Thanks to Yukiko-san, we were ahead for dinner preparation and I could go run some errands prior to picking up Makoto and Tsutomu-kun – it’s “club day” so there’s an extra hour. I leave the workers under Kinosuke’s exacting supervision, after reminding him again that there was no need for “upgraded” finishings – the rest of the house is simple and I want the addition to match the charm of the rest of our dear home.
Besides, it’s time. I was right, those were stirrings I finally felt the other night – perhaps this child will be more placid than Makoto, or maybe they will be slow to act, like their mother? But in the past few days I’ve begun to show, and time is slipping past, and I should see to the ritual that all mothers-to-be must do for blessings of their baby.
Shindou: I’ve been closely watching the comings and goings of the people in that house. The woman in particular has captured my interest, not really knowing who “Yagi Hide” is. The boy said he was left with her but he didn’t seem particularly happy about that. So I’d like to get to the bottom of it.
I’m dressed today in normal clothes having just come back from undercover duties. Tonight I meet with Fujita-san. Let’s see what comes out of that meeting and this…
“I’m surprised you made all those stairs Ma’am.” I say and sit down beside her. “The shade of this tree is wonderful.”
I smile at her and look up. I really do like the shade after all. “Are you from here? I don’t believe I’ve seen you around.”
A young man comes to sit on the bench with me and I blink, casting aside my thoughts.
“The stairs were not so bad, it’s well shaded – like this bench. And the walk was worthwhile.” I bow my head slightly. Young men are as brash as they always were, I think, just talking to someone?
Ah, but I’m not one who catches the eyes of others, so he’s probably making sure I’m not going to collapse, if he saw me on the stairs. Hopefully I don’t look red-faced or frazzled, I wouldn’t want Makoto to worry if I looked worn out.
Are you from here? I don’t believe I’ve seen you around
“I’ve lived in Tokyo before and have only recently returned,” I reply, not going back further. “And are you one of the rare Tokyo-born, or a newcomer from elsewhere?” Even in the time I was gone it grew so fast.
(OOC – Hide still retains her Kyoto-style speech/accent as she doesn’t actually realize that she has one, lol)
“The stairs were not so bad, it’s well shaded – like this bench. And the walk was worthwhile.”
I nod and put down the sweet potato I was eating. “Normally I don’t see people come by themselves here. It is a place for expecting couples.” I nod over to several people across form us, making their own trek up and down the stairs.
“And are you one of the rare Tokyo-born, or a newcomer from elsewhere?”
I tell her the truth. “I was born and raised here.”
But decide to offer a false name, better be safe should she mention anything to the Superintendent – but that won’t be possible would it? He’s been gone for several weeks, leaving me alone. “Ryuunosuke is the name and I do odd jobs in this area. I come by here once in a while to do upkeep in the temple.”
“You don’t seem to be from here Ms…?” Her accent is heavier. If I were to guess she’s from the Kansai region, but her formal language makes me think of only one place, Kyoto.
Normally I don’t see people come by themselves here. It is a place for expecting couples.
I glance over at him. He’s… observant. “My husband is away, but it’s important to get the blessing.” That should be vague enough. He’s probably just friendly and I’m overthinking it.
So he is from Tokyo, and he mentions doing odd jobs? There’s something about his bearing – he’s not old enough to be a former solider but I can’t quiet place the way he holds himself, but perhaps I’m not overthinking it?
“Yagi Hide,” I answer, bowing slightly. That name should mean nothing in this town.
I nod and look out. I wonder if my own mother did this too back then, but back then is not like this. These are the peaceful times of the Meiji and I’m helping to protect it.
I smile at her, “I hope one day your husband gets to make the trip.” I tell her sincerely but if it’s the same person I am thinking about, I doubt that will happen.
But perhaps it’s not, after all the child did say he was the son of Takagi Tokio and the Superintendent, unless Yagi-san is his mistress. For a moment I feel sad for her.
I too was raised alone by my mother. She never spoke of him, only that he was a fine man.
“Thank you for your time Yagi-san. I wish you and your little one good health.” I must get going and meet Fujita-san at our meeting place. I wonder, should I tell him about this place. Would that be too obvious?
(OOC: Shindou is going to stop pestering Hide, now that he’s come to certain conclusions. LOL)
I realize that I’ve been tarried too long by the young man and that I won’t get to the market. I have enough to buy some beef, even at these prices, but it’s too late now to go and make it to the school. Perhaps tomorrow. Yukiko-san said that Tsutomu-kun likes beef dishes.
Like his father, I smile, and hurry away.
(OOC: Close)