Chapter 32. Book 2, Chapter 6. A Bright Future.

  August 8th, 2014, Tokyo Japan.

  Tanya was sitting at the bank with her grandfather, waiting for the worker to finish processing her paperwork. She had been very excited when her own personal seal had finally arrived and been validated. Now she was putting it to use, opening up her very own bank account.

  Grandfather leaned over and whispered in a calm voice. “It may seem like a huge amount of money now, but trust me, it can easily disappear in a flash if you’re not careful with your spending. I’ve seen plenty of new business owners, who’ve contracted our firm, go bankrupt because they didn’t know how to handle the sudden increase in personal wealth.

  “I’m trusting you with this because you seem like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Also, it seems wrong to keep from you what is rightfully yours, but please promise me you’ll be responsible and not let this sudden influx go to your head.” Her grandfather pleaded his voice both stern and gentle.

  Tanya understood what the old man was worried about. After all, her grandfather was giving her the entire lump sum from her father’s life insurance payout. And what a sum it was. With this she really didn’t need to worry about her future. If she lived normally and invested well, she could live off the dividends for the rest of her life and baring any accidents, be quite comfortable.

  But that would be boring, and Tanya planned on being a productive member of society, plus she still had Visha to take care of. At least, until… Shaking that thought from her head, she decided to reassure her grandfather, rather than run down that path again.

  “Don’t worry old man, I’m not the kind of person to blow all their money just because they have a little extra in the bank. I’ll set aside enough to take care of you and Grandma in your old age.”

  Tanya kept talking about her future financial plans for a bit, but she failed to notice her grandfather had stiffened and stopped paying attention to the conversation, having become distracted by his own thoughts.

  ~

  “Don’t worry old man, I’m not the kind of person to blow all their money just because they have a little extra in the bank. I’ll set aside enough to take care of you and Grandma in your old age.”

  He had heard almost those exact words before, from his son.

  Seiji had always thought it was interesting and nostalgic, the way their granddaughter talked so much like their son. He had smiled the first few times she had slipped up and called him old man, just like her father had done as he got older, the rebellious little brat. Though he supposed it was a lot less irritating to hear coming from little Tanya’s lips. But there were times when it was uncanny, like right now.

  Every once in a while, it was like he was replaying a conversation he had had with his son. Only the character of his son had been swapped out for this diminutive little girl, who had an ego that surpassed even that of his late son.

  It made him wonder how such a thing could be possible, but then the more logical part of his mind took over and he concluded that, blood was indeed thicker than water. His son’s mannerisms must have left a deep and lasting impression on the girl. Wasn’t it said that girls looked up to and took after their fathers more?

  Smiling to himself as he again began paying attention to what little Tanya was saying, he made a note to himself to be a better example for the girl. After all he was now the primary male figure in her life, and she would be looking up to him now.

  Yes, he would have to be firmer and more righteous from now on, showing temperance and thriftiness in his spending going forward. So as to show her the way to control one’s desires and impulses.

  After they had finished up at the bank and were walking to the station, Seiji paused and turned to his beloved little jewel.

  “Tanya… would…would you like to get some ice cream on the way home?”

  “I won’t tell Grandma, if you don’t tell Visha.”

  “Deal.”

  “Sorry, Grandfather, but can I get that in writing?” She said it in the most serious and deadpan tone, that belied the cheeky smile on her face.

  Changing directions and heading towards a local ice cream parlor, his earlier thoughts passed through his head. No, she wasn’t exactly like him. His son would never have been able to joke so casually like that with him.

  Son, you did a great job bringing this little treasure into the world, already she is all that you were and more, the dream of every parent. Look down on her and be proud my son. Rest in peace.

  “Now what flavor would you like?”

  ~

  Visha was feeling bored. Bored and frustrated. After passing her exams and going on vacation, Visha’s motivation to study had plummeted. She felt like the people around her understood her just fine, and she understood them, other than a few words here and there every once in a while. She had even stopped translating the words in her head from Japanese to German when people were talking. Now when she picked up a cup, she thought of it in Japanese, not the German word first, before having to think about the word for it in Japanese.

  Sure, school was bound to be different, and she had been studying a whole different set of vocabulary just for it. But she was getting better, if only reading wasn’t so difficult. It took her forever to get through the books sensei had lent her. Scrubbing her hands through her hair, Visha stood up deciding to go for a walk.

  Tanya had left to go run an errand with her grandfather and would be gone for a few hours at least, that is if they didn’t get sidetracked at the electronics store again. That old man was fooling no one with his sudden interest in high end cameras. Well, almost no one, Tanya still seemed oblivious and had no problem nerding out about all the features and specs with the old man.

  Heh, Nerd, what a funny word. Momo and Reimu had taught her a lot of new trendy words to use. They had all had a great time picking Hina-chan’s brain for interesting words the American kids from her church used. Momo had even been so bold as to wheedle a few swear words from the mortified girl.

  Deciding she needed to get some air and stretch her legs, she went out to the garden to pull some weeds and get her hands dirty. After a few minutes of working her way along the walkway, she came to the planter boxes by the house. As she was clearing a section of one box, she came upon an unusual sight. A red poppy plant still flowering even this late in the year? Visha stared at the familiar flower. Poppies were pervasive in the spring of the western front. Often springing up in the churned-up mess of the fields of no man’s land. Soldiers saw them as a symbol of the blood of the fallen and would often press a flower between the pages of a journal or letter sent home to the families of the fallen.

  Visha carefully reached out and touched the petals with the tip of her finger. Having to fight back a surge of emotion, as feelings of longing and loss flooded her. So many of her friends had died, and for what? The history that Tanya had made her study up on, painted a horrible picture of the future the survivors had in store for them. Even if it was a different world, too much was still the same and heading in the same direction.

  What would happen to her friends, her comrades…her family. Oh God. Why did she only think of them last! Visha’s thoughts were dragging her back into that pit of darkness that she tried so hard to avoid. She didn’t even talk to Tanya about these thoughts, not since that one time at the shelter. After all some problems needed to be handled on your own, and if Tanya had somethings she chose to deal with on her own, then so could Visha. She wasn’t so weak that she still needed to go crying to the commander for everything anymore.

  There was another reason as well. What if Tanya misunderstood? How would her paranoid, self-conscious friend react to hearing that her best friend didn’t think she was enough of a family for her. That she missed her old one. Would Tanya feel guilty for bringing her along, even though it was Visha’s own choice.

  All these thoughts and more were swimming through Visha’s head, just as her eyes swam with tears. When a gentle, wrinkled hand graced her shoulder.

  Looking up, Visha saw the concerned face of Tanya’s grandmother looking down at her.

  “Visha-chan, are you alright, I heard you from the kitchen window, why are you crying?”

  “Oh, hey granny,” Visha said wiping at her tears. “It’s nothing serious just feeling a little e—emotional is all.” She choked out barely suppressing a sob midway through her words. After taking a few deep breaths and ignoring the disbelieving look on Sonoko’s face, Visha continued her explanation.

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  “My mother, she grew these flowers in our home, before… I guess it just made me miss her.”

  “Oh, that’s right, you lived with your grandparents, right? Maybe we can try contacting them, a letter or something…” Visha heard Sonoko trail off, clearly noticing something that must have shown on her face.

  “They, they aren’t around either, that’s why I ended up leaving the village with my “Father.” But at times I remember things, and I just…I miss them so much, but I don’t want to bother Tanya about it, after all, she’s lost so much as well, and…and…” Visha couldn’t continue talking, as even this tiny admission of grief had burst the damn that had been holding back months if not years of suppressed emotions and fears. For years she had feared that she would never return from the war, that she would never see her family again. Now, that fear had come true and Visha felt all alone in that moment, as not even Tanya was there for her right now.

  ~

  Sonoko hesitated, as the young girl broke down in tears, stuttering half coherent sentences about missing her family and longing for them. But they were gone. Dead, and nothing she did could bring them back or let her hold them one last time.

  She didn’t know when it happened, but she was suddenly wrapping the girl in her arms, rocking her back and forth as she sobbed in the garden.

  Sonoko knew the feeling of loss, the empty void that only grew, swallowing all the light and color in your world. Corrupting your memories of the departed. The hunger of not getting the one thing that you wanted to feel, just one more time. But she also knew the feeling of something else moving in and filling that void, reflecting back the light.

  She would bring color back into Visha’s world. Her and Tanya both…and the old man as well, she supposed.

  After all, “Suteru Kami Areba Hirou Kami Ari.” And while a granddaughter couldn’t erase the pain of losing her son, having two would certainly go a long way in filling the space in her heart and she had room enough in it for dear Visha.

  “Come my child, let’s go inside. I’ve got some tea and snacks that we can dig into, and you can tell me all about your family. Trust me, it helps to talk about the good times, you’ve got to keep those memories alive. Keep them bright, or they will grow dark and ugly, and you’ll never remember them how they really were.”

  The girl just nodded and followed her lead into the kitchen where they sat down. And Visha began sharing all kinds of stories and memories from her past. Including a few tidbits about Tanya as well. By the time the others had returned it was time for dinner and Sonoko hadn’t had time to prepare anything. So, they decided to go out to eat as a family and hit the baths while they were out as well.

  Visha dear had told her about a hairstyle known as the Vorschriften für die Frisur weiblicher Offiziere, that Tanya used to do, and Sonoko really wanted to see what it looked like. It sounded so exotic.

  ~

  “How much further Momo? We’ve been walking forever, and this neighborhood looks super old. I haven’t seen anyone our age walking around here for ages, who do you know who even lives here?” Visha whined in exasperation. Having clearly chosen the wrong footwear for this outing. Tanya had tried to warn her that it was better to wear something more practical, especially since the shoes were new, but had Visha listened, no. Well, she could live with the consequences now.

  “It’s not much further, just a few more blocks, next to that old park I was telling you about, with all the ducks. And for the last time I’m not telling, it’s a surprise.” Momo responded. Shifting about and nervously looking back at them.

  “I don’t know if you’ve picked up on this yet Momo, but the comman—Tanya hates surprises.” Visha replied from her place on Tanya’s back.

  Tanya wanted to agree but her current burden was making it hard to breathe and walk at the same time, much less talk. So, she contented herself with a grunt in affirmation of Visha’s statement.

  ~

  The closer the got to the location the more nervous Momo felt. She wasn’t really leading Visha and Tanya into an ambush per se, it was more like visiting a group of like-minded people who had a fondness for cute girls and would probably get a kick out of spending time with exotic looking foreigners.

  And if it made her new patron happy and ensured Momo’s new position, well those were just side benefits. Not something that she had any control over and certainly not why she was going through with this, no sir. Hopefully, they had heeded Momo’s warning and could tone it down a bit. She was already dreading Tanya’s wrath after all of this went down. Hopefully, it didn’t all blow up in her face and Tanya would see reason.

  Seriously, what other options did she think Momo even had. If she had tried to refuse their requests to meet her friends any longer, things might have gotten dicey for her.

  Finally, arriving at the location Momo reached her hand out and rung the bell, before opening the door and walking in.

  “This way, don’t hesitate, just come on in, I’m familiar with the place. There’re spare slippers by the door.” Momo instructed before hearing the shuffling clip clop of sandals on the floor heading their way. Oh boy here they come.

  “Momo-chan, is that you dearie? It is you! Oh, and I see you finally brought along your friends! How wonderful. Come on in girls, this way, this way, come and meet some of the others. Oh, where are my manners I’m Kawai Sumiko, but please just call me granny Sumiko. I am the current president of this center; you picked a good day to come we are doing dance in a few minutes. You young people love to dance right? It’s important to learn some of the local traditional stuff too though. Are you locals? Well, I suppose not, but that doesn’t matter it’s still good to learn. Helps get the blood flowing…”

  And so, the old woman continued chattering on in that special way she did, that seemed to welcome and disarm everybody. Momo was surprised that even Tanya seemed calm, and to just be taking it in stride. Or maybe she was still in shock at being dragged into the middle of the senior center Momo now worked at and paraded about in front of the other seniors in attendance today.

  Momo’s worries and expectations on their reception turned out to be spot on, as Tanya’s “cute” cheeks were pinched and squeezed gently by nearly every elder present at one point or another. Only getting a respite when the old man with the burn scar pulled her aside to chat. Visha too, received her fair share of attention. With many enjoying the novelty of her language skills and beautiful blonde hair.

  At one point after the dance lesson, granny Sumiko pulled Momo aside.

  “Thank you dearie, you have some good friends, the best kind. Make sure to keep them close and not let them down. Look around at everyone… It hasn’t been this lively since you first showed up those months ago. It warms this old heart up to see everyone this engaged.”

  “It’s no problem Granny, really. It feels good to see everyone being this happy. Even old Zūkoshi is smiling, and he’s never happy. After everything this place has given me…How could I not give back what I can. But Tanya-chan is going to kill me, she’s not very social and for some reason hates being called cute.”

  “Oh, I remember what you told me, believe me dearie, I tried, I really tried to remind them to tone it down, but you know how they can be. Sometimes people just gotta share the love… and speaking of sharing the love. You’ve got to let me introduce you to my grandson, he needs a good girl like you to take care of him, keep his head on his shoulders.” Sumiko winked and elbowed Momo conspiratorially.

  “Granny we’ve talked about this. I’ve got my own problems and my past… No man’s going to be able to look past all that and marry me. You don’t really want a granddaughter like me. I thank you for the face that you have given me, but let’s be realistic…No one wants a dirty woman to bear their grandchildren—" THUNK… “Graaannyyy! Whyyy!” Momo whined, rubbing the spot on her head Granny had chopped down on.

  “Because you were speaking foolishly! We Have talked about this before, and I’ll tell you now like I told you then, only this time I’m going to make sure I get it through your thick skull. You’re a good girl Yamamoto Momo. What happened to you wasn’t your fault, it’s not who you are. Is it the child’s fault when they burn their hand in the fire, or the adults for not keeping vigil? We both know the answer, but still, it is the child that must bear the scars on their body for the mistakes of its elders. Like you bear the scars on your heart for the sins of others.

  I see you, Momo dear… not your scars. When I look at your heart, do you know what I see?”

  Momo just shook her bowed head silently, the tears dripping from her eyes onto the floor.

  “I see the heart of a beautiful soul. A sweet little peach that I would be happy to see planted in my garden and see the fruit it bears…” Reaching out and tilting Momo’s head up with her hand, Sumiko locked eyes with her, before asking softly. “Understand?”

  “Ye…Yes.”

  “Good. Here let me wipe your eyes dearie, your friends are looking over like I’ve been bullying you.”

  “Haven’t you?” Momo responded, with a cheeky smile and tone.

  “Ha, ha. Perhaps I have, run along then.”

  After taking a few steps, Momo paused, before turning around.

  “Granny…Um…why don’t you give me your grandson’s number sometime.” Blushing she turned around and fled back towards Visha and Tanya.

  Out of the frying pan and into the fires of Tanya’s wrath.

  ~

  “So, that was your new boss?” Visha asked, after they had left the senior center to head back to the apartment.

  “Yeah, she’s a bit much sometimes. Just gets right up in your personal space and chatters on about anything and everything, but she’s really nice. She has this way of just getting people to like her and open up. Working for her has been really nice, she’s so patient with me, and the others have all been really kind too. They’re always asking me how my studies have been going and making sure I’ve been eating right. Just the other day, granny Fuji brought me a packed meal to take home, claiming she made too much, but the meal didn’t have any onions in it. She actually remembered that I don’t like onion and made sure to make something without it just for me. I was so shocked, why would she do that just for me?”

  “It’s because they like you and appreciate the work you do for them.” Visha responded.

  “So, you’ve been enjoying your work? That’s good it’s important to enjoy the work that you do and find fulfilment in a job well done. Do you think you will be looking for a career in this field? I know there are plenty of opportunities in elderly care, and that’s not even including specialized medical care. Maybe you could look into becoming a nurse, or physical therapist.” Tanya mused, offering Momo some options to think about in the future.

  “That sounds, nice actually! I kind of like the idea of helping people, and you’re saying that there are jobs in the medical field that help the elderly specifically? Do I have the brains for that? I mean I know you said that I could go to college, but this seems so real. Am I really going to do this, can I even? Oh my gosh! I’m graduating next year; this is my final year of high school! This feels like it’s all happening too fast.” Momo just kept talking faster and faster, feeling excitement and nervous panic at the thought of her future.

  “Well, more likely a tech school than a college, if you decided to go down one of those routes. Unless you want to get into the more serious side of medical work, but if you’re looking to spend more time with and helping the elderly, then yeah, a tech school should do. Here, I’m sending you a text with a homework assignment to research what careers are in this field. What their pay scales are, as well as growth and advancement opportunities. Then cross check to see what sort of schooling and certification is necessary to enter these various fields and get back to me. I expect several pages detailing what you have found and your preliminary plans moving forward by the end of the week.”

  Momo just rolled her eyes at Tanya’s antics but made a note to go over that text and set aside some time after school to complete the assignment. She didn’t want to get on Tanya’s bad side after what she had just pulled.

  ~

  Glossary

  “Suteru Kami Areba Hirou Kami Ari”

  The Japanese proverb “Suteru Kami Areba Hirou Kami Ari” (捨てる神あれば拾う神あり) translates to “If there is a God who abandons you, there is also a God who picks you up.”

  Vorschriften für die Frisur weiblicher Offiziere

  Directly translates to: female officers’ regulation hair standard.

  Basically: the standard regulation haircut for female officers.