I show Himura-san to the back, and invite her to sit on the engawa, where we can keep an eye on the children.
“I’ll get some tea, Himura-san,” I say, leaving her to go to the kitchen.
It’s only there that I release the breath I’ve been holding. My hands are shaking as I heat up the water. Of course Kenji-kun couldn’t come here alone – this is the city, after all, and children shouldn’t roam around.
I’d never thought to have a conversation with Makoto about inviting people over here. I knew she and Kenji-kun have a friendship of sorts – and, from what I’ve overheard of some of their bragging, a bit of a rivalry? But we never had many friends back in Ito, and Makoto and Isumi-chan went back and forth easily between our homes, and the rest of the town ignored my daughter and I. And of course, in that place, until the very end, there was no danger – but also no opportunity for a larger social circle.
I sigh. Hajime now will be worried, as I am, about people knowing where we live. And if she knows, the rest of that household will know…
The tea finished, I put everything on a tray and return to our guest.
Unexpected Visitors
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For a moment I thought Yagi-san wasn’t going to return. She took quite a while. But I see why, I’m sure it takes time to boil water.
I wonder if she’s worried we’re here? Of course she is. She said she was from Kyoto right and if she knows Saitou-san. It’s very probable she knows about the Shinsengumi. About the past.
She offers me tea and I accept. Now I’m thinking I should’ve bought a second box of daifuku.
We sit quiet for a while. It wouldn’t make sense for her to say much I suppose. But I feel like she should get to know us. What type of people we are…
“I’ve lived all my life in Tokyo. My father disappeared during the Seinan war so I’ve been keeping the dojo alive until he came back.” I say knowing that my father will likely never come back, he’s likely dead but I guess it’s just my way not to give up hope. “More than ten years ago there were many people who wanted my father’s dojo for the land an they caused us trouble and that’s when Kenshin came to our lives. He saved my father’s dojo.” I smile. “I even found a couple of students, the first one was a pickpocket that Kenshin saved from the Yakuza and the second student was a well to do young man whom Kenshin helped. Yutaro… He got caught in squabble between samurai.”
Himura-san tells me about her past, and I nod. Of course I already knew this from -elsewhere- but it’s interesting to hear how she tells it. “It’s good that you’ve been able to keep your dojo going; it’s been a rough time for many in this new era.” Many former samurai tried to leverage their skills in this way, I know – Shimada-san tried and failed. “But it seems to be coming back at some schools, which should help with overall interest? I know guns are more effective as a general weapon, but I suppose I’m old fashioned and prefer swords.”
“I’m from Kyoto – the Shinsengumi stayed at my father’s home before they moved on to the temple, I considered many to be my friends. So I knew -of- your husband, but never met him.” After all, the rumors were that the Battosai only came out at night. And I assume that it’s foolish to try to hide who I am with them – my family’s connection was well known and given to how much Souji and I were out and about and some of the run-ins we had, those within the Ishin Shishi were aware of me.
I take a sip of my tea. “I’m afraid the children ran off with the refreshments. Could I get you something?” Now that the child is so heavy I’m having to eat several small meals or else I get heartburn, so I am a little hungry.
Kaoru:
“It’s good that you’ve been able to keep your dojo going; it’s been a rough time for many in this new era.”
I nod. “There used to be 4 dojos left here but with the Maekawa closing now there’s only 3. Kenshin and I hope to continue my father’s style but Kenji is much too young so for now Yahiko and I run the dojo.”
I’m from Kyoto – the Shinsengumi stayed at my father’s home before they moved on to the temple, I considered many to be my friends. So I knew -of- your husband, but never met him.”
I’m surprised at how far back Yagi-san’s association went with Saitou or rather the Shinsengumi. In a way I must take it as a good sign that Yagi-san is telling me about her background and involvement with them. Perhaps she’s not as closed minded as Saitou?
“The only time Kenshin ever spoke of the Shinsengumi in depth…” I think back, it’s been many years now “He told me of the 3 captains but we were surprised that it turned out to be Saitou-san who attacked our dojo and severely injured our friend Sanosuke just to make a point.” I look down at my hands, thinking how both men almost killed each other – they were evenly matched but had Kenshin not had a reversed blade sword, he would’ve beheaded Saitou in only one blow. But of course I was more concerned about losing Kenshin to the Battousai, if he indeed killed the Wolf.
Suddenly I’m quiet, thinking of Saitou-san’s recent visit. He still wants…
For a moment I’m tempted to ask Yagi-san for help but I didn’t come here for that. Perhaps the Wolf knocking at our door will go away given enough time. As long as Kenshin doesn’t know and they don’t meet again, whatever score they have from the Bakumatsu won’t have to be settled and the grudge that Saitou now holds against Kenshin for the loss of the Fujita house. I think was rather -unfair-.
“I’m afraid the children ran off with the refreshments. Could I get you something?”
I look up and muster a smile. “No thank you Yagi-san – I had a hearty breakfast.” That’s somewhat true I suppose but I’m also no longer hungry, wondering when he’ll be knocking on our door again.
Yukiko:
I’m in the kitchen preparing for lunch since I overslept. Someone’s already done the rice. I suppose I can fry up some fish and with that slice some cucumbers. I can hear the children chattering loudly in the treehouse and for a moment, I’m glad we’re finally back in this house where everything is back to normal.
She mentions Yahiko and I smile, “I met him the other day when I went to visit Eiji-san at the Akebeko. He’s a nice young man.” He also seemed a little nosy, but I don’t mention that. I’m sure Eiji-san wouldn’t say anything.
The only time Kenshin ever spoke of the Shinsengumi in depth… He told me of the 3 captains but we were surprised that it turned out to be Saitou-san who attacked our dojo and severely injured our friend Sanosuke just to make a point.
“Well there were -ten- captains in total but some more memorable than others – some were the best swordsmen of their generation, others…” I shrug. “It took a lot of different talents to make the Shinsengumi work. And of those ten, only three live today, and none of the commanders.” And one of those surviving captains is in jail – and will hopefully stay there. I suppose he’s to blame for the injuries Hajime sustained. I wonder for a moment about the other living captain, but Hokkaido is so far. I suppose we’ll never see him again.
She mentions Hajime just “making a point”. Hardly that, but I won’t argue with her. She’s another innocent of the Meiji era. I’m glad she has that, but I also know that there will be things she’ll never understand.
“So your husband – and his houseguest – did they know you were coming here today?” I look over at her. “I had a run in with that man a few weeks ago, but he didn’t know who I was.” I look up at the trees, casting a cooling shade, dancing in the light summer breeze, with the sounds of the children playing, the birds chirping. “This is a special home to us. I don’t want it disrupted.”
Himura-san turns down my offer of refreshments, and I hear noises in the kitchen. “Ah, that must be Yukiko-san. She’s Hajime’s niece, and living with us for a bit, to help out as my time approaches and then once the baby is here. I apologize for not properly introducing her Tuesday, but it became rather eventful,” I say, with a wry smile.
“He is but he was also a brat when he was growing up.” I laugh a little nervously, remembering that I did confide in Yahiko, that we were once again being “visited”. Of course Yahiko was very concerned and have now started spending more time in the dojo when he can.
Well there were -ten- captains in total but some more memorable than others – some were the best swordsmen of their generation, others…” I shrug. “It took a lot of different talents to make the Shinsengumi work. And of those ten, only three live today, and none of the commanders.”
Yagi-san didn’t seem to care for some of the members? But she seems bitter when she tells me of the demise of the rest of the Captains and the Commanders.
“Three still live?” In a way that worries me. If they were like Saitou, they’d also be after Kenshin. “I only remember another one who appeared and disappeared 7 years ago. “Okita-san seemed more amiable than Saitou-san ever was. It’s too bad his dojo didn’t pan out. But who is the other?”
“So your husband – and his houseguest – did they know you were coming here today?”
I shake my head as I look up at Yagi-san who is now standing and looking out to the treehouse.
“I specifically didn’t tell Kenshin nor Hiko-san. But not for the reasons you may think.”
“This is a special home to us. I don’t want it disrupted.”
I’m surprised at her directness, almost like the Wolf. “I could say the same Yagi-san but I don’t think it’s us you should worry about but I understand where you’re coming from.” I sigh a little, this wasn’t where I intended the conversation to go.
“Kenshin told me everything about what happened between Saitou-san and his wife many years ago. He’s had his regrets from that time and would try to correct it if he could. But he cannot, so I’m sure if Saitou wished to settle old and -new- grudges, Kenshin would accept a challenge even if he didn’t want to.” Even if his body was largely incapable.
For a while I’m taken back to the time with Enishi. Kenshin took on that challenge not only to save me but if only to give Enishi some peace, but Saitou is not Enishi. Kenshin shouldn’t feel obligated but he would accept. And that fight in the dojo that was never finished… Suddenly I realized I was fidgeting with my hands and so I stop.
And she tells me about his niece. “It’s hard to think of Saitou-san with a niece and home life but he did help us several times in the past.” I smile a little. If only he’d be like he was before the loss of his wife happened, reasonable and with a sense of justice. But that’s probably not something Yagi-san would want to hear about.
He is but he was also a brat when he was growing up
I grin a little, “boys usually are – I have two younger brothers, so I know it well. But he’s the boy you spoke of taking in, right? So he turned out very well.”
She asks about the remaining captains. “Well, Hajime, of course. The 2nd captain, Nagakura Shinpachi lives up in Hokkaido, from what we know. And the 9th captain, Suzuki Mikisaburo, is in jail.” I slowly sit back down on the engawa. “He was involved in an incident with other former samurai who were looking to cause trouble – the old era has yet to be put to bed, despite what the government wishes.” She mentions Souji and I know… there is some version of him that moved in this world and may still yet do so. How to resolve -that-…. “and there’s rumors about others – such as Harada-san being out in Manchuria, as a bandit… but he wouldn’t have left his wife and child behind.”
I specifically didn’t tell Kenshin nor Hiko-san. But not for the reasons you may think.
I nod. “You will of course tell at least your husband that you were here today?” I smile a little. “Husbands and wives shouldn’t keep secrets, so I won’t ask that of you.” I look over at her. “However did you find us, anyway?” Can Makoto give directions that well? I doubt they were hopping on rooftops…
And it goes unsaid that I will tell Hajime of our visitors.
I could say the same Yagi-san but I don’t think it’s us you should worry about but I understand where you’re coming from
“I’d like not to worry. But Tuesday showed…” I sigh. “Tuesday was meant to be… until now, Hajime has been Makoto’s ‘uncle’ at school, we’ve been careful to not be seen together. His wife once worked there, and she has friends still. It was meant to be a day for us to finally be a family outside the walls of this place. And there was your husband’s master, to remind us that the past is not done taking its toll.”
“Because we don’t live in a bubble,” well, not anymore, “we can’t predict, or chose, how those whose lives we touch – of those that they in turn touch – will come back to affect us – it’s like throwing a rock into a still pond.” I shake my head, “you know that until that day, Hiko and Hajime had never actually met?”
Kenshin told me everything about what happened between Saitou-san and his wife many years ago. He’s had his regrets from that time and would try to correct it if he could. But he cannot, so I’m sure if Saitou wished to settle old and -new- grudges, Kenshin would accept a challenge even if he didn’t want to.
I’m not going to counter the story with the versions that I know from Hajime and Eiji-san, but ansswer, “I’m certain that he sincere in his regrets, but there was lasting harm caused that will never be undone. She speaks of challenges. There’s unfinished business, to be certain, but that’s between -them-. It’s then I notice that she twists her hands, and looks agitated. Well of course – any fight between them would end with both worse for it, -at best-. “Himura-san we… what is between them is beyond us. The past isn’t done with either of them just yet – both the distant past of the Bakumatsu and the more recent one.”
It’s hard to think of Saitou-san with a niece and home life but he did help us several times in the past.
I don’t get why people don’t regard him as an actual person? “Mmm. He has as much of a home life as his job permits, but I assure you that he’s…” I smile, softly. “A good father, a good man…”
“I’m going to get some lunch – I need to eat a little something – and check on Yukiko-san. Please allow me to bring you something since our children took the rest? We eat simply – Hajime has told me to stop cooking elaborate meals for now,” I smile again, touching my stomach.
I have two younger brothers, so I know it well. But he’s the boy you spoke of taking in, right? So he turned out very well.”
“That’s true Yagi-san. I rely on him more now.” Now that Sanosuke’s gone to the continent Yahiko was the only one I could run to after Saitou-san tried to start trouble in our dojo once again.
“Well, Hajime, of course. The 2nd captain, Nagakura Shinpachi lives up in Hokkaido, from what we know. And the 9th captain, Suzuki Mikisaburo, is in jail.”“He was involved in an incident with other former samurai who were looking to cause trouble – the old era has yet to be put to bed, despite what the government wishes.”
“Oh so there was a fourth one then.” I take note of the name Suzuki Mikisaburo. Of course Kenshin would’ve known about him right? But perhaps he only crossed swords with the best Captains. This Suzuki was the 9th Captain so maybe his skill was lacking. But maybe Uramura-san would know about it and if we have anything to worry about this newly resurfaced member of the Shinsengumi.
“You will of course tell at least your husband that you were here today?” “Husbands and wives shouldn’t keep secrets, so I won’t ask that of you.”
I don’t answer Yagi-san right away. “No I don’t plan to tell him we were here unless he asks or if Kenji tells.” And thankfully both father and son doesn’t seem to be predisposed to that. “Kenshin doesn’t tell me everything and I respect Kenshin’s past, his secrets. I believe everyone deserves a second chance after all and I don’t believe in worrying him unnecessarily.”
Looking up at her, I know she’ll tell Saitou-san so I go ahead and tell her, “Since it’s obvious you are telling him, he may ask whether I delivered his message earlier this week to Kenshin.” I look up at her, “I didn’t deliver it and I have no plans of delivering it.”
“I’m certain that he sincere in his regrets, but there was lasting harm caused that will never be undone.
“As I said Yagi-san, I believe in second chances. All of us has done things we regret or are not proud of. But that doesn’t mean we keep paying for it or insist that we be paid by those who’s wronged us.” I look her straight in the eyes. I could tell her, it was -one- mistake. And if that was one mistake, wasn’t she the benefactor? If it’s true that, the simple act of getting help from Tokio-san was what caused their separation, why does Kenshin have to shoulder all that burden. But I tear my gaze away, she wouldn’t understand.
She talks about her and Saitou being out in public. That it was an important time for them. In a way I feel sad that they had to hide their relationship. Kenshin and I never had to. He was free and so was I and everyone was supportive.
you know that until that day, Hiko and Hajime had never actually met?”
“Hiko-sama was in Kyoto helping us in the Shishio incident. Saitou-san and Kenshin… and a couple more were fighting Shishio directly in Mt. Hiei. Hiko-sama was a great help to many people. He is also not a bad man. None of us, even Kenshin knows of his relations with Saitou-san’s wife, although it’s apparent he’s taken an interest in you.”
what is between them is beyond us. The past isn’t done with either of them just yet – both the distant past of the Bakumatsu and the more recent one.”
I look down at my hands, “It’s not beyond us Yagi-san. If you think that… then there’s no helping them. You weren’t there when they almost killed each other in my dojo. Even as I stood between the two of them…” Suddenly I feel my chin shake slighlty, “You weren’t there helpless to stop it all. I hope one day you don’t find yourself in my shoes.”
I assure you that he’s…” I smile, softly. “A good father, a good man…” I’m going to get some lunch – I need to eat a little something – and check on Yukiko-san. Please allow me to bring you something
“I’m glad to hear that. As I said, I have always been greatful for Saitou-san’s help in the past.” I stand up suddenly and bow. “It’s a little early but I think the children already did what they wanted to do, it’s a nice treehouse. I thank you for your hospitality and hope the best for your child on the way.” I glance at the hand touching her belly, as long as the wolf doesn’t go breaking down our door, he can growl at us all he wants. Kenshin would never start a fight but I believe he won’t lose either.
So he’s been -there-? No doubt as he was looking for the caped man, who, of course, interrupted -our- lives. She also says that she won’t tell her husband…
Since it’s obvious you are telling him, he may ask whether I delivered his message earlier this week to Kenshin.” I look up at her, “I didn’t deliver it and I have no plans of delivering it.
“I’ll pass that along as well.”
But that doesn’t mean we keep paying for it or insist that we be paid by those who’s wronged us
She looks directly at me, and I say in a low voice, “What was damaged… it was already breaking – had it not, it would have endured. And it that situation – well, she was not an innocent. But it was a factor, and you may not know, that despite it -all- he kept trying.” I keep my eyes on her. “And I don’t… relish that our coming together came from great pain.” Her eyes are off of me. “I’m glad that your husband seems… different now. But the conversation… has to happen between them.” Of course, being innocent, she doesn’t know the life of shadows, of the wilderness. That place was good to her.
“But I’ll always thank you for being kind to him, that one time, on his birthday. You baked him a cake, which was more than he got elsewhere.” I smile sadly. “But again, if a marriage faults over a forgotten birthday, there’s much more wrong.”
“It’s not beyond us Yagi-san. If you think that… then there’s no helping them. You weren’t there when they almost killed each other in my dojo. Even as I stood between the two of them…You weren’t there helpless to stop it all. I hope one day you don’t find yourself in my shoes
I put my hand up, “Himura-san, please don’t take my stance as indifference. I know enough of that fight… Hajime’s been through many life-or-death battles, but I’ve waited a long time for him, and… I love him very much,” I’m surprised as I start to blink, rapidly. “I don’t wish any more upon him. And I know your husband has many people who love him.” I put my hand on her shoulder – she’s upset. Of course she should be upset. “Please don’t think I don’t care, or am unconcerned. But when I say that it’s beyond us, well, yes. Your husband couldn’t hear your voice during that fight, could he? But it was what you are to him that helped keep him grounded enough to return to the rurouni once it was over – to put the Battosai to rest that saved one or even both of their lives. Don’t underestimate that – and know that’s what I do as well.” A lean down a little, to catch her eyes in her downturned face, “they both know what they have to lose, should this fight happen. It’s not as simple as -telling- him what to do or not do.”
“It’s a little early but I think the children already did what they wanted to do, it’s a nice treehouse. I thank you for your hospitality and hope the best for your child on the way
This… has not gone well and she’s leaving upset. “Himura-san, thank you for your wishes.” I smile over at the children. “I suppose that… the children of a Shinsengumi captain and the Battosai playing together, innocently, is what this new era is meant to be about. It’s what I’d like to see it being about, and why I’ve never discouraged her friendship. She needs friends,” I look up and squint at the mid-day sun, “as does her mother. They’ll never be friends, but well… if our children play together, shouldn’t the mothers at least be on speaking terms?” I’m still… wary. After all, one of her supposed friends turned out to be a bad friend to me. But she was one of the -better- people in that place, from my distant observations. She just wanted to cherish and take care of the man she loves. That’s something we have in common, at least.
It’s then Makoto comes running up. “Kenji-kun said that I could come play at the dojo sometime, and I could learn swords!” She makes a swooping motion with her arms. “And it’s okay, because his mother is a lady who -teaches- swords so it’s fine for girls like me to learn!” I see Tsutomu-kun standing back from the children, his face clearly -not- agreeing.
She’s not going to give up, is she?
“I’m glad that your husband seems… different now. But the conversation… has to happen between them.”
I don’t say anymore. If they actually talked there would be no need for their swords to do the talking.
“But I’ll always thank you for being kind to him, that one time, on his birthday. You baked him a cake, which was more than he got elsewhere.” I smile sadly. “But again, if a marriage faults over a forgotten birthday, there’s much more wrong.”
“I baked him a cake because, everyone was having such a good time celebrating his birthday. Now that I think about it, he spent most of his time that day with many different women and Okita-san.” The truth was I didn’t notice at all that there was a problem. Odd. I seem to remember… I stare at Yagi-san for a moment and look back down. I must be recalling incorrectly, it was many years ago.
“Himura-san, please don’t take my stance as indifference. I know enough of that fight… Hajime’s been through many life-or-death battles, but I’ve waited a long time for him, and… I love him very much,” And I know your husband has many people who love him.”
Did Saitou tell her? That’s surprising. “It must’ve been a long wait, if you’ve known each other since the bakumatsu. And as for Kenshin, you’re right, the people who love him today are the people he’s helped.”
She tries to explain about how Kenshin couldn’t hear me and that telling them what to do won’t work. Yagi-san tries to lean down and catch my eyes and I sigh. “I’m not going to lose Kenshin. I made a promise to take care of him, especially now that his body is no longer the same. There’s a limit to what he can endure.” I can’t quite bring myself to tell the lover of my husband’s life long rival that Kenshin is weak. He’s not but the body can only take so much. Saitou didn’t have to practice the Hiten Mitsurugi so his body and his ability to attack is likely still very strong but Saitou just like Kenshin is not a super human, he too has a limit. Megumi-san was right.
I suppose that… the children of a Shinsengumi captain and the Battosai playing together, innocently, is what this new era is meant to be about. It’s what I’d like to see it being about, and why I’ve never discouraged her friendship. They’ll never be friends, but well… if our children play together, shouldn’t the mothers at least be on speaking terms?”
“Of course Yagi-san. I don’t intend to involve the children in their disputes.” But again it wasn’t Kenshin who came knocking on Yagi-san’s door.
“Kenji-kun said that I could come play at the dojo sometime, and I could learn swords!” She makes a swooping motion with her arms. “And it’s okay, because his mother is a lady who -teaches- swords so it’s fine for girls like me to learn!”
I smile at Makoto but don’t immediately encourage her to come to our dojo. Instead I look out to Kenji. I’ll leave the answer to Yagi-san. I know if this little girl came to the dojo and wanted to learn the Kamiya Kashin Style, I would teach her. And even if Kenshin knows whose daughter she is, Kenshin would still help. But will her parents let her do what she really wants? Are they sincere in what they think this new era is meant to be about or is that just Yagi-san?
And then she gives me a -stare- as if she’s seeing me for the first time and my heart skips. It’s one thing for Souji to maybe and maybe not be alive; it’s another… for -her-, and for people to have memories of her. Was she even there that night? I remember her complaining that nobody ever wanted to spend time with her, but she didn’t do much about putting herself out there? Of course, if she had, things could have been very different.
I’m not going to lose Kenshin. I made a promise to take care of him, especially now that his body is no longer the same. There’s a limit to what he can endure.
“I’m not going to lose Hajime either, I’ve made a similar promise. And…” I’m careful, to in choosing what to reveal to the wife of a man that Hajime has unfinished business with, “they’re both getting older, and those life-or-death battles -do- take a toll. It’s been… seven years? Eight, since that fight? For a swordsman, that’s a lot of time on their body.” I think of all of those new injuries, the ones I’ve promised not to fuss over. The old ones, most notably the one on his shoulder that nearly took him out…
It must’ve been a long wait, if you’ve known each other since the bakumatsu
“Not that long, but long enough.” Years, years, here or there, and I endure it.
Himura-san is silent as Makoto speaks, but smiles, as Makoto requests lessons. “Makoto-chan, that’s a lot to ask. Of course you and Kenji-kun may play together but let me talk with Himura-san about kendo.” I nod to the red-haired boy. “And Makoto, please make sure to go over and thank your friend for coming and bringing snacks.” She trots away, looking back at me.
“I have to admit – I don’t think kendo is right for a girl – but I’m -very- old-fashioned and myself never had an interest in learning – although for a few weeks in 1863, I was forced into it,” I smile a little. “But if she learns… it cannot be at the dojo, not until at least your husband’s master is no longer in town. But do you travel for lessons? Could you come here?” I look over at my daughter. “She’s having a hard time with this baby coming – she’s worried about not being special once there’s a new baby.” I smile over at her, “I understand that feeling from my own childhood. Perhaps lessons would be something to encourage her, if we can make it work?” And of course, I’ll have to get Hajime to agree…
I look back at Yagi-san. Are we really that similar and yet looking at us, we couldn’t be -more- different. No. I must find similar ground with Yagi-san so I nod and try to smile -genuinely-. I’ll hold on to what she said.
My eyes follow the children as Makoto skips back to Kenji as if nothing was happening. They play as children do on a nice day like this.
I have to admit – I don’t think kendo is right for a girl – but I’m -very- old-fashioned and myself never had an interest in learning – although for a few weeks in 1863, I was forced into it
“Well if you were well acquainted with the Shinsengumi, I doubt they’d let even a girl not learn something about swordsmanship.”
“But if she learns… it cannot be at the dojo, not until at least your husband’s master is no longer in town. But do you travel for lessons? Could you come here?”
“I would.” I say simply. After all our school never turned away a student, not because we were lacking in students but that the Kamiya Kashin is for everyone who values life.
She’s having a hard time with this baby coming – she’s worried about not being special once there’s a new baby.”
“I see. Maybe it will help distract her and I’m sure Kenji will take to the lessons more seriously as he hardly pays attention at home.”
The older boy seems to have heard our conversation and shakes his head but doesn’t say anything. “Well Yagi-san. I’m glad to have spent some time.” I bow. I’ll believe for now. I must. Maybe I’ll stop by the Akabeko…
(OOC: Kaoru and Kenji will exit unless there’s more)
Himura-san bids her farewells, and I close up behind her. Turning to Makoto and Tsutomu-kun, “I hope you didn’t ruin your appetite for lunch – I know Yukiko-san has already been at work.”
I thought I smelled something -burnt- from those boxes but they say a woman’s sense of smell goes -off- during pregnancy…?
(OOC – Close)