outdoors, even though it is a wonderfully warm day. Makoto and I bow, and I wonder if Makoto heard the question about the boys.
Hajime leaves us to follow and we do, into a well-kept courtyard. I wonder if Yukiko-san is fond of gardening. But I’m distracted by the voices, and a shriek, from the back. I give Hajime a look – what is going on? “Who is that man?” I ask in a low voice. He certainly doesn’t look to be a relation of Hajime’s…
?EURoeWho is that man??EUR?
“He’s the youngest son of my father’s “sponsor”.” It’s then that I realize, Hide does not know about our samurai stature. I debate whether to tell her more, it is not something I tell others openly but it’s her and no one else is around. “My father bought the title “Gokenin-Kabu”.” That should explain everything.
“Makoto… here. Give this to Yukiko when she comes out.” I say and hand her an unopened package or rice crackers. I just finished giving Makoto our visiting gift when Yukiko comes out.
“Sumimasen… I was busy at the back and by the time I knew it Kinosuke-san was already at the door.” I look at Uncle and wonder if he suspects anything. “Uncle it’s been so long since you’ve visited here… Not since father…” I stop. I didn’t want to sound like I held any grudge for him not coming to my fathers funeral.
“Oh what am I doing! Please come to the tatami room.” Immediately I open the shoji door that way they can all sit at the table. There is a nice breeze and the sun is warm enough even this mild winter. I wonder who the other guest are… If I didn’t know better the little one sure bears a resemblance to him… Maybe it’s the hair or maybe the shape of her eyes…
I ignore her comment about Hiroaki. I already expected such sentiment. She seems to be in high spirits, not as shy as when I used to come here. Normally she would hide at the back and avoid visitors.
“This is Yagi Hide. We were old friends in Kyoto.” I say as introduction, “This little one is Makoto, our daughter.” Hopefully she understood what I was saying and not bring up Tokio. The puzzled look on her face doesn’t escape me however…. I nudge Makoto slightly to remind her on what to do.
Yokiko-san comes out, she’s very informal, and her eye catches on Makoto. I smile to myself, a family member should be able to spot them…
We follow Hajime and Yukiko-san into a tatami room, where he introduces us. I wonder where the other man went, certainly he cannot be a servant, his dress and way of speaking to Hajime is too casual…
I smile and bow as I’m introduced, and do again, as Makoto introduces herself. “I’m so very pleased to meet you, Yukiko-san.” She is young – can she be living here by herself?
Chichi nudges me and I bow at my cousin.
“Hello, I am Makoto-chan. It is very nice to meet you.”
I look at Okaasan, who is bowing as well. She does it very well, sometimes when I’m bowing and sitting I think I might tumble over! I try not to giggle, Okaasan said I should show my best manners, like I will at school Monday.
“Yukiko-san, we have brought you a present.” I look over at Chichi, since he still has the bag.
I’m surprised as Makoto looks at me expectantly. Perhaps she thought the bag of sembei was for her? Oh well… I bought two and one was really for Makoto. I reach into the paper bag and take the sembei, leaving the sake as that is for later.
“Here. I know you like these.” Handing the small bag to Yukiko, I place a hand on my daughter’s shoulder and indicate that she should sit down.
“Why don’t you all get comfortable and I’ll be back with some tea.”
Yukiko starts to shake her head and I grin slightly, “I am not a guest. -Stay- here. I’ll be right back.” Throwing Hide a -look- that I hope she understands, quickly I leave to go towards the back of the house where I suspect Kinosuke has disappeared to.
(Saitou exits for now and will return later)
Uncle leaves and it’s obvious what he’s doing. I smile at both Yagi-san and Makoto-chan and bow. It’s been so long since we’ve had guest in this house that I’ve forgotten my manners.
“Please sit down Yagi-san.” I say and sit as well, trying not to look back to where uncle disappeared to. “I’m sorry there’s nothing I can offer right now. I was just getting ready to cook.” I bow my head again by way of apology. “this house used to be so lively, especially when auntie’s family used to live here.” I look around, yes it’s been a long time since my cousins lived here as well and when father passed away, the house became completely -empty-.
My eyes drift to Makoto however and remember what uncle said, that she was his daugher and hers as well. I am -surprised-. My father was not shy about his opinions and he let it be known that he didn’t approve of Tokio-san. I hardly remember uncle’s wife having only seen her twice when I was younger, she hardly did visit and didn’t seem to like comapny. I remember father telling uncle one summer that he found it rude that Tokio-san would not come here along with the boys. I had assumed that’s why uncle stopped visiting, that he was angry at my father for having said so… And yet here he is now… With an “old friend” and their daughter?
“Anou… Yagi-san… So you and uncle are old friends?” I fidget a little, not really knowing what to say. I sure wish Kinosuke didn’t leave me here alone, but this is better I suppose than having uncle ask questions, I am not sure I am ready to answer.
Opening the bag of snacks, I push it over to Makoto. “Here you can have some of mine and save yours for later.” I smile feebly at, I guess… at my cousin? “You must be tired from traveling all this way in the outskirts of Tokyo.”
Hajime speaks of getting tea, and I wonder – he – make tea? But the look in his eyes – I know that look, the set of his shoulders. It’s almost like he’s -working-. I smile and nod my head a bit. So this man is a problem… I glance over at Yukiko-san, who seems so -young-, suddenly.
We sit at her invitation, and I thank her for her hospitality. “Children do make a house lively,” I agree, smiling at my daughter, who is being very proper sitting in seiza. I grin to myself, we did practice sitting -right- before her interview Monday. “Your home is lovely; I was admiring the garden on the way in, the composition is fine even in the winter.”
She’s quiet for a minute, before asking how I knew Hajime, and… fidgeting slightly? Perhaps she’s worried about her uncle taking so long to make tea?
“Yes, years and years ago, he stayed at my parent’s home in Kyoto. We met again several years ago…” I smile. “We live in Tokyo now.”
Makoto pipes in, “and I’m starting school next week!” Yukiko-san is young, so perhaps she won’t be disturbed by Makoto’s habit of speaking very boldly at times. “And now I have a brother Eiji-kun and a cousin.” She smiles and takes some of the snacks offered, after insisting Yukiko-san go first.
“It wasn’t a long trip, we only left this morning.” I tell her. “It was a very good journey.”
?EURoeYour home is lovely; I was admiring the garden on the way in, the composition is fine even in the winter.?EUR?
“Oh this house hardly changed one bit.” I smile awkwardly and look at the little girl sitting straight in seiza. Yagi-san smiles at her daughter seemingly glad that she’s behaving. I’m reminded of those days too as a little girl being told by my father to sit properly, with only a look. He was strict unlike Obaa-san. “Father wanted to keep it exactly the same as it was before when Grandma Masu tended to it. It’s not lot of work, everything is so simple that only a trim is needed occasionally.” Looking at Makoto-chan, I continue, “She helped plant root crops back at Kawagoe so she had a small vegetable patch at the back but those are long gone.” Even father with his busy schedule was not able to keep up with that small vegetable garden patch.
Yes, years and years ago, he stayed at my parent?EUR(TM)s home in Kyoto. We met again several years ago?EUR??EUR? I smile. ?EURoeWe live in Tokyo now.?EUR?
“Oh…” I think back. I do not know what uncle did in Kyoto, only that he -existed- since Obaa-san would ask father on occasion.. I did not ask much questions either since I was too young back then. It wasn’t until Auntie Katsu died that he came to visit… “Central Tokyo is a nice place. Father used to work there in the Tax Bureau and on occasion we would visit.” Of course our village is still in Tokyo but it’s so much in the outskirts that people from the city tend not to think of it as Tokyo.
?EURoeand I?EUR(TM)m starting school next week!?EUR?
I nod and smile at the little girl.
?EURoeAnd now I have a brother Eiji-kun and a cousin.?EUR?
“Oh I see so you met Eiji.” Nodding agreeably I continue, “Eiji used to visit here in the summers along with Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi. They were always running around the house…” I laugh slightly, I liked playing with them back then but such things now would be inappropriate. Eiji is old enough to have a job now, like he always said he would. As for the two boys… They must be staying with Tokio-san, otherwise they’d be here.
I turn my head hearing scuffles of feet. Kinosuke passes us without looking. He seemed upset. “Kinosuke-san!” I stand up, but he’s gone before I know it. I wonder what happened…
>>Father wanted to keep it exactly the same as it was before when Grandma Masu tended to it. It?EUR(TM)s not lot of work, everything is so simple that only a trim is needed occasionally
I nod. “That is a good design, then.” I smile. “I am enjoying seeing Hajime’s old home.” There’s so much I want to know about his parents, his brother… he’s known my family so well over the years, after all. “My old home as well was a village in a larger city, and like here, the city is expanding closer every year,” I chuckle softly, “though Kyoto grows much slower than Tokyo.”
“Eiji-kun is doing well,” I tell her. I’ll let Hajime fill her in on the details, since she’s family she would know about him being in the military. She does mention Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi, and I glance over at Makoto, to see if she questions those names… she will need to be told soon. But she accepted Eiji so well and without question – indeed, she took to him – that her -other- brothers shouldn’t be too much of a shock. Instead, she asks Yukiko-san about playing, and I bite my lip to not laugh at that.
As I wonder where Hajime is, suddenly, the other man is coming downstairs in a -rush-, and I try to read Yukiko’s expression as she stands. What is the situation here?
>>She helped plant root crops back at Kawagoe so she had a small vegetable patch at the back but those are long gone.
I nod. “That’s a lot of fun.” That’s the best kind of “gardening”. Flowers are pretty but not tasty. “Gardens are good for bases, too.” Even though she’s a big girl, she might know what I mean.
She has a very nice smile!
>>Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi
Are those more cousins? I look at her. One day all the grown-ups will have to tell me about everyone! But she seems sad, so I say, “Yukiko-san, I will play with you. Chichi taught me to play “Night and Day”.”
Then the man leaves in a big hurry!
?EURoeMy old home as well was a village in a larger city, and like here, the city is expanding closer every year,?EUR? I chuckle softly, ?EURoethough Kyoto grows much slower than Tokyo.?EUR?
“I’ve never been to Kyoto.” I say, “Kinosuke-san did tell me about it however while he was watching over me when father was traveling on business.” I’ve never been outside of Tokyo but I’m fine with just hearing about other places.
?EURoeEiji-kun is doing well,?EUR?
“I’m glad to hear that.” I nod and take some of the snacks. “Since I had no brothers and Auntie’s children were all girls. I think of Uncle’s boys as my own younger brothers.”
?EURoeYukiko-san, I will play with you. Chichi taught me to play ?EURoeNight and Day?EUR?.?EUR?
The little girl tugs at my sleeve. “We used to play that a lot too.” I smile and pat her hair but I immediately stands up after seeing Kinosuke-san leave. He didn’t even hear me call…
“Excuse me Yagi-san.” I bow, “I’ll be right back.”
Not waiting for an answer I quickly put on my sandal and go after Kinosuke. It may seem rude but I need to know what happened and what was his answer.
(OOC: Yukiko will exit to go after Kinosuke unless stopped.)
>>I think of Uncle?EUR(TM)s boys as my own younger brothers.
“Uncle’s boys?” I ask, but then, everyone is all in a flurry but I want to know! BOYS?
Yukiko-san and Okaasan run outside, and where’s Chichi? WHERE IS CHICHI? Did that man hurt my Chichi? I run through the house, calling his name. Okaasan told me to stay where I have to make sure Chichi is alright! He is strong but that man seemed sneaky!
(Makoto is running through the house)
Yukiko-san suddenly rises and leaves the room.
Is she going after that man? The look on her face… it tells a story.
I get up, telling Makoto to stay still and enjoy her crackers.
Chasing after Makoto for the past few years has made me fast, and I catch up to her at the gate, and I reach out my hand to take her arm. “Yukiko-san, please, wait for your uncle. I will take Makoto out for a walk, if you wish, while you talk.” I slacken my hold a bit, and bow in apology for being so forward to touch her, and that I am interjecting myself in family business (even if one day she will be my niece as well). “Please wait for Hajime. You know just as well as I that he wishes the best for you.” It’s then I realize that I didn’t put on my sandals at the door, ah well…
I don’t know the situation but if the conclusions I’m making and the -look- on that girl’s face is accurate…
(inside the house)
I hear Makoto shouting somewhere inside the house. Turning the fire off quickly, I run to the main hallway where I thought I heard Makoto. She makes a turn into one of the rooms and I come up behind her and scoop her up.
“Now what are you doing little one?” I cradle her in my arms and rub her back, “You should know better than to just run around in a place you don’t know well.” I smile at her and watch her face. She seemed more concerned than scared. That’s good.
“Now why did you leave your mother? Didn’t I tell you this morning to -watch- her or did you forget already?”
(outside the house)
Reaching the gates, I throw it open but a hand is holding me back. I turn expecting to see uncle but instead I see Yagi-san. I turn my gaze away from her and crane my neck to see past the gate. Kinosuke turns the corner and I tell myself, he’s probably just going back to their house.
?EURoeYukiko-san, please, wait for your uncle. I will take Makoto out for a walk, if you wish, while you talk.?EUR?
“Ah I’m sorry Yagi-san.” I turn and give up running after Kinosuke-san. Maybe later we can talk.
?EURoePlease wait for Hajime. You know just as well as I that he wishes the best for you.?EUR?
The truth was, it was Kinosuke who wanted to talk to him. I didn’t think it was necessary… Then I spot Yagi-san’s bare feet. She forgot to put on her sandals. “Oh no…Yagi-san” I say and point, “We better get back. There’s a well at the back where you can wash your feet.”
(outside the house)
She stops, even if her eyes follow the man down the road. However, she doesn’t seem upset or offended, and I let go of her arm. However, she still looks worried, but not so -panicked- as before. Good.
>>Oh no?EUR?Yagi-san
I look down at my feet, and smile, embarrassed, nodding my head. “Ah, I was in a hurry, I didn’t know if I could catch up to a young woman like yourself.” She leads me around the back, I hope Makoto is doing as I told, and not “investigating” as she likes to do. Perhaps Hajime found her? I grin at her and let her lead the way. “Although neither of us should be outside without our wraps today!” I grin over at her, trying to lighten the mood and start a normal conversation…
(inside the house)
Like that, I’m found and picked up by Chichi. “Oh!’ I kiss him on the cheek as he picks me up, he seems just fine. “I was looking for you, Chichi. Yukiko-san and Okaasan went outside after the man did.”
>>Now why did you leave your mother? Didn?EUR(TM)t I tell you this morning to -watch- her or did you forget already?
I shake my head. “Chichi I didn’t forget but I have to watch you too. I didn’t know where you went! We all take care of each other, right?” I smile back. I look around, we’re in a kitchen. “We should make tea for Okaasan and Yukiko-san when they come back.” I don’t think they went far, Okaasan didn’t even put on her sandals!
(outside the house)
?EURoeAlthough neither of us should be outside without our wraps today!?EUR?
“Hai…” I take the bucket and drop it into the well for some water. It’s obvious Yagi-san is making conversation. It must be awkward for her too. “I’m sorry Yagi-san. I’m not used to having company these days… Uncle’s wife…” I stop wondering what I should call Tokio-san, I suppose her name is fine. “I mean Tokio-san never visited here and Auntie Katsu died so early, I’m not sure how I should be acting around other women.” I smile a little and pull out the bucket of water. “Here…” I pour some on her feet and point to the soap at the corner.
“My father taught me manners befitting a lady but…” I smile and look down, “one can only learn so much lady manners from a man.” It’s true, I still miss father a lot and had it not been for Kinosuke-san, I think it would be much more lonelier in this house.
(inside the house)
?EURoeI was looking for you, Chichi. Yukiko-san and Okaasan went outside after the man did.?EUR?
So Yukiko went after him? Such infatuation… I’m tempted to go outside but I hear voices coming from the back, theirs…
?EURoeChichi I didn?EUR(TM)t forget but I have to watch you too. I didn?EUR(TM)t know where you went! We all take care of each other, right??EUR?
“Oh so you were worried about me?” I chuckle and flick her bangs, “Did I tell you that your chichi has faced many more dangerous situations than anyone else?”
Putting her down, I start the fire again. The tea pot is still warm so it should not take long. I ready the tea leaves once it’s done. “Makoto… While I was gone, did Yukiko say anything?” Perhaps she said something about Kinosuke.
(Inside the house)
>>Did I tell you that your chichi has faced many more dangerous situations than anyone else?
I nod. “I -know- my Chichi is the best!” I grin at him, and giggle as he plays with my hair. “But that man ran off so very fast!” I remember Auntie Saya’s stories. “That means that they might not be up to any good!”
>>Makoto?EUR? While I was gone, did Yukiko say anything?
He puts me down and I -want- so badly to look at things but it’s not nice when it’s someone else’s house… so I watch Chichi make tea. He asks, and I think.
“They talked about gardens.” I sigh. Okaasan…. “She used to play night and day. She’s never been to Kyoto, but someone told her about it when her father was away.” I think more, I almost forgot the big question! “Oh! Chichi, who is Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi? They used to visit her too.”
(Outside)
I wash my feet as Yukiko-san helps with the water. I’m glad I have another pair of tabi in the things I brought.
“It must be hard for you, Yukiko-san, to be here by yourself.” Is there no other relation? Suddenly some of the situation becomes clearer, but I proceed slowly, after all, I am a stranger to her.
Tokio never visited? I can’t hide the frown that passed my face, it’s terrible when I have this feeling of -disapproving- of her actions. But at least… I am in a place where my path to acceptance might be easier.
>>I?EUR(TM)m not sure how I should be acting around other women
I smile. “It’s natural, once you are accustomed to it.” I finish, and take the bucket she offers to rinse off the soap, and dry with the small towel kept at the well’s edge. “When I was your age – ages ago – my house was full of samurai, and I only had brothers. I wondered if, aside from my other mother, if I would ever know female conversation ever again. Not that I minded them, after a while.” I grin and shake my head softly.
>>one can only learn so much lady manners from a man.
I laugh softly, nodding a little. “Hai… but they mean well.” I smile. “You must tell me all about your father while we are here.” I look up at her, she’s tall, at least to -me-. “But if you are lonely here, perhaps when you talk to your uncle, a better solution can be found. A young lady shouldn’t have so much on her shoulders.” Ideas flash through my head, but it must be discussed with Hajime before I make -any- offers.
I take her arm and walk back to the house. “Please, Yukiko-san, see me as family, even if I am new to you. I will be happy to offer advice as to ‘lady manners’ whenever you wish.” I smile, “and I may ask for your advice as well, about two young men who I’ve yet to meet and the one I just did.” Even if it’s something as simple as what sorts of foods they like…
Closer to the house, I smell something, subtle, through the winter air. “I believe our tea is ready, shall we re-join Hajime and Makoto?”
?EURoeBut that man ran off so very fast!?EUR? I remember Auntie Saya?EUR(TM)s stories. ?EURoeThat means that they might not be up to any good!?EUR?
I only nod at that and wonder where she picked up the idea.
?EURoeThey talked about gardens.?EUR? ?EURoeShe used to play night and day. She?EUR(TM)s never been to Kyoto, but someone told her about it when her father was away.?EUR?
Makoto sighs at the mention of “garden talk”. I smirk at that. Then the talk turns to Kyoto, “Makoto, do you remember her mentioning “Kinosuke”?” It’s hard to expect a child to remember but maybe…
?EURoeOh! Chichi, who is Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi? They used to visit her too.?EUR?
I almost dropped the tea pot that I just finished putting tea leaves in. Clearing my throat I stall a little and put the pot on the tray along with some cups. It’s really not surprising that she’ll find out she has brothers. I just didn’t think it would be this early. I would have the talk with her if I got Tsutomu back in school… But at this point, I am not about to deny my sons either. Bending down I look at my daughter and place a hand on her shoulder.
“Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi are my sons from a previous marriage.” I decide not to mention Tokio, “They are your brothers but they are living in Aizu. Both of them are older than you, Tsutomu is the oldest, then Tsuyoshi… Then you.” I try to smile a bit, I still do not like the idea that my sons are with other people. “Remember in the next few days I will be traveling? That’s where I’ll be going.”
That’s all I’m willing to say to her for now so I stand up. “Come Makoto. The tea will get cold.”
(OOC: Saitou and Makoto are now in the tatami room)
?EURoeIt must be hard for you, Yukiko-san, to be here by yourself.?EUR?
“It was in the beginning. The Suzuki’s has been kind to me however since their family was our sponsor. I heard that Grandfather worked under the Suzuki’s and so did my father until he left to work in the city. Even when father no longer worked for the Suzuki’s, they still looked after me since father would only come home during the weekends.”
She frowns as I tell her about Tokio-san. Of course I shouldn’t have. Whatever her relationship is with uncle, a woman never likes to hear about the ones that came before her. I remind myself to be careful at what I say with regards to Tokio-san. After all only father seems to know much about her, I only hear bits and pieces.
?EURoeWhen I was your age – ages ago – my house was full of samurai, and I only had brothers. I wondered if, aside from my other mother, if I would ever know female conversation ever again. Not that I minded them, after a while.?EUR?
I laugh softly. “You said that uncle lived with your parents? So was he in that group?” These were the missing years that I did not know about. From what I remember it wasn’t until the end of the Boshin wars did father finally tracked down where his younger brother was…
?EURoeYou must tell me all about your father while we are here.?EUR?
“There’s really not much to tell. If you know uncle then you pretty much know my father.” It is odd however, that for all their similarities there were many times they did not talk.
?EURoeBut if you are lonely here, perhaps when you talk to your uncle, a better solution can be found. A young lady shouldn?EUR(TM)t have so much on her shoulders.?EUR?
“It’s really not that bad.” I try to convince her. “I have help here when it’s needed… And I’d rather be here than anywhere else.” I suppose my father’s attachment to this house has finally rubbed off on me although his reasons are much deeper than mine.
?EURoePlease, Yukiko-san, see me as family, even if I am new to you. I will be happy to offer advice as to ?EUR~lady manners?EUR(TM) whenever you wish.?EUR? I smile, ?EURoeand I may ask for your advice as well, about two young men who I?EUR(TM)ve yet to meet and the one I just did.
“I”ll try to remember that.” I say softly. “I would be glad to answer any questions you may have about them, if I can.”
With that I follow her to the tatami room where Uncle was already sitting beside Makoto-chan, smoking.
>>Makoto, do you remember her mentioning ?EURoeKinosuke?EUR??
I think, and then nod. “Chichi, that was his name!” I’m glad I can tell Chichi about what we talked about while he was busy.
I look around, and think of something I was thinking before. “Chichi, will you show me where you used to play?”
Chichi makes tea after I ask about the boys.
>>They are your brothers
“Oh.” I think for a minute. Eiji-kun was nice. Yukiko-san is nice. And Auntie Saya is the best! “Are they big boys? Like the ones that don’t play anymore?”
He says they live in Aizu. Do they have an Okaasan?
Grownups are so confusing. I think, and hug Chichi’s waist. “You should bring them to play with me. I bet I will like them!” Not all brothers are bad. Even Isuzu-chan’s brother liked to pick on us but would also have fun…
I used to think it was just me and Okaasan and boxes, but I have a LOT of family! That’s really nice, even if some family is that shrimp-stealer.
We go and wait for Okaasan and Yukiko-san and Chichi smokes.
>>You said that uncle lived with your parents? So was he in that group?
I nod. I do wish she would tell me more about her father, but perhaps later. “Ah, so stubbornness does run in the family?” I laugh softly. “Our little one got that from the both of us.”
>>It?EUR(TM)s really not that bad. I have help here when it?EUR(TM)s needed?EUR? And I?EUR(TM)d rather be here than anywhere else.
I smile, “I understand that, it was hard for me to leave home a few years back. But it worked out for the best, even if it was scary to try something new. And while it’s nice to -hear- of places like Kyoto…” I look over at her. “You have to see a springtime, going up to Kiyomizu-dera to see the whole city spread out… a blanket of rooftops and pink sakura…” I grin slightly, I am fond of the sites of my hometown.
She offers her advice about the boys, “thank you, Yukiko-san,” I tell her. “My first question should be easy… can you tell me what sorts of foods they like? I love cooking, so I’d like to make sure I could make them something good when I do get to meet them.”
We come back to the house, and I thank her for her help. “It looks like they have tea ready.” I smile at our little girl, and then over at Hajime. Sitting next to him, I touch his shoulder. Hopefully we can talk soon… and there’s also a question I need to ask him.
Then I remember something from before the drama – did the names of the boys catch Makoto’s attention?
?EURoeOur little one got that from the both of us.?EUR?
I nod but really Yagi-san doesn’t seem that stubborn. Only the men in this family is blessed with that trait, even uncle’s sons are like that.
?EURoeYou have to see a springtime, going up to Kiyomizu-dera to see the whole city spread out?EUR? a blanket of rooftops and pink sakura
“That would be nice.” Perhaps I am just a simple person quite content where I am. Father was always telling me to try other things but try as he might, I didn’t want to go doing things by myself.
?EURoeMy first question should be easy?EUR? can you tell me what sorts of foods they like? I love cooking, so I?EUR(TM)d like to make sure I could make them something good when I do get to meet them.?EUR?
So the situation becomes clearer… Uncle apparently did separate with his wife like father told him to a long time ago. It seems the situation is quite recent if Yagi-san haven’t met the boys yet, considering Uncle always liked spending time with his sons even if spending time only meant sitting on the engawa smoking and watching them. “They like fish, especially the ones in a soup.” I think harder, “They’re used to Aizu cooking and I do know that Tsutomu like Kozuyu and stewed carp.” I smile a little glad that I remembered… Who of course could forget when that boy refused to eat with us because there was no soup on the table. Ah…
We enter the room and it’s obvious that uncle is thinking of something. I wonder of what? Kinosuke perhaps?
?EURoeAre they big boys? Like the ones that don?EUR(TM)t play anymore??EUR?
“Ah well Tsutomu is already 12 and he likes to read more these days.” Or at least that’s what I last knew. “Tsuyoshi, is almost 10 and he’s more likely to play with you.” Of course that is if I ever see him at length again. I frown a little but my little girl is hugging my waist as we go back to the room.
?EURoeYou should bring them to play with me. I bet I will like them!?EUR?
I nod. Not that it means anything for now but it is good to hear she’s taking this well. Perhaps her age helps this situation a lot. We get back to the tatami room without incident and I start to smoke. Hide comes in with Yukiko and I watch her demeanor carefully from the corner of my eye. Hide comes over and places a hand on my shoulder.
“Glad to see you two back.” I say and nod at the tea, “That should be passable.” I sigh a little. There’s really no time and I -should- talk to Yukiko and soon.
“Hide after you finish your tea, can you continue cooking?” I remember some fish was already on the sink. That should give my niece and I some privacy.
“Thank you… that gives me something to start with,” I say, thinking that I’ll have to look into some of these regional variations…
>>That should be passable
I take a sip, and smile at him. “You make tea that’s a bit more than passable.” I encourage Makoto to drink hers but she stands, and comes over to whisper in my ear.
“Ahhh… we’ll let’s ask Yukiko-san.” I turn to face the young lady. “Could you please show Makoto the washroom? And I’ll start cooking.” I’m surprised that Yukiko wouldn’t want to cook for her guests, but… ah. I -see-. “It will be wonderful to have a good meal, breakfast was so long ago.”
“When you come back, Makoto, you can help in the kitchen.” This will keep her busy…
I watch as Yukiko leaves with Makoto. The one thing about this house is that the wash room is an out house by the well. It’s an older house but why no one ever thought of building a restroom inside the house is still beyond me. It was inconvenient to always accompany children there at night.
Taking the tea that Hide says was passable, I take a sip and make a face. It’s not good. Now which one to talk about first with Hide? I gingerly place the cigarette back on my lips and notice she’s wearing a different tabi this time.
“Did Yukiko tell you anything about what’s going on here?” I ask. Maybe since she’s a woman the girl might’ve felt free to mention something to her.
Yukiko-san leads Makoto away…
He makes a face as he drinks the tea. I laugh, “well, your technique could use some work. Remind me to give you lessons later…” My eyes gleam at that, as my mind quickly drifted from tea… I grin slightly, and my face becomes serious as I think about how to explain my impressions of his niece – who is a girl I just met.
>>Did Yukiko tell you anything about what?EUR(TM)s going on here?
I nod. “She ran out after that man, I stopped her at the gate.” I remember something from long ago. “Back in Kyoto, after the war, I knew girls like her – family scattered or gone, and they… clung to those who offered answers and security, even if their intentions weren’t as pure. This man… she didn’t say much, besides that he watched over her back when your brother was away.”
“She’s lonely,” I say. I shake my head. The poor girl. “I don’t think she’s around women much, and she’s aware of that.” I look over at Hajime. “Perhaps she should spend some time at our house in Tokyo, or I’m sure Tamesaburo-kun would love to have her – Hanako-san narrowly escaped getting in a similar situation so she’d understand.”
I look around the house, and stand. “Show me around the kitchen? Then later… I wish to pay my respects to your parents and family.”
?EURoewell, your technique could use some work. Remind me to give you lessons later?EUR??EUR?
She seems out of it for a moment, as if she’s somewhere else distant. I languidly stare at her mildly wondering what it is she’s thinking. Then I answer, “I don’t think so…”
She ran out after him? That’s not a good sign…
?EURoeBack in Kyoto, after the war, I knew girls like her – family scattered or gone, and they?EUR? clung to those who offered answers and security, even if their intentions weren?EUR(TM)t as pure. This man?EUR? she didn?EUR(TM)t say much, besides that he watched over her back when your brother was away.?EUR?
I don’t say anything and just wonder how she knows of such things. I had always considered that Hide was sheltered in Kyoto. “I’m not surprised.” I finally say, “Our family are close friends with the Suzuki’s. In fact Hiroaki worked for them until getting a job in the government in Tokyo.” And that’s probably the time she was left to their care as Katsu’s family already left the house a few years after her death.
?EURoeI don?EUR(TM)t think she?EUR(TM)s around women much, and she?EUR(TM)s aware of that.?EUR?
I nod and puff some more. “Hiroaki’s wife passed early while she was still a child, in fact I have never seen her mother. Apparently my sister Katsu was living here as well and became like a second mother to her.” Narrowing my eyes, I think of that day when I returned here. It was on the day of Katsu’s funeral years ago. “She just died when I came back to visit. That was ten years ago.”
Looking out the window I ash my cigarette on the empty tea cup. The only daughter of my brother and I have no idea what to do with her. I sigh, wondering how he managed… It is a shame of course that my knowledge of my own family is sparse at best, but we separated ways early on and only when I had children did I bother to reconnect with them again.
“Kinosuke asked me if he and Yukiko can marry.” I say this at a loss. Inhaling the smoke deeply I continue, “I am in no position to decide such a thing.”
Perhaps she should spend some time at our house in Tokyo, or I?EUR(TM)m sure Tamesaburo-kun would love to have her – Hanako-san narrowly escaped getting in a similar situation so she?EUR(TM)d understand.?EUR?
I shake my head at the mention of our house in Tokyo. It will be too much for Hide and Makoto, considering our situation and our -probable- future situation. As for Tamesaburou… “I have to think about it. Do you mind if I stay here overnight?” There are things I must do, “You and Makoto can go back if you wish.”
?EURoeShow me around the kitchen? Then later?EUR? I wish to pay my respects to your parents and family.?EUR?
Standing up beside her, I finish the cigarette. “It’s a large one but not as convenient nor modern like the one in Tokyo.” In fact some of the counters were made of bamboo and cement. “I’ll ask Yukiko to watch Makoto. We can go after lunch.” The truth was, I fully intended to take her with me. Why I didn’t the first time we came here… I would’ve liked Hiroaki to have met her.
Hajime explains about some of the background, of the Suzuki connection to his family, and Yukiko-san’s mother and aunt.
He smokes and sighs, and I sit back down, next to him, one arm going around his waist and my head resting on his shoulder.
>>Kinosuke asked me if he and Yukiko can marry.
I look up at Hajime with wide eyes. “Oh…” I shake my head. “I wonder what he’s said to her… she didn’t say that to me but she seemed very attached to this place.” I wonder if it is for Kinosuke or in memory of her family? I frown. “He’s a good deal older than her?” She must be sixteen or seventeen but seems very young still.
He shakes his head at the idea of Tokyo. “We have the extra room… should the boys come, she could share with Makoto instead…” I think for a moment. “And… she could help with the boys – she seems to be fond of them. She even told me their favorite dishes.” I smile at little at that. I’m also glad that he says that he’ll think about Tamesaburo – after all, we Yagis are very good with houseguests. However, we will need to find a larger place in Tokyo soon enough, if she comes or not.
>>Do you mind if I stay here overnight? You and Makoto can go back if you wish.
“We will stay with you, as long as we get home at a decent time tomorrow so Makoto can rest for her school entrance test. Your family matters are mine as well.” I smile up at my husband-to-be.
We stand and go into the kitchen, and he shows me around, and I grin. “I don’t mind the un-modern, it looks more like the one back in Kyoto.” Before turning to the food, I whisper, “I’ve not gotten a chance to kiss you yet….” I smile. “And if they come back quickly, Yukiko-san will think we were doing this and not talking about her…” Bracing my hands against his chest for balance, I step up on my tiptoes to give him a soft kiss.
?EURoeOh?EUR??EUR? I shake my head. ?EURoeI wonder what he?EUR(TM)s said to her?EUR? she didn?EUR(TM)t say that to me but she seemed very attached to this place.?EUR? ?EURoeHe?EUR(TM)s a good deal older than her??EUR?
“Twice her age. His brother Juunosuke was good friends with Hiroaki and is around his age. He’d be 45 by now.” I look down at Hide surprised at her comment about age. Somewhere in the recesses of my memory or perhaps I had just imagined it but didn’t she herself… I blink. No, that wasn’t real. Focusing back my attention to the present, I say “She’s 17 turning 18 this june.”
?EURoeWe have the extra room?EUR? should the boys come, she could share with Makoto instead?EUR??EUR? I think for a moment. ?EURoeAnd?EUR? she could help with the boys – she seems to be fond of them. She even told me their favorite dishes.?EUR?
I just nod. I still don’t think it’s a good idea. What the girl needs, I think is not a distraction but a direction… As to what that direction is, I still do not know. Suddenly it strikes me odd that Hide had been asking about my sons from others. “Are you having doubts about my bringing Tsutomu?” I ask, “It is not set in stone yet but if you have doubts, then you need to tell me now so I can make other arrangements.” Or none at all.
?EURoeWe will stay with you, as long as we get home at a decent time tomorrow so Makoto can rest for her school entrance test. Your family matters are mine as well.?EUR?
I’d tell her about the carriage, that it’s still there if needed this afternoon. She doesn’t seem interested to go back so I do not offer it. As for my family matters… “My old room is upstairs. Did you bring a change of clothes? If not I can probably find something…”
Suddenly instead of turning her attention to the fish that I’ve told her to cook, she turns and leans against me. I meet her lips with a soft kiss for a moment and let her go. “She probably already knows. If she’s anything like Hiroaki, which I think she is.”
“By the way, can you make some rice balls? I would like to take some as an offering.”
>>Twice her age
“Twice?” My eyebrows raise. “And she’s so young… even though she has a lot on her shoulders.” I wonder if there are young men in this village? Or if her father had had someone in mind?
>>Are you having doubts about my bringing Tsutomu?
I look up at him, and shake my head. “Not a one. I just… want to do all my research to make him comfortable when he’s with us.” I smile. “If I can make them food they like, perhaps… they’ll be more open to me. It’s a start, anyway.” I touch his cheek. “Bring one or both of the boys. I can’t wait to meet them.” Of course, I will still need to explain all of this to Makoto…
I smile as he talks about his old room. “And here, I thought we would spend the night in my old room before we spent it in yours.” But as to practical concerns, I nod. “I thought since it takes a morning to get here, we might stay overnight – so I packed for all three of us. I even have some coffee for the morning…” And another two packs of cigarettes, from my secret stash, just in case. “I’m short on tabi, though – I ran after Yukiko-san earlier and didn’t take time to get my zori on.”
I turn to address the fish… it’s very, very fresh, probably caught this morning. It’ll be a bit of a stretch to make it for four, but it’s time I show Hajime (well, remind him, since we did back during the Shinsengumi days) that I can do well with less.
I nod at his request as I fill a pot with water, then start to wash the fish. “Yes, is there any way in particular I should make them?”
“I’ll have lunch ready shortly,” I tell him, as I hear the voices of Makoto and Yukiko return to the house.
?EURoeAnd she?EUR(TM)s so young?EUR?
I nod. So young indeed and aren’t young men and women -foolish-? Only one can recognize the other I’m told.
?EURoeNot a one. I just?EUR? want to do all my research to make him comfortable when he?EUR(TM)s with us. ?EURoeIf I can make them food they like, perhaps?EUR? they?EUR(TM)ll be more open to me. It?EUR(TM)s a start, anyway.?EUR?
Holding her by the waist, I look down. “Then ask me. I know my sons well… And you need to learn to talk to me about them openly not hide like what you’re doing.” I was afraid of this, the first time she ran after Eiji although I did not know what they talked about, I did know she didn’t feel free to tell me what’s on her mind. And now to fish for information from my niece about such a simple thing that I can answer my self… “You’re worst than our daughter.” I grin slightly, “At least she has the courage to ask me directly who they were.” Of course I know it’s the ignorance of youth that protects my child from such complexities of life but still…
Letting her go she starts to work on the fish and tells me that she came prepared. Ah good we do have coffee. ?EURoeI?EUR(TM)m short on tabi, though – I ran after Yukiko-san earlier and didn?EUR(TM)t take time to get my zori on.?EUR?
“I’m sure Yukiko has an extra pair. I’ll ask her tonight.”
?EURoeYes, is there any way in particular I should make them??EUR?
“Make the fish?” I look at it, confusion apparently on my face. “I told you, I only know how to fry and/or grill one.”
>>Then ask me. I know my sons well?EUR? And you need to learn to talk to me about them openly not hide like what you?EUR(TM)re doing.
I look down, and then up at him. “I’m sorry. I’ll ask you from now on, first – I just want to use everything I can to get off to a good start.” He understands how I try at these things. “Then I will ask you more, later, I have a room to get outfitted, and I can’t assume all young men are like my brothers were.” I make a face. “Are they wasabi addicts?” Oh goodness, I -hope- not… I don’t understand how Tamesaburo especially can taste anything anymore.
>>At least she has the courage to ask me directly who they were
I turn away from the fish to face him. “Really? She didn’t seem upset by anything…” I smile, slowly, and it becomes wider across my face. “And did she take it like Eiji-kun and Yukiko-san and think she had someone new to play with?” I laugh. “She’s so loving and open… but ah, that comes from her very beginning, ne?” I remember that wonderful afternoon… I steal another kiss since I can’t touch him with my fishy hands before going back to work.
“No, no, not the fish,” I tell him. “The onigiri – umeboshi, sprinked with furikake, fish in the middle?” I look at the fish. “The fish, I’m making into donburi.”
?EURoeI?EUR(TM)m sorry. I?EUR(TM)ll ask you from now on, first – I just want to use everything I can to get off to a good start.?EUR?
I nod and look down into her eyes. She will be my wife and she must feel free to talk to me about them. It will take time I suppose…
?EURoeAre they wasabi addicts??EUR?
“No.” I chuckle.
?EURoeAnd did she take it like Eiji-kun and Yukiko-san and think she had someone new to play with??EUR??EURoeShe?EUR(TM)s so loving and open?EUR? but ah, that comes from her very beginning, ne??EUR?
“Yes she did.” I smile slightly, “You raised her well.” Of course I told her that a long time ago but I know she does like to hear it. She kisses me again without warning. And I have to wonder what it is she is thinking as she goes back to working on the fish.
?EURoeNo, no, not the fish,?EUR? I tell him. ?EURoeThe onigiri – umeboshi, sprinked with furikake, fish in the middle??EUR?
“Save the fish for us, the dead will not mind to feed the living.” Lighting a cigarette, I remember something, “However make one in a separate bento and put half of my share of fish in it.”
(Saitou leaves Hide)
Without saying anything else, I leave the kitchen and meet with Yukiko who is holding Makoto by the hand.
“Makoto please help your mother cook.” I tell her and point to the kitchen. She leaves and I look at Yukiko. “Let’s talk…”
(OOC: Saitou will start a different thread. Hide can start a new thread as well skipping lunch preferably, perhaps start in mid-afternoon already? Saitou will enter that afternoon thread after he’s done with Yukiko)