After everyone’s done with dinner and cleaning up to eventually go to bed, I asked my niece Yukiko to meet with me in the formal room. She sits across from me in seiza just like how her father taught her as a child. She really has grown up to become such a fine young lady. Hiroaki would be proud.
“Thanks for coming.” I tell her as I light my cigarette. “I know it’s late but unfortunately I don’t have a lot of time.”
“Oh don’t worry about Uncle. I hope I’m not a burden to you.”
I wave off her comment, “You’ve been a great help to our… to your Auntie and the children. We’re very grateful.”
“I’m glad to hear that Uncle.” She smiles.
“Well I wanted to speak to you about you and Eiji.” I already know what her answer would be but I wait.
“Eiji is a fine young man but, I think it would be a disservice to him if I went along.” She looks down at her hands. “I’m sorry if I’m disappointing you.”
“Look at me Yukiko.” I say to her, “Hold you head high. You didn’t disappoint me. In fact, I should be apologizing to you in trying to rush both of you to settle just because I was short on time.” I take a quick drag on my cigarette, “As you already know, your Aunt and I are separating and I wanted you and him to be settled. It was foolish and selfish of me to impose on you two for my convenience.”
She looks up at me and I muster a small smile. “If only Hiroaki could see you now.” I tell her and certainly I wish my daughter’s would someday not only be obedient but also able to humbly assert themselves on things that matter.
“I miss him.” She tells me and I nod. “But Uncle are you and Yagi-san, still separating truly?” She asks with a sad look on her face. “I thought the trip to Aizu would do you two good. Yagi-san certainly looks like she’s recovered well.”
I smile slightly at that, “It wasn’t a great onsen that healed her, but a close friend, really more like -family- to her. She and I hardly spent any time alone.”
“Oh.” She looks down again, “I was really hoping.”
“Now Yukiko don’t tell me you’ve let those books get into your head.” I scold her lightly, “You’re old enough to know that problems are not solved by some relaxing trip up the mountains or in a hot bath.”
“I know Uncle, but with some of the stories Yagi-san told me about you two…” She looks back at me pleadingly, “It certainly sounded like as good as in one of those books.”
Raising an eyebrow at her, I shake my head. “I’m moving out on Monday, after the children leaves for school. But don’t worry I already spoke to your Aunt about having you stay here for the time being. She said she’ll be happy to have you as you’ve been a great help to her and the children.”
“I’m not really worried about where I’ll be staying, but if you’re moving out Uncle isn’t it a little odd for me to be staying here. I should at least reimburse Yagi-san.”
“No.” I sigh and puff on my cig, “Although this house is government property, I still do pay rent.” Which reminds me of one last thing I must do. “Your stay is paid for already and since you help with the children, I think that’s fair compensation for your food and incidentals.”
I look at the room, “Besides, this house is getting crowded. So it’s better I leave.”
“It won’t be the same without You and Eiji-kun.” She leans forwards and says quietly but rather -firmly-. “Your daughters are young so they may not notice you don’t actually live here but Tomu -will- and he might actually miss you Uncle.”
With an exasperated sigh, I tell her the truth. “I already told Tomu before we went to Aizu that I was separating from Hide. And what makes you think Eiji is leaving?”
“Tomu knows? He hasn’t said a word.” She looks to the side, a little visibly upset. “I saw Eiji taking his old uniforms to the tailor the other day. And he’s about disappeared from this house, he hardly speaks to anyone and disappears as soon as the cooking or cleaning is done.”
“His uniform?” I think for a moment, this maybe an unexpected development but it is a desirable one. “Well I can’t say I’m displeased. I’ve been wanting him to go back to the army which I thought he never would after being AWOL for so long.” I put out my cigarette, “I’m sorry it’s my heavy handedness that led to this but…” I look at Yukiko, “I’m sure you’ve already let him know of your decision if he’s decided to choose another path.”
“But uncle… is that what he really wants?”
“He’s old enough to make decisions for himself.” And I wonder, is Yukiko’s desire to make him stay one of guilt or a manifestation of something else? Either way, I can almost read my son’s mind. We’re not too far apart even if we’re not related by blood.
“It’s getting late.” I tell Yuki. “Don’t fret about what others will do for now. Think about what -you- will do.”
She bows and wishes me good night. After I hear her go up the stairs. I go to the tatami room to sleep. Tomorrow is Saturday and it will be a busy day, one to scout out Ruffian’s row, see what Kawaji’s answer is and of course prepare for Makoto’s early birthday party on Sunday.