Tsutomu:
I sit at the kitchen table just watching Yagi-san. He said to watch her but is that it? We’re quiet and I can’t stand it and I’m tempted to leave but he said to watch her. But I can’t stand watching her look like -that-.
“He’ll bring them home.” I finally say, “Back then he always found us so they should be coming home soon.”
I know those are empty words and it might take hours. Oh well…
“Maybe we should start dinner?” Namuzawa will probably coming soon.
“I can help in that.” Yukiko-san says.
He’ll bring them home. Back then he always found us so they should be coming home soon
I look up at him with a smile. Standing up, I touch his shoulder. “Thank you, Tsutomu-kun.” He’s being kind, to reassure me. And, I’m certain, himself as well.
Maybe we should start dinner?
Yukiko-san agrees to help. “I was thinking of making gyudon, do you know if Tsuyoshi-kun likes beef as much as you do?” I ask Tsutomu-kun with a bit of a smile.
I cut the beef, and ask Yukiko-san to start the rice – she’s improved. “Tsutomu-kun, are you as good with a knife as you are with a shinai? ” I grin a little. “If so, you can cup the onions – I find that cooking helps me put aside my worries. After all, it’s a hopeful act, cooking for those who you want to come home.”
I leave the onion, knife and a cutting board out. Perhaps he’s been raised to view this all as women’s work?
Tsutomu:
She thanks me and I look away a little.
“I was thinking of making gyudon, do you know if Tsuyoshi-kun likes beef as much as you do?”
“He likes carp. It’s him… who likes beef.” I’m not sure why it’s hard to call him -that- in front of Yagi-san.
Yukiko-san busies herself with the rice and I’m given a knife and some onions. I’ve not cut up onions before but I do as I’m told. Then suddenly I’m not sure why but I’m tearing up and the tears keep on coming! I blink my eyes several times and wipe the tears with my hand.
Why am I crying? Even when it took hours of waiting I never cried. It’s Yoshi who does. Stupid Yoshi. Stupid father. Stupid mother.
“Oh Tomu!” Yukiko-san comes over. “Don’t use your hands to wipe your eyes.”
What?
He likes carp. It’s him… who likes beef.
“Oh, then we’ll have to get some carp to cook before he leaves,” I say, mentally making a shopping list. And as for “him” – is that in reference to Hajime?
I’m concentrating on the beef and when I look over at Tsutomu-kun… tears are streaming down his face.
Oh Tomu! Don’t use your hands to wipe your eyes.
I wipe my hands and get a clean towel. “I’ve cut up so many onions that it doesn’t bother me as much,” I give him the towel. “Wiping your onion juice hands on your eyes makes it worse – go wash up. But you did a great job on the onions.”
I look at him, and maybe… some of those tears were real?
Yukiko:
Yagi-san sends Tsutomu to wash up and he almost runs into Namuzawa-san.
“He was cutting onions.” I smile meekly at the tall man. He’s rather imposing at times but I heard Uncle was closely associated with him before.
“Yagi-san and I are making dinner. It shouldn’t take very long.”
Then I think to myself, I hope Uncle gets back here with the children soon. -Very- soon.
“I see.” He sits down and follows Tomu with his eyes. “I did a lot of walking today, I’ll sit here a while.”
“Oh but wouldn’t you feel better in the tatami room?” I smile again. I know it won’t go over well if he finds out Tsuyoshi and Makoto has gone missing. I look at Yagi-san, she should know enough about how this man is and anything imperfect will likely keep Tsuyoshi away for an extended length of time.
Namuzawa-san returns.
Then I remember something.
“Oh dear, Namuzawa-san – I’m making beef for dinner but I didn’t ask you first, if you eat it.” I bow. “If not, I’m happy to cook instead something which is suitable for you.”
I open the window. “I’m so sorry, the smell of beef can hang heavy. Perhaps if you sit on the engawa, or even the bench in the garden, the smell will clear some.” I bow again. It’s a little nerve-wracking when he sits in the kitchen as I cook. With Hajime, it’s welcome, but I feel uneasy, as if I’m being assessed at every moment.
And here I am, serving beef to a devout Buddhist.
“Ah, and Hajime took Makoto-chan and Tsuyoshi-kun out on an errand,” I say, bowing one more time (even though the baby is getting -very- displeased at the repeated motion. “They should be back shortly.”
At least, I hope so, and that the three come home together.
Namuzawa:
“Oh dear, Namuzawa-san – I’m making beef for dinner but I didn’t ask you first, if you eat it.” I bow. “If not, I’m happy to cook instead something which is suitable for you.”
I sigh and wave her ministrations aside. “We’re the guest so Tsuyoshi and I will have whatever is offered to us.”
“I’m so sorry, the smell of beef can hang heavy. Perhaps if you sit on the engawa, or even the bench in the garden, the smell will clear some
I look at Goro’s niece. She’s just ad fidgety as Yagi-san. Why? I suppose it’s made very apparent to me that I’m not welcome in the kitchen.
“Ah, and Hajime took Makoto-chan and Tsuyoshi-kun out on an errand,” “They should be back shortly.”
Hajime? Oh -him-. Had she called him Jirou or Goro I’d know right away who she was speaking about. “Errand this late in the afternoon? I suppose he should at least try to spend time with them compared to yesterday. We’ll be leaving this Saturday after all.”
Stretching my arms, I give them both a knowing look. Whatever it is, it will come out anyway.
“You’re right. It maybe more relaxing in the tatami room.” I look at them both, “Call for me when dinner is ready or when they get back.”
Yukiko:
Namuzawa-san exits and I heave a sigh of relief and smile at Yagi-san.
“If you need anything from the market Yagi-san, I can go for you tomorrow. It’s the last day and I was thinking of dropping by Eiji and bringing him here for lunch.”
It’s odd that he hasn’t stopped by at all. Is he that busy? Or just avoiding me after that event at the Akabeko.
We’re the guest so Tsuyoshi and I will have whatever is offered to us.
I think I’ll still add some more vegetable dishes to the menu tonight anyway. “Thank you,” I bow again. “I hope you will both find it pleasing.” I don’t think he’s been impressed by my cooking, but perhaps my style isn’t to his liking.
Errand this late in the afternoon? I suppose he should at least try to spend time with them compared to yesterday. We’ll be leaving this Saturday after all
“Which is why they went out together, ” I say. “And again, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit. I hope you’ve been able to accomplish your goals as well.”
He gives us a look that I don’t miss, but only smile back, calmly.
If you need anything from the market Yagi-san, I can go for you tomorrow. It’s the last day and I was thinking of dropping by Eiji and bringing him here for lunch.
“Carp – if you could get us a good one, but not one of the massive ones,” I say with a smile. “And I’ll be glad to see Eiji-san – it’s thanks to him that Tsuyoshi-kun is here. He’s the one that told me about Tsutomu-kun’s letters while he was in the army.”
But she gets quiet as she talks about Eiji-san. “You’ve not spoken to him?” I ask, quietly, as I check on the rice and the beef and onions, simmering in their pot.
Yukiko:
Yagi-san accepts my help on going to the market. That’s good but then she asks about Eiji-san.
“Well since there was no school, there was no opportunity.” I smile a little, that’s the reason right? “He must be very busy if he hasn’t stopped by.” But I do wonder, did anyone tell Eiji-san?
Now that Namuzawa-san is gone it’s quiet. But with the excitement of today, it might as well.
“How are you doing Yagi-san?” It must be hard for her, all of this that Uncle is involved with, his job, his sons, relatives like Namuzawa-san and myself and of course all the complexities that come with that. I’m surprised she’s so put together. “You’re so calm all the time, Uncle must really like that about you.”
Well since there was no school, there was no opportunity. He must be very busy if he hasn’t stopped by.
“Well, it still would have been nice if he were able to make more time to see Tsuyoshi-kun. I know he cares so much about those boys.” I pat her shoulder. “But he’s the sort who will put his all into any job, even if it’s at the Akebeko. He’s a good young man like that.”
You’re so calm all the time, Uncle must really like that about you.
I smile ruefully. “I’m really not. I get myself… in -moods- sometimes, And your uncle is there to help me – just to talk, sometimes. And I hope that he finds me helpful, when it’s tough for him.” I look over at her. “Life is… complicated. It’s nice to have someone like that you can rely on.”
Yukiko:
“But he’s the sort who will put his all into any job, even if it’s at the Akebeko. He’s a good young man like that.”
“He also probably doesn’t know that they’d be leaving this Saturday.” I must get him to come here. And truth be told I’m surprised Tsuyoshi hasn’t asked for him but then again it’s Tomu who is closer to Eiji.
“Life is… complicated. It’s nice to have someone like that you can rely on.”
I’m surprised as she tells me about how they get through their moods by talking. I haven’t had anyone to talk to lately and suddenly I miss Kinosuke-san.
But I don’t get much time to dwell on that as I hear the door slide open and the children come rushing in as if they had not a care in the world. Uncle closes the door behind him with a slight sigh and goes straight to Yagi-san and gives her a peck on the cheek.
“We’re back.” He quietly says to her and then adds, “I can’t wait to tell you all about it.” He manages a grin but I can plainly see he’s not very pleased at all.
He also probably doesn’t know that they’d be leaving this Saturday
“It is a short visit for such a long journey,” I say, but then, we didn’t stay long in Aizu back in January. “So it’s understandable that he would assume that there’s more time.”
She looks… wistful as I talk about how Hajime and I work with each other, but we’re soon hit with the end of the quiet when, much to my relief, Makoto and Tsuyoshi-kun come in, and Hajime comes to me, with a kiss on my cheek.
I look up at him with a slow smile. “So you found them,” I say, softly, standing on tip toes to kiss his cheek back. I can -tell- that there’s a story, but what’s important now is that the children are back. Then, in a louder voice. “I hope your errand was fruitful, and not another goose-chase,” I say. “Ah, and Namuzawa-san has returned; he’s resting in the tatami room.”
I touch his jaw, and the grin that he’s attempting that doesn’t quite work. “We’ll have dinner soon, I splurged on some beef.”
(OOC – done for tonight)
Hajime:
She seems relieved. Of course she would be and so am I, but I’m still rather cross with the entire thing.
“I hope your errand was fruitful, and not another goose-chase,”
I look at her puzzled. Why and who is she signaling to?
“Ah, and Namuzawa-san has returned; he’s resting in the tatami room.”
“Is that so?” I nod. I understand what’s happening here then. She’s likely covered up for us. I can’t say I disagree. It’s not worth it to emphasize how we’ve lost the children. That wouldn’t go over well.
“Well finish up dinner.” I look at what’s there and it’s gyu-don. “At least that looks good. Where’s Tomu?”
“Oh I’ll get him Uncle. He’s upstairs cleaning up from the onion juice.”
“What?” But she’s gone. Then I look back at the children and sit down. To the children I say, “I’d appreciate it if you two can behave in dinner. I’m not in the mood for much idle chatter.” That I say truthfully but it was also because I’m concerned what will come out in front of Namuzawa. Maybe I should go get Tomu myself? Tell him to watch it?
Is that so?
I -think- he understands the ruse I attempted tonight. I relax a little, but not entirely, as I think that Namuzawa-san didn’t believe me.
Well finish up dinner.
“Of course, of course,” I laugh. The gyudon is bubbling nicely, with the onions just right. Just to prepare the last of the sides and toppings and get them on the table.
I glance over at the children, who sit quietly at the table. Makoto keeping her eyes down.
Yukiko-san leaves, and Hajime seems confused about onion juice. “Oh, -that-,” I say. “I dragooned him into helping in the kitchen, and he had a reaction to the onions.”
“I dragooned him into helping in the kitchen, and he had a reaction to the onions.”
I’m surprised and hope it’s nothing serious. Hide finishes up cooking and finally Yukiko comes down with Tsutomu who has very red eyes. I stand up and examine his eyes closely.
“Nothing hurts?” I ask. Of course I know onions can cause one to tear up but he’s never had to do that kind of work and I don’t know if he has any allergies.
“No.”
“Alright.” I let it go. “Go call you Uncle Namuzawa, tell him it’s dinner time.”
“No need to call me.” Namuzawa appears. “I heard voices. I’m sure everyone was too busy to let me know you’ve come back.”
I slightly nod at him and grin, “We had a pretty full and eventful day today.” I motion towards the children. “They’re rather famished so let’s have dinner.”
I motion for everyone to sit and Yukiko helps Hide with bringing the rest of the food to the table.
“Yagi-san had forgotten that we are buddhist and cow meat is not a staple for us.” He tells me as I get a good helping.
“Ah apologies. In this house we like to try many things and beef is a special treat.”
Tsutomu takes his share of the gyu-don, it seems to be a dish he’s started to enjoy but when Tsuyoshi reaches for the beef but I notice Namuzawa slightly raise his eyebrows at him. I don’t say anything, even Tokio back then was devout to Kannon but we or rather I fell out of practice.
“So Tsutomu, were you not feeling well today?” Namuzawa turns to him, “They all went out and you didn’t go with them?”
I almost cough out my food. Of course he’d ask Tsutomu right? But my son is old enough to know what this means for all of us. It’s just a question of where his heart lies, not necessarily his head.
(Makoto)
That frowny Namuzawa-san comes in.
Mmmm gyudon. Then he says frowny stuff about beef, but there’s a -lot- of vegetables… eggplant, okra, and there’s rice and miso soup for everyone!
Oh no bitter melon! I’m -not- going to eat that! Or those pickles! I scoot my plate close to me in case chichiue puts some on my plate! He does that a lot because he said he doesn’t want me to be picky.
So Tsutomu, were you not feeling well today? They all went out and you didn’t go with them?
Oh! I know this! “Tsuyoshi-niisan and I were planning a surprise for Tsutomu-kun, so of -course- he couldn’t go!” This is actually very very true. I can’t wait to tell him that Midori-san is going to come visit us! I bet he’ll be very excited!
“Tsuyoshi-niisan and I were planning a surprise for Tsutomu-kun, so of -course- he couldn’t go!
I was speaking to Tsutomu when the little girl interrupts us. I look at the girl a little annoyed and then to Tsuyoshi.
“Is this true Tsuyoshi?” He will of course tell the truth. Unlike what seems to be happening here with the adults and unfortunately the little girl.
“Yes Otou-san. It was just a short errand.”
“I see.”
I smile a little at my nephew, “Well Tsutomu. Isn’t that nice that you’ll have a surprise soon. Unless you want to know what it is now.”
I look around the table, father has that stressed but alert look. Yagi-san and Yukiko-san has that cast away look while Makoto and Tsuyoshi has that, they don’t want to get in trouble look.
I know what happened. I can tell Uncle. We were always taught by mother to respect him.
But I…
I look at the food in front of us.
The beef was good and as father said a rare treat. Tsuyoshi should’ve had some instead it’s just all vegetables. And he gave Makoto a weird look too.
It pisses me off.
I smile at my Uncle, “Shouldn’t a surprise be a surprise Uncle Namuzawa?” I take a big piece of beef and shove it into my mouth and start to chew just in case he asks anymore I don’t have to say anything!
(Hide)
Shouldn’t a surprise be a surprise Uncle Namuzawa?
I’m a little surprised that Tsutomu-kun picks up our ruse so easily. Yes, certainly, we shouldn’t lie, nor ask the children to, but I don’t think that any of us want the door closed between this boy who puts on a cheerful face as he eats vegetables and the rest of his family. Goodness knows they’ve had -enough- to deal with over the years…
“Well the surprise isn’t the daifuku we’re having after dinner,” I smile. “Although I did do a good gob of hiding it this time so that nobody did a “taste test” before I serve it.”
(Makoto)
He frowns at me! They told us at school, that even if we’re girls we can talk, but that some grown-ups won’t like it. Chichiue and haheue don’t seem to mind! But Namuzawa-san does. Yamaji-sensei then said the best thing we can do is to show off the best manners we have!
So I eat my food in tiny careful bites! Plus, if I eat slow, maybe chichiue won’t put any vegetables or pickles on my plate. Namuzawa-san can have it all! Hehehe.
It’s at this time I have a poker face on but inside I’m -relieved- Tsutomu didn’t go to his default. It’s at these moments that I believe not everything is lost between him and I, or rather this new life we’re building which includes him.
“Well the surprise isn’t the daifuku we’re having after dinner,” I smile. “Although I did do a good gob of hiding it this time so that nobody did a “taste test” before I serve it.”
“Ah in that case, since we’re all almost done. How about some desert and then everyone off to bed and the children can help me fix the alcove in the morning.”
I notice Makoto deftly avoiding her vegetables but now is not the time to do anything about that. So I don’t say anything and instead keep up the good humor eventhough it’s difficult.
“Oh Uncle, I’ll be picking up Eiji after I run a few errands in the market to help Yagi-san.”
“Ah is that right? Very good. We can all have lunch together.” It’s Yoshi’s last day and I wanted to take the day off.
(OOC: You may close)
I can see Hajime is trying. The children agree (rather quickly) to going straight to bed – I suppose any resolution will have to wait, at least while Namuzawa-san is here.
I clean up after dinner. Despite what happened today, I’m going to miss Tsuyoshi-kun. Like his brothers, he’s a good boy.
(OOC – Close)