The children are all at school and I just got done speaking to the foreman about the treehouse that Tsutomu wants to build. He seemed a little annoyed at the side project but I remind him, he’s getting paid quite handsomely already for the addition and the extra toilet I had put in there. Without anyone’s consent but I’m -sure- they’re gonna -looove- it! The work is coming along nicely and will soon take shape. He tells me the addition will only take another 2 weeks provided there’s no rain. It’s been rainy lately though. As for the treehouse it will only take a couple of days at most.
I stand around the garden enjoying my pipe. I don’t smoke inside the house and hardly smoke around -anyone- but I do smoke from time to time. What do you call that? A social smoker? No wait… That sounds wrong.
(OOC: Someone can come bother Kinosuke if they have business with him. Otherwise this will move along)
Mid-morning: Not so Official Business
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Kinosuke-san’s smoking and the smell… it’s the different sort of tobacco than from cigarettes – it’s the smell that was on Hajime when he came home.
Where would he be to where he’s smoking a pipe and not cigarettes? And wearing Japanese dress? Cigarettes are a very Western way to smoke, after all…
Could it be for his “crossing paths” with Goryo-Eji? But I remember those guys were all over the map, ideologically. But I’ve no doubt that there’s all sorts of holdovers – and after all these years they remain dangerous. Kyoto’s full of them, as it’s changed the least, compared to Tokyo.
I shake my head. I can puzzle over this later. First, I have business to attend to. And maybe he knows something about Tsutomu-kun’s interest in the large tree?
“Good morning, Kinosuke-san. How are you this morning?”
“Oh good morning Yagi-san.” I start putting away my pipe. “I’m very well.”
She’s gotten a lot bigger and for a moment I wonder if Yamaguchi-san is doing anything about that telegram I sent? Asking him to take some action but Yagi-san seems to be doing fine today.
“The builders say only 2 more weeks and the house addition should be finished.” I think that’s good news. I’d like all of it done before Yamaguchi-san comes back so he knows I did my job. Like I said I would.
I look at the addition – it looks fine and sturdy, even if a little bigger than I’d thought. I didn’t mind giving up that corner of my garden – my family needs the room. There’s a lot one can do in the garden, I think with a smile, but we can’t sleep out there.
“That’s good,” I answer in response about the timeline. “Are you satisfied with the work? It’s looking good to me.”
Then I turn away from the addition and to Kinosuke-san. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop the other night, but I heard Tsutomu-kun asking you about money. Did he tell you what he wanted it for?” The only thought I’ve had since that night is that he’s planning on running away. I know he doesn’t want to be -here- but would he go that far?
Yagi-san let’s me smoke so I do. I won’t do it in the house though, that would be rude.
She smiles as she looks around. I think I did a -great- job!
“Are you satisfied with the work? It’s looking good to me.”
“Yes Yagi-san. I think the family will get a lot of use out of it.” I nod approvingly at my work. No expense was spared! If only Yagi-san allowed for the upgrades I was wanting, it would’ve been perfect. At least it’s guaranteed to be sturdy if not pretty.
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop the other night, but I heard Tsutomu-kun asking you about money. Did he tell you what he wanted it for?”
“Oh…” I’m surprised, “Well he wasn’t really wanting money. In fact he was very adamant not to take my money to build that treehouse of his.” I look up at the big tree.
“Now that I think about it,” I look back at Yagi-san, “I’m not sure what made him change his mind and asked me to front the money instead -temporarily-.”
I smile at Yagi-san, “Maa.. It doesn’t matter. I’m not about to play loan shark to a child!” I laugh.
Well he wasn’t really wanting money. In fact he was very adamant not to take my money to build that treehouse of his
“Treehouse?” Well that would explain the interest in the tree… and perhaps how he got injured. I’m surprised though that he’d want something like that… and it’s them I remember my daughter’s affinity for “secret bases”. She was very funny about it back in Ito, keeping me out of it, but she never realized that -someone- had to keep the grass and bushes trimmed back there. But Tsutomu-kun is helping?
It’s hard not to smile. She seems to be able to get past his walls.
I’m not sure what made him change his mind and asked me to front the money instead -temporarily-
But what else could he be using his money for, then? My newly-won relief vanishes.
Maa.. It doesn’t matter. I’m not about to play loan shark to a child!
I raise my eyebrows. “I would certainly hope not!” I know he has some money, from what Eiji-san gave me to pass along. It didn’t feel like a -thin- packet, but it’s probably more than a child should have, but I will stay -out- of that issue.
“Well keep it simple, and make sure it’s safe and sturdy – their imagination will make the most of it as long as it has that.” I smile over at him. “Also, if it’s as I suspect, neither child will want me knowing about this.”
I closed my eyes and smile at this. “Yes of course Yagi-san.” This is wonderful that western style toilet is going to be a real treat!
She smiles as I tell her about the treehouse. “It shouldn’t take long.” I assure her. “Perhaps they’ll start on it next week.”
She raises her eyebrows at my loan comment. Well in this day and age, people do need money and what else to do but charge interest? But I don’t tell her this.
“Also, if it’s as I suspect, neither child will want me knowing about this.”
“Then you’ll have to make yourself scarce as they’re building it Yagi-san.” I can’t possibly imagine the children thinking she doesn’t know if it’s being built right in the middle of the yard! Especially the old one.
(OOC: You can lead Kinosuke out. If you let the time move to the afternoon there will be another visitor – unless you want to start a new thread.)
I laugh, “parents have to learn a skill of selective blindness sometimes!” But I will keep an eye on it – if Makoto and Tsutomu-kun are going to be up in a tree, it needs to be -safe- or their father won’t stand for it.
Kinosuke-san goes on about his business, and I to mine. I wonder if pears are in season yet? I’ll have to ask Yukiko-san to look when she goes to the market – sadly, there’s no fruit stall on the way to school and I try to keep my trips short.
After lunch, I go back inside and take my sewing to the engawa at the front of the house, as I saw one of the workers with a ladder. I’ve also noticed that that if I leave strips of fabric on top of my sewing basket at night, they’re taken and another set, neatly folded, is left on top. Stubborn, stubborn… I smile. There’s a lot of sewing I need to get done before now and the middle of September.
(OOC – Hide is out front)
Knocking on the gates “Open up please. The Police have business with you.”
I’m going to need to find out -everything- she knows but I suppose my first order of business will be to let her know what has happened.
Open up please. The Police have business with you.
I put my sewing down, and go to the gate – I know who that is, but he sounds… stern this afternoon.
Opening the gate to let him in, I bow. “Good afternoon, Shindou-san. Would you like some tea?” He looks tired. I’m sure it must be a lot on him, keeping an eye out for us.
Shindou:
Kinosuke
“Good afternoon, Shindou-san. Would you like some tea?”
“Thank you for the offer of tea Yagi-san but I must decline.” I step into the yard.
“I’d like to speak to you about Fujita-san and give you an update on Kano Washio.”
I ready my notepad and a pencil. We can speak out here or inside, it doesn’t really matter.
I’m passing by the door and I see the crossing guard Shindou in the yard speaking to Yagi-san.
Odd. What would a crossing guard be doing here? But he isn’t dressed up as a crossing guard, more like from the police.
I casually stay hidden.
(OOC: Kinosuke will try to not get caught, so even if they move around, he will move out of the way).
Thank you for the offer of tea Yagi-san but I must decline. I’d like to speak to you about Fujita-san and give you an update on Kano Washio.
An update on Kano? And what would he need to ask me about Hajime? He brings out a notepad and suddenly I realize that this must be very very serious.
“Let’s go inside,” I offer, showing him the way to the tatami room. I settle down on the floor. “Please, what do you need to tell me, Shindou-san?”
I observe Yagi-san’s face for a while as we sit in the tatami room. Yagi-san doesn’t strike me as a woman who is of dubious character but I have not known her long enough. Even the most docile of them can be a devil underneath.
“First I should tell you that I no longer think you are in grave danger.” I look at her straight watching to see what kind of expression she gives off, “However for the short while, I will still provide occasional protection services to your household since the matter of the man with the red cape is still unresolved.”
“I suppose I should tell you how I came to this conclusion.” I take off my cap and set it down beside me, “Yesterday we found a man we identified as Shinohara Tainoshin and Kano Washio in the Kamo-gawa.”
I stop there. And watch her -carefully-.
Kinosuke:
I settle in the next room over. The tatami room has thinner walls and I press my ear flat against the surface. So far it sounds like good news! Yagi-san was telling us of suspicious persons lurking about. Thankfully Yukiko-san is taking an afternoon nap so I shouldn’t be disturbed here.
First I should tell you that I no longer think you are in grave danger. However for the short while, I will still provide occasional protection services to your household since the matter of the man with the red cape is still unresolved.
I feel… relief. I lean back slightly, with one hand going to my belly. He wouldn’t be telling me this, unless…
I suppose I should tell you how I came to this conclusion. Yesterday we found a man we identified as Shinohara Tainoshin and Kano Washio in the Kamo-gawa.
That smile that still haunts the corners of my nightmares… of someone who targeted -me-. I look up at Shindou-san. “Both of them?” I know Shinohara Tainoshin only by name – another one of Ito’s followers who betrayed the Shisnengumi. Like Kano, I couldn’t have spotted him on the street.
He looks… grim. “Thank you for telling me. And is Fujita-san well?”
She seems genuinely relieved. I’m glad for her then.
“Both of them?”
I nod and decide to give her the details though gruesome. “Shinohara seemed to have been killed quickly, gutted across the stomach.” I pause and watch her again, “Kano was slashed and stabbed several times and then -beheaded-.”
I tilt my head. Does she understand how brutally Kano was killed?
“Kondou is Fujita’s commander in chief in the Shinsengumi correct? That’s the Okubo Yamato on his telegram?”
“Thank you for telling me. And is Fujita-san well?”
“I don’t know. Of the 3 men who tailed the doctor earlier this week, those two men are dead and I assume in time we will find the 3rd one murdered.”
Shinohara seemed to have been killed quickly, gutted across the stomach. Kano was slashed and stabbed several times and then -beheaded-
Why is he telling me these details? They’re horrible. But I… I lived in Kyoto during the Bakumatsu. Multiple people were assassinated one night at my father’s house. I have a background in knowing about horrible details. I can only look at Shindou-san, a bit aghast.
Kondou is Fujita’s commander in chief in the Shinsengumi correct? That’s the Okubo Yamato on his telegram?
I look up at him. “The other day you didn’t seem to know much at all about the Shinsengumi. But yes, Kondou Isami used the name Okubo Yamato, at the end. However, there was no -Fujita- in the Shinsengumi.” If he’s figured out Hajime’s past, let him say it.
I don’t know. Of the 3 men who tailed the doctor earlier this week, those two men are dead and I assume in time we will find the 3rd one murdered
So he’s accusing Hajime – and expects me to what?
I know what the man I love is capable of. I have no illusions. He carries a sword, and it’s for the same reason he carried it many years ago, when he wore another blue uniform.
“Are you certain he’s well?” I look up at Shindou-san. “He’d already been injured when I saw him the other day – and his past injuries… after all that and his age…” I look down. “With all of this please forgive me for being unable to not be concerned for him.”
As I recount the details, she seems properly aghast. I wonder if she’s even making the connection. But perhaps…
“The other day you didn’t seem to know much at all about the Shinsengumi. But yes, Kondou Isami used the name Okubo Yamato, at the end. However, there was no -Fujita- in the Shinsengumi.”
“Fujita-san is using the alias Saitou Hajime in Yoshiwara.” I look at her hard, she’s only half being truthful isn’t she? She would know more having told me before she lived with them with Okita Souji. “A long time ago, when Kondou was executed for -treason-, he was beheaded. That’s not mere coincidence Yagi-san. There was a rumor that this Saitou stole Kondou’s head.”
“Are you certain he’s well?” “He’d already been injured when I saw him the other day – and his past injuries… after all that and his age…” “With all of this please forgive me for being unable to not be concerned for him.”
“As I said, I don’t know.” My hands ball into a fist as I settle it on my knee. “He’s not had me involved until recently.” I don’t look at Yagi-san. I’m still struggling whether to do as Fujita-san and I agreed to or go straight to Kawaji and let him know that his senior operative has allowed his personal affairs to -interfere-.
I look back at Yagi-san, “It was not only Kano or Shinohara, he has been involved in the killing of over 15 men. And 2 weeks ago another 3 was found in the same spot as Kano and Shinohara.” I look straight at her, “What did he tell you when he came here Yagi-san?” What do you really know?
Fujita-san is using the alias Saitou Hajime in Yoshiwara
“So he’s using that name? Say what you mean to say about him, Shindou-san,” I sigh. I try not to register the word Yoshiwara. It’s just a -place- where all sorts of things happen.
A long time ago, when Kondou was executed for -treason-, he was beheaded. That’s not mere coincidence Yagi-san. There was a rumor that this Saitou stole Kondou’s head
I flinch at the word -treason- and the way he says it. “Lord Matsudaira of Aizu himself ordered the head retrieved. Call him a -traitor-, but he deserved a proper burial – and whoever stole his head saw to that, whoever it may have been – and as a member of the family who acts as the self-appointed keepers of Shinsengumi stories, I’ve heard -many- versions.” That’s actually true – I’ve heard some interesting theories.
He’s not had me involved until recently
I see his hands… and I can see it. He’s young, bright and ambitious. “He wouldn’t even work with you this much – much less tell you about me – unless he had a high level of trust in you. I don’t think anyone else, in all of these years, has had the same level of access that you do.” In a quiet voice, I tell him, “I can see you’re frustrated, but you can’t let it lead you astray.” I would give him that advice -anyway-, even without this press for information.
What did he tell you when he came here Yagi-san?
He mentions -numbers-, again, trying to get me to react – to what? “We talked about the baby, but what you would want to know about – he told me that during his case, he ran into the men once associated with Goryo Eji, a Shisenngumi splinter group with no goal other than the aggrandization of their leader. -That- man is dead, but the survivors of that group are still carrying grudges, all of these years later, including his brother. They’re -dangerous- men, and famously hot-headed. And that Kano was one of those men – as I told you the first time we talked, I don’t even remember that man.” I shrug. “But other than that, we didn’t discuss his work – we had but a brief time together after a long separation – what do you think was actually on our minds?” I blush at even -implying- it, even though we were well-behaved by our standards.
“But he did tell me that you’re a good cop.”
Shindou:
“So he’s using that name? Say what you mean to say about him, Shindou-san,”
I meet her eyes evenly, “It’s simple. I simply believe he is Saitou of the Shinsengumi. He nor you never denied it. And if he is then, I think he’s taking justice in his own hands. We of the Meiji police have laws, we uphold that above all else.”
She finally tells me what she knows about Kondou and how the stealing came about. Still she shields him, saying there’s many versions to the story. This may or may not be true.
“Tell me Yagi-san, do you honestly believe that after killing a man that a beheading is necessary? Only a man with deep feelings of revenge would already behead a dead man.”
“He wouldn’t even work with you this much – much less tell you about me – unless he had a high level of trust in you. I don’t think anyone else, in all of these years, has had the same level of access that you do.” “I can see you’re frustrated, but you can’t let it lead you astray.”
She talks of trust and once again I’m -torn- with what I know to be true about how we the police -should- work and this man who seems to break everything we have been working hard for to wield his own brand of justice… I look at her and remember my own mother, how she defended him even though he was not worthy. But here there’s a difference she seems to really believe in Fujita-san.
She doesn’t say anything to the rest of the deaths that have surrounded the Superintendent. To be fair the 3 men we found did not have any clear connections to him. And for the 15 other men… I can try to find out the -truth-.
We talked about the baby, but what you would want to know about – he told me that during his case, he ran into the men once associated with Goryo Eji, a Shisenngumi splinter group with no goal other than the aggrandization of their leader. -That- man is dead, but the survivors of that group are still carrying grudges, all of these years later, including his brother. They’re -dangerous- men, and famously hot-headed. And that Kano was one of those men – as I told you the first time we talked, I don’t even remember that man.”
“So the third man he tailed yesterday…” I think for a moment and say to myself, “Could this be the brother?”
“But other than that, we didn’t discuss his work – we had but a brief time together after a long separation – what do you think was actually on our minds?”
I look at her, for her to imply… And she blushes. But I remember what Fujita told me that day, perhaps to save her propriety…
“I’m glad you gave me the benefit of the doubt then.” “I’m in your debt.”
I take a deep breath. My questions can only be partially answered here. In front of me is a woman who will defend him, because that is her truth.
“But he did tell me that you’re a good cop.”
I stand up. “Thank you for your time Yagi-san. I think we are done for today.” I take out my notepad and write a reminder to look up who is the brother of the men who headed the Goryo Eji.
(OOC: Shindou will exit unless stopped)
It’s simple. I simply believe he is Saitou of the Shinsengumi. He nor you never denied it. And if he is then, I think he’s taking justice in his own hands. We of the Meiji police have laws, we uphold that above all else
“Well, then, now you know.” I say, simply.
“And in the Shinsengumi, they had rules as well. One of those was against private fights – or, as you put it, taking justice into one’s own hands. What he’s done in the Meiji era is probably not in your files. But he’s taken himself close to death man times to fight for his cause.” Softly, I say, “it’s powerful, and incorruptible. That’s probably why Hajime was recruited – there are plenty of former samurai who were excellent fighters, but he didn’t allow the turbulence and change of the new era to change what is true about him, and the ideals he’s held – and those who recruited him, even though they were on opposing sides – no doubt saw that, and still do.”
“Even -I- come in second to his devotion to justice, and to Japan.” I look him straight in the eyes. This is what I accept – because to come in second to -that- is still a great honor.
Shindou-san is quiet when I talk about trusting him. That’s something he’ll have to discover himself, if he’s willing to keep his eyes clear.
So the third man he tailed yesterday… Could this be the brother?
I shake my head, “I didn’t see any of them – they never came close enough, thanks to your quick thinking, ‘man of the house’.” I smile a little. “But I do know his name – Suzuki Mikisaburo – his brother’s name was different, I think due to an adoption or something. But he was captain of the ninth troupe, and even if his brother pushed his promotion, he wouldn’t have that role without being a skilled swordsman – so be careful with that one.”
He thanks me fore his time, and I walk him out. “Thank you, Shindou-san. I hope you will consider everything carefully.”
Shindou:
“Well, then, now you know.”
She finally admitted it.
“And in the Shinsengumi, they had rules as well. One of those was against private fights – or, as you put it, taking justice into one’s own hands. What he’s done in the Meiji era is probably not in your files. But he’s taken himself close to death man times to fight for his cause.” Softly, I say, “it’s powerful, and incorruptible. That’s probably why Hajime was recruited – there are plenty of former samurai who were excellent fighters, but he didn’t allow the turbulence and change of the new era to change what is true about him, and the ideals he’s held – and those who recruited him, even though they were on opposing sides – no doubt saw that, and still do.”
Was that man truly incorruptible? No one can prove that, even she. But I don’t tell her this. Perhaps however, -he- would know.
“Even -I- come in second to his devotion to justice, and to Japan.”
She looks back at me and I try to discern what’s in those eyes. I expected sadness, perhaps disappointment but see determination?
“I didn’t see any of them – they never came close enough, thanks to your quick thinking, ‘man of the house’.” I smile a little. “But I do know his name – Suzuki Mikisaburo – his brother’s name was different, I think due to an adoption or something. But he was captain of the ninth troupe, and even if his brother pushed his promotion, he wouldn’t have that role without being a skilled swordsman – so be careful with that one.”
“Thanks this will be helpful.” It will save me a trip to the Department of the Interior.
She tells me to consider carefully. I keep my silence and leave.
Kinosuke:
Making sure that Shindou-san was gone, I finally step into the garden to check on Yagi-san. That was a lot of things to throw at her. It’s only a few weeks ago that Yukiko told me the story about his involvement with the Shinsengumi and I thought that story bordered on the surreal. But now… Fujita-san accused of so many murders? Is this why he was so distraught when he left? For a moment I wonder if I should tell her what I’ve been doing just in case?
“Yagi-san” I come close, “Are you feeling alright? Would you like to sit down?” I hold out my hand in case she needed support.
Shindou-san leaves, and I… I don’t know if I’ve only made things worse. I’m sure that he thinks I’m lying.
After all, I didn’t tell him what Hajime told me – that Kano would no longer be a problem. I know what that meant. I look out at the garden. Did my youth make me someone who can see bloodshed without flinching? I remember those days – there would be dead on the street, covered in mats. It’s said that blood ran in the streets but it actually -did-. It was a time of war – Japan was violently changing from one era to the next. It took strong men making hard choices to bring order to Kyoto again. They were no ordinary “thugs” – they rallied around a banner with the word “sincerity” on it, and many of them lived it until their deaths. And now… we still live with the after-effects of that change. And until all of that is put to rest… there will be a need for swords, and men who are willing to use them. It’s hard for Shindou-san’s generation to know that while we’ve come so far, it’s not there -yet-.
Then I see Kinosuke-san – where was he this whole time? I blink, a little startled.
“Are you feeling alright? Would you like to sit down?
“Oh, no, thank you, Kinosuke-san. I’m doing very well. The police officer came to tell us that the danger has passed, and that he won’t be shadowing us all as much.”
“I see.” I look at Yagi-san. “I thought he was accusing Fujita-san of crimes he didn’t commit. I’m glad he left convinced then.”
It’s possible Yagi-san doesn’t want to talk about this further. But just in case I’d like to at least give her options.
“I probably shouldn’t be saying this but Yamaguchi-san did leave me a way to contact him.” I rub the back of my neck, “I’ve been sending him secured telegrams but he’s not answered a single one.”
I see. I thought he was accusing Fujita-san of crimes he didn’t commit. I’m glad he left convinced then.
“Were you listening, Kinosuke-san?” I sigh, I know he -means- well but I’m still upset. He has no idea what Hajime does for the police. He had no idea of what he did in Kyoto. His… lack of understanding, now that he’s heard Shindou-san, leave me deeply concerned. “Thank you for watching out for me, though, but I was able to handle it.” Well, probably not really, but he wouldn’t have helped either.
I probably shouldn’t be saying this but Yamaguchi-san did leave me a way to contact him. I’ve been sending him secured telegrams but he’s not answered a single one
“Probably because we’ve been fine. He knew about the man bothering me, which is why the police became involved.” I sigh. I once had ways to contact him too, but I’m holding off for the same reasons – he needs to focus, and he knows what he means to me that I don’t need to pepper him with love notes. -We will make up for it-.
I look at him, “what he’s doing is important. I have to keep this family going – safe and well – so that he’s not distracted.” I sigh a little, “you’ve been invaluable here in his absence and I am very grateful. And I thank you for wanting to make him aware of what’s going on, and I won’t ask you to stop. However, the police have access to telegrams, and Shindou-san now knows some of his names. Which one are you using?”
I’m getting as paranoid as my brothers. This can’t be good.
“Were you listening, Kinosuke-san?”
“Ah well. Since he did come in uniform, I thought there would be trouble.” I told Yamaguchi-san as their sponsor I -will- take care of the people in the house.
“Probably because we’ve been fine. He knew about the man bothering me, which is why the police became involved.”
“Oh… Then I guess sending him a telegram telling him to try to do -something- the other week was not a good idea?” I think for a moment, “But he never replied so it must be as you say. No harm done.”
what he’s doing is important. I have to keep this family going – safe and well – so that he’s not distracted.” I sigh a little, “you’ve been invaluable here in his absence and I am very grateful. And I thank you for wanting to make him aware of what’s going on, and I won’t ask you to stop. However, the police have access to telegrams, and Shindou-san now knows some of his names. Which one are you using?”
“He likes to be called a wolf but Ichinose I’ve used that too per his instruction. Yamaguchi-san -forbade- me to use any names.” I sigh, I might as well make a clean breast of it, “I use sparrow for Tsutomu. Eagle for Eiji. Hime for you per his request”, I slam my fish on my palm “ah also “Mother Hen” since you’ve gotten big.”
“Since everything is fine Yagi-san, then I’ll leave you alone and finish cleaning in the back.” It’s more as an excuse really, I’ve noticed Yagi-san has been frowning a bit.
(OOC: Kinosuke will exit you can close)
Oh… Then I guess sending him a telegram telling him to try to do -something- the other week was not a good idea?
“Oh, Kinosuke-san…” I smile. “your concern was well-placed. Continue on, then – I think to stop now would be even more concerning to him.” I think. “You can tell him the doctor visit went well.” Of course he knows that, but it gives Kinosuke-san something to put in there.
He likes to be called a wolf but Ichinose I’ve used that too per his instruction
I smile a little – he does. “Well, the police are aware of “wolf” as he’s used it in communications they’ve passed onto me. Use Ichinose,” only a -very- few people know that name. Then he tells me of the nicknames and I smile, but there’s only three. I guess we’re the ones most likely to have problems, after all.
ah also “Mother Hen” since you’ve gotten big
I laugh a little. Again, he means well.
I’ve not told anyone of Hajime’s visit the other day – I’d been trying to get Yukiko-san alone but it never seems to happen.
He leaves me to go in the back, and I resume my forgotten sewing – feeling, for the first time in this pregnancy, a little drained. What if I didn’t do enough to ease Shindou-san’s concerns? And how will I let Hajime know that this happened, that he now has someone else to watch out for? Maybe I’ll have to trust Kinosuke-san’s way after all.
OOC – close