FMS Episode One 33

One night at the inn, Chihaya was doing the dishes in the kitchen. Then Auntie came in, with a somewhat excited look on her face

"Chihaya, you have a phone call. It's your dad."

"Eh, Dad..?"

Perplexity showed in Chihaya’s voice. True, she had been waiting for a call from Mom and Dad for some time, but why now? Perhaps, could it be that -

"Hurry. The phone’s on the counter."

Seeing Auntie's rush, urging, Chihaya made her way to the counter while wiping her wet hands off with her apron.

"Hi?"

"Hello? Chihaya?" It was Dad. His voice from the receiver sounded muffled and remote. It felt like quite a while ago that she last talked to him.

"Yes, Dad?"

"Chihaya, will you be able to come home next week?"

"…" Chihaya was astounded.

Going home. In a week. That sounded all foreign. Dad needs to know that Chihaya was beginning to feel her life on the island will go on forever.

"Chihaya, I-I'm sorry." After moments of silence, Dad opened his mouth. "I was – arrogant. And ignorant. It's only after I’ve been through this that I realized how important you and your mother were to my life. I’m a terrible dad."

"Dad..."

"Chihaya. I know how awkward this will not sound. But…will you give us a second chance?  I said “us” because, Mother and I now feel the same way.”

"You do sound...awkward." Chihaya answered flatly.

"I know."

Another pause followed.

"And silly. All of a sudden, you exile me to some remote subtropical island, and after I finally get used to living and all, you want me to come home?” As Chihaya spoke, the corners of her eyes grew warm and wet, blurring out her vision. She was so happy that she was crying.

"...Chihaya?"Dad sounded puzzled by the change in her tone. “…Come home, sweetheart. Please.”

"Chihaya?" This time it was Mom.

"Mom!" Chihaya said, rubbing her eyes with her free hand.

"Chihaya, how are you doing? How are you and your aunt getting along?”

"We’re just fine."

"Rememeber, put a hat on when you go to the beach. The sun there is vicious."

"I know."

Mom would sure be surprised to see me completely tanned and brown.

"I've already talked to Auntie. I know this sounds very rushed….but when you have time and had given it a thought, talk to Auntie about when want to depart. And then you give me a call.”

"Noted, Mom,” Chihaya said. “And…cheers. We worked it out.”

"We did. Thank you, Chihaya."

Mom sounded cheerful but her voice was breaking, like she was about to break into tears. That was same for Chihaya. After she put down the phone, Chihaya noted Auntie standing across the hall. She too had a smile on her face.

Then Aya’s face suddenly popped up from the top of the stairs.

"Sis, I’m done with those exercise problems.”

“Aya,” Chihaya exhaled. Right now, she was willing to share her news with the whole

world. “I just got a call from Mom and Dad.”

"Oh."

"Yes. I can go home."

“Really?” Aya stiffened her body, like a cat sensing a harm. "Is that…true?"

"You bet. They worked it out and are now waiting for me."

“Got it. That’s way to go, Chihaya.”

"Thank you!"

Aya hurried back upstairs. And while Chihaya continued to enjoy her moment of family re-unity and bliss, little did she note that her cousin and now her de fact younger sister wasn’t at all smiling.