We're sitting around Aoi's
brand new dining table.
It's big enough for ten people
and I feel like I'm being engulfed
by her things.
I feign interest at the food in front of me.
If I don't,
Father will be mad.
I don't want to risk it.
But my eyes are pulled to
glance around the living room.
There's a loud tapping noise from
Father's end of the table.
I jump, thinking frantically
Oh God he's going to shout at me.
But when Aoi scrambles over
to the hall behind him,
I realize the sound came from the door.
"Oh, sweetheart. I am so glad you're
finally here!"
"I'm okay Mama, help me bring my bags in."
"We were just having lunch, I'll fix you a plate."
"I'm really tired, so please eat without me."
"Okay then, you go and get some rest. "
Aoi comes in,
lugging the bags with her,
her face lit up brighter
than I've seen it.
"She's here."
She breathes.