Hajime:
I need to plan better. Our walk was slow and I took a couple of stops to let her rest. Perhaps I need to hire a rickshaw next time or just call that driver again. But I’d rather not use his services unless absolutely necessary.
We finally get back to the house and after locking the gates, we go inside but I hear voices. I look at Hide. It seems our visitors are here earlier than I anticipated or were we just a tad late?
We go inside and go directly to the kitchen where I see Yukiko, Tsutomu, Yoshi and of course Namuzawa. On the table is a variety of western cakes, all shaped into logs.
“Oh there you are.” Namuzawa stands up, “The young lady was trying to give us some lunch but the children wanted the cakes we brought.”
“Yagi-san had already prepared some tofu and fish anticipating your visit Namuzawa-san.”
I wave the young lady away, “As I said we had eaten on the train and the children like the cakes better. We can eat those for dinner.”
“That’s fine.” I tell Namuzawa and look towards my youngest son. He’s a little taller and it’s only been six months.
“It seems your main room is not setup and you don’t have a receiving area so we just decided to stay here in the kitchen.”
I knew I should’ve fixed the living a room, especially the alcove area. That’s why I had taken some of my items from the machiya but we got busy.
I look behind him again but Tsuyoshi remains seated and is eating with his brother. I decide to turn around and take Hide’s hand. “As you can see we have other things we had to take care of.”
Namuzawa:
“As you can see we have other things we had to take care of.”
I didn’t notice the woman there. Her name was Yagi Hide wasn’t it? I give her a -slight- bow and see she’s very far along.
“Congratulations Yagi-san. This must be a very auspicious development for you two.”
I wish she would’ve told us what we’d find here. That they wouldn’t be around by the time we arrived and that only a well meaning niece would be waiting for us. Their child Makoto at least seems to be getting along well with Tsutomu and Tsuyoshi.
“Tsuyoshi-kun. Come here and greet Fujita-san and Yagi-san.” I smile at him as I bid him to come. He’s come a long way the past year, sending him to the clan’s elite school is shaping him up to be the best of all men.
“Yes Otou-san.”
I watch as he promptly goes to the front and bows.
“You should give the lady of the house our gift.”
“Here you go Yagi-san.” He smiles at her slightly. “We hope you like it.”
“It’s fine lacquerware from Aizu. Rice and miso soup bowls.” I add and motion to Tsuyoshi that it’s okay to go back to the table and be with his brother and half-sister.
“Please won’t you seat down Yagi-san? It’s your house and it would be a shame if you weren’t comfortable.” I pull up a chair for her and look at Fujita.
“Is this your place or hers?” I ask him. It’s not a bad house but it’s not big enough for all of them or us. “How did you find this place?”
“It’s -our- place.” He replies, “I’m paying for it.”
“I’m glad then. I was wondering since your previous residence with your wife was provided for by the clan. It would’ve been concerning if you didn’t find a place by this time for all of you.” I sigh, “I do admit that I thought you were still living as my niece said, in that machiya. It would not have been respectable.”
Everyone’s already here… I”m gripped by a sudden panic. Is everything tidy? Did I leave enough lunch?
But there’s enough… but now there’s cakes.
Namuzawa-san is… well, he’s going through the motions. But this is -my- home, and I will be a gracious hostess.
“Ah, welcome to our home, Namuzawa-san.” I bow back, a bit lower than is comfortable. “And thank you for your
“Did you wish for lunch?” I smile over at the children. “I know they would like nothing but cake – ”
“They ate on the train, Yagi-san,” Yukiko-san says quietly. Is she concerned that I will fault her? I just nod at Namuzawa-san. “Thank you for the cakes, and I heard that many train lines now feature ekiben – bentos made just for the train, sometimes by a famous local restaurant, featuring regional specialties. It’s nice to have something like that to make the long journey pleasant.”
“And I must apologize for not being here when you arrived – Hajime escorted me to the doctor, for a check-up, and unfortunately the doctor was running behind.” I make a little face. “But I am glad you were able to find the house so easily. I find Tokyo a bit difficult to navigate after spending most of my life in Kyoto.”
It seems your main room is not setup and you don’t have a receiving area so we just decided to stay here in the kitchen.
He makes disparaging remarks about the house, and how we’re paying for it. And the formal main room… I know that’s still on our to-be-done list – I never even tried to furnish it in the old days. “It is such an important room, and putting in the addition was our first priority, and our family seems to gather more in this room or in the back garden in this fine weather. However, we have a nice tatami room with good views of the garden.”
Then Tsuyoshi-kun is sent forward to present a gift. Again, I bow. “Thank you, Tsuyoshi-kun, this is beautiful! Aizu lacquerware is prized all over Japan, it’s a very special gift which we will appreciate and treasure.” I straighten up and look at him – he’s tall, like his brother. “And how you’ve grown! I do hope you’re doing well.” But then he’s… dismissed by Namuzawa-san back to the table.
Namuzawa-san pulls a chair out, and I thank him. “Oh, but first I’d like to make tea. Would you care for a cup? We also have a Western drink called ‘coffee’, which pairs better with Western-style sweets.”
I smile. “I can also show you the tatami room, where you can rest if you need – I know that sitting on the train can be tiring in its own way.”
THIS CAKE IS GOOD! Not as fancy as the one we had for Hahaue’s birthday, but still good. It’s swirly inside!
I look over at my other brother! He’s almost as tall as Tsutomu-niisan. I hope he doesn’t call me short too!
The grown-ups are being polite and -boring-. Hahaue is using her most polite voice and words – if I could do that my Japanese teacher would be really happy (even if we’re not supposed to talk in Kyoto-ben like hahaue does)! But I was a good “hostess” when they got here, I even showed Tsuyoshi-kun where the bathroom was! And I bowed a lot too. I want hahaue and chichiue to be proud of me!
“Hey,” I said, pulling at his sleeve. “Did you know Tsutomu-niisan and I have a treehouse? It’s like being a bird. Do you want to go outside and see it?” I grin at him. I look back over at Tsutomu-kun. Why isn’t he happier? Doesn’t he miss Tsuyoshi-niisan?
Namuzawa:
Yagi-san seems to be launching herself in polite monologue?
“Of course I know what an Ekiben is. We had this new one called “Sando” with pork in it. It was expensive but it’s not everyday Tsuyoshi and I go on a trip together.”
She apologizes and I nod. “It can’t be helped. You look like you are about due.” Which means she was probably already pregnant when they came to Aizu. I look at Goro and am slightly glad that he had the wherewithal to only bring her to Aizu when she wasn’t showing yet.
Yagi-san tries to makes excuses for the bare main room. It’s understandable, if they had to put in an addition then furnishing the other room would be less of a priority as a matter of finances. At least they could’ve placed something in that alcove. “Some pillows and perhaps just a small scroll will do. Or you can do what my niece used to do and put a Kannon Buddha there.” I wonder if Goro had made them practice Buddhism just as most Aizu do? Or has he also forgotten about that?
“Thank you, Tsuyoshi-kun, this is beautiful! Aizu lacquerware is prized all over Japan, it’s a very special gift which we will appreciate and treasure.” I straighten up and look at him – he’s tall, like his brother. “And how you’ve grown! I do hope you’re doing well.”
“Please do, that lacquerware is one of Aizu’s prized cultural practices and the elaborate paintings are all done by hand. I’m doing well. Otou-san has taken good care of me.” He bows again to Yagi-san. “Oh Otou-san. Can I get the present for Makoto-chan in the bag?”
“Of course.” I rummage around for it and find a small white box with the doll and hand it to Tsuyoshi.
We all settle down on the now crowded table and the young woman, Yuki-ko excuses herself claiming to needing to fix something upstairs. Well at least there’s now more space and Goro isn’t sitting down and instead is by the door smoking. Isn’t he going to greet Tsuyoshi? He’s rather cold to him isn’t he? Ah but it’s probably better this way.
“Did you know Tsutomu-niisan and I have a treehouse? It’s like being a bird. Do you want to go outside and see it?”
I smile at the little girl, “Little Makoto, until we’re shown our rooms and settle down I don’t think it would be good for Tsuyoshi to start playing outside right away. He has to fix his things after all.”
“Yes Makoto-chan.” Tsuyoshi adds and smiles at her, “Once I’m settled in then I’ll give you your gift.” He holds it up for her. “I have to show you how to use it so let’s wait a little.”
Ah… I nod proudly at him. Very good.
“Goro-kun. You should congratulate Tsuyoshi.” I look at the man by the door, “He finally got admitted to the Nisshin-kan.” He should know what that means.
Hajime:
It will take us a while in getting used to Namuzawa it seems. Hide is doing her polite voice again and is rattling out words. My niece has excused himself and Tsutomu has remained mostly silent.
He suggest placing a scroll in our alcove but that wasn’t the plan. Tokio did in fact had a statue of Kannon in our old house but Hide and I, save for a few times of visitng the temple are not devout buddhist unlike Tokio was. Although I admit, I would like to start our children on their religious life.
I watch as Tsuyoshi stiffly goes back to the table after greeting Hide. That’s so unlike him. He’d usually be jumping into my arms right now just like Makoto. Maybe it’s just because Namuzawa is here and he’s not familiar with the house?
You should congratulate Tsuyoshi.” “He finally got admitted to the Nisshin-kan.”
I stop smoking my cigarette and grin just slightly. “That’s quite the achievement Yoshi.” I say and finally close the distance between us and ruffle his hair. “That is the best clan school in Aizu. It’s been around for over a 100 years.” That’s where Aizu’s elite and promising children are sent to flourish.
He looks up at me and for the first time I see, those round eyes that gleamed and told me everything. “Yes Chichi-ue. Everyone was -so- proud of me, mother, grandpa Hieiejeumon and Uncle Morinosuke!”
I grin at him and turn to my other son. “Tsutomu, aren’t you going to say anything to your brother?” I notice the cake in front of him has all but disappeared.
He shrugs and says “Omedetto Ototo.”
(Hide)
Or you can do what my niece used to do and put a Kannon Buddha there
My grandmother was very observant, but after that, most of my temple visits over the next few years were of a more… social nature. Of course, I attended to certain rituals as a part of my children’s lives, but everyday… but I feel that putting up a statue wouldn’t be suitable when I’m not observant.
“Ah, thank you for the kind suggestions, Namuzawa-san,” I reply. “But you know us women can be fussy when it comes to getting our home just right. How is your wife? Is she in good health?”
Tsuyoshi-kun tells me more about my present, and he’s a little… stiff for a young boy. Perhaps he’s under orders to be polite as well? Or he could be uncomfortable around me. That’s only normal, even if he was a little more easygoing back in January. Perhaps my very obvious pregnancy makes my status with his father more apparent.
I’m glad to see that under polite manners there’s something of that boy left as Hajime ruffles his hair and his eyes light up. And he still calls him “Chichiue”. Not Otou-san. That’s for Namuzawa.
(Makoto)
Little Makoto, until we’re shown our rooms and settle down I don’t think it would be good for Tsuyoshi to start playing outside right away. He has to fix his things after all.
Awwww…. but I remember that hahue told me to be very very polite. “Okay, when you can. It’s very fun and there’s a swing, too.” Maybe he can stop sitting and will go get his chores done and then we can all PLAY.
And I’m getting a gift! Oh no I don’t have anything for him. Maybe he likes yams too? I’m so glad that there’s a girl whose father owns a candy shop – she brings candy to sell to the girls, even if one girl (you know who!) complains about “merchants”. But I can’t always go to the store and what else can I do with my allowance?
Hahaue talks. “Namuzawa-san, I am going to put you in our tatami room, it gets good light in there. Tsuyoshi-kun, there is an extra futon in your brother’s room for you.” Oh yeah! Yukiko-san and I had to air out all of those futons! Ugh!
But Tsutomu-kun is still so quiet! I would be louder but I’m being very polite! I poke him under the table, in his side. Maybe he ate too much cake and his tummy hurts!
Yoshi’s an idiot. He’s so proud of a “clan” school. Here in the Meiji, the best school in Tokyo all know of the clans who went against the emperor. Every stupid history book has Aizu as the prominent rebel clan whose castle only fell in one month. It’s a miracle they didn’t burn that stupid Nisshin-kan.
“Namuzawa-san, I am going to put you in our tatami room, it gets good light in there.
Namuzawa agrees to Yagi-san without much protest. I’m surprised. Wouldn’t he want the new room in the house but Yagi-san didn’t mention it.
Tsuyoshi-kun, there is an extra futon in your brother’s room for you.”
“Wait. Why are we sharing rooms?” Father’s head snaps towards me but I throw Tsuyoshi a look. I -finally- have a room to myself and now he comes and takes it!
And Makoto-chan is poking from under the table. “Quit it.” I tell her and frown. I don’t want to share a room with him. He’d just tell me all about Aizu, his new school, Uncle and Mother.
Onii-san seems upset we’re sharing rooms? “But Ani-ue, it’s only for a few days.”
What’s gotten to him? We used to go everywhere and do everything together. It would’ve been fun to share rooms.
Suddenly Yukiko-san comes in the room. “Sorry to interrupt but there’s a letter that came.”
She hands it to Yagi-san.
I wonder what that letter is for?
(OOC: It’s Midori’s letter to Tsutomu. I’ll leave it for Hide whether she reads it or not before it going to Tsutomu but likely the contents of the letter will end up being “known” anyway, so up to you)
Hmm. He doesn’t answer my inquiry regarding his wife. I hope all is well – but were it not, why would they be here?
Wait. Why are we sharing rooms?
I see Hajime give his son a look and why… I thought that he would be delighted to get some time with his brother but he’s been quiet… no, he’s sitting there with his hackles up. Didn’t he want this visit? Or is he uncomfortable around Namuzawa? After all, he thinks that his stipend is some sort of blood money from that man…
“Makoto, don’t pester,” I tell her softly, as I notice her poke Tsutomu-kun. What was -that- about?
Yukiko-san brings in a letter and hands it to me. I open it up, expecting to see a letter from one of my brothers… “Thank you,” I tell her, as she hands it over.
Oh, it’s for Tsutomu-kun. And is that… a girl’s handwriting? I fold it back and put it in my sleeve, smiling. “Ah, I’ll have to read that later.” Tsutomu-kun is already unhappy, and even if the letter from a girl is welcome… the teasing that could happen would not be. I’ll give it to him later.
“Namuzawa-san, Tsuyoshi-kun, why don’t we get you settled in so that you may rest and enjoy your visit for a bit before dinner?”
Hajime:
I’m surprised at the dismissiveness Tsutomu is showing to Tsuyoshi. I suppose it can’t be helped. He’s had a rough week. Makoto is lightly reproached by her mother and I go to my daughter and pick her up. I think she just wants a little attention.
“How about you and I spend a little time outside while the “adults” try to get settled?” I tell my daughter. “That way when your two brothers are done figuring out which futon they’re sleeping in,” I give my two boys a look of -get it together-, “You can open Tsuyoshi’s gift.”
Namuzawa didn’t put up much of a fight. He probably likes the idea of the tatami room. With that I leave the room with my daughter in my arms.
(Saitou exits)
Namuzawa:
Goro exits and I’m surprised at how he gingerly picked up and spoke to his daughter. Ah of course, fathers can be like that to their daughters. To a son, a man has to be strong… But to a daughter a man can show his softer side. My eyes follow them and I can’t help but smile a little. It would’ve been a fine thing to have had a daughter but now we have Tsuyoshi and he is enough for us.
“Namuzawa-san, Tsuyoshi-kun, why don’t we get you settled in so that you may rest and enjoy your visit for a bit before dinner?”
“Thank you Yagi-san. I think I shall get cleaned up and dressed. Perhaps the tatami room will have a nice breeze so I can take a nap as well.” No matter what they say about how fast the travel is, it is still hot and there’s a lot of soot on the train.
At some point I will speak to her about Goro but it must be in private. I’m sure there will be an opportunity this week. See how things are really going.
(Namuzawa exits to tatami room)
Tsuyoshi:
Otou-san leaves the room and I’m -so- glad. He likes to be so formal most times. It’s too bad though that Chichi-ue took Makoto-chan. I wanted her to see my present right away. But no matter!
“The first one to the room gets the futon by the window!” I half-shout at my brother as soon as Otou-san closed the door. Tsutomu has that put-off look again and I only grin at him, taking my bag.
I’m careful as I pass Yagi-san and whisper as I pass, “What’s her name?” Then I give her a smile and -sprint- upstairs leaving my brother behind.
(Tsuyoshi exits)
(OOC: Hide may close or continue if something is needed from Tsutomu)
Everyone else leaves the room, except Tsutomu-kun and I.
“This is for you,” I tell him, handing him the letter.
“Also… your brother seems happy in his new home. But that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t miss you, or your family as it once was.” I look at him. “Two things, even if they seem contrary, may be true at the same time.” I touch his shoulder. “I know you’ve had a hard week. You’ve faced a lot of hard things, and you’ve done it like a man.”
“Enjoy this visit, Tsutomu-kun. It’s important for both of you – and just because his missing you, and the past, looks different, it’s just as real as yours. Now go and help him settle in.” I smile a little, and kiss his forehead, and go out to the yard to watch Hajime and Makoto – after all this is the first time since he’s been home that he’s picked her up – his body must be improving. It will be nice to sit before I need to prepare dinner. I had Yukiko-san get some beef, so that we can have Tsutomu-kun’s favorite tonight.
(Hide exits)
Tsutomu:
I get a letter. That’s unexpected. I don’t know anyone who’d write me except maybe mother or Uncle Morinosuke but they’d have sent a letter via Namuzawa-san I think? Unless Namuzawa-san didn’t tell mother or Uncle they’re coming here.
I just pocket it. No sense reading it here. I’m about to leave when I’m stopped by Yagi-san.
“Also… your brother seems happy in his new home. But that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t miss you, or your family as it once was.”
“There’s nothing to miss.” I mumble.
“I know you’ve had a hard week. You’ve faced a lot of hard things, and you’ve done it like a man.”
I shrug. It’s better to know the truth right?
“Enjoy this visit, Tsutomu-kun. It’s important for both of you – and just because his missing you, and the past, looks different, it’s just as real as yours. Now go and help him settle in.”
She kisses me. I don’t understand a lot of what she’s saying. What’s just as real?
I’m glad he’s here. Of course I am.
I mumble an “Okay.”, and go upstairs as she goes outside.
(Tsutomu: exits; close)