Uncle's Visit
It was a slow morning at the bookstore. Kota was perched in his usual spot near the counter, a picture book in his hands. He wasn't reading it—at least, not in the traditional sense. Instead, he was pointing at random pictures and babbling to himself.
"Abu googa da!" Kota declared, jabbing his finger at a drawing of a penguin.
"This bird looks like it fell off a ladder."
Max, who was rearranging books on a nearby shelf, snorted in amusement. "Kota, I'm pretty sure the penguin didn't fall. It's just walking."
Kota turned his head sharply, glaring at Max. "Ba goo goo!"
"Mind your business, Dad!"
Noriko, sitting at the counter, burst out laughing. "Kota, be nice to Max!"
Kota crossed his arms and pouted, mumbling more baby nonsense under his breath.
"Nice? Do I look like a charity worker?"
Before Max could respond, the bookstore door chimed, and in walked Noriko's uncle—a large, round man with a jovial expression and a scarf that barely fit around his neck.
"Noriko!" he boomed, spreading his arms wide.
Noriko stood up, her face lighting up. "Uncle! It's been so long!"
They embraced warmly, but as soon as they pulled apart, the uncle's eyes zeroed in on Kota.
"And who's this little rascal?" he asked, bending down to get a closer look at the toddler.
Kota tilted his head, studying the man intently before babbling, "Agubaba goo."
"Who let the balloon man in?"
Max coughed to hide his laughter, while Noriko's face turned red from trying to suppress hers.
"Kota!" she scolded lightly, though her voice trembled with amusement.
The uncle blinked, then threw his head back in laughter. "This one's got a sharp tongue! I like him already."
Kota smirked, clearly pleased with the praise.
After the greetings, the uncle began his self-appointed inspection of the bookstore.
He ran his fingers along the shelves, sniffed the air dramatically, and even tapped a few books as if testing their durability. "Hmm," he said, nodding sagely. "Smells like books. That's a good start."
Max watched from the counter, arms crossed. "You expected it to smell like something else?"
The uncle shot him a look. "Don't get smart with me, young man."
Kota, who had been following the uncle like a tiny shadow, pointed at him and babbled, "Gabu baba goo!"
"Look at him pretending to be a detective. Adorable."
Noriko covered her mouth with her hand, trying not to laugh out loud.
The uncle turned to Kota, wagging a finger. "You're lucky you're cute, or I'd be offended!"
Kota tilted his head and babbled again. "Baba goo goo da."
"Keep telling yourself that, balloon man."
Max nearly dropped the book he was holding, biting his lip to keep from laughing.
The uncle eventually made his way to Max, standing in front of him with an exaggeratedly stern expression.
"So, you're the famous Max," he said, narrowing his eyes.
"That's me," Max replied, unfazed.
"I hear you've been working closely with my Noriko," the uncle continued, his voice low and ominous.
"Yes, sir," Max said, his tone polite but steady.
The uncle leaned in, his face only inches from Kyoshi's. "Are you treating her well?"
Kyoshi didn't flinch. "Of course."
The uncle held the stare for a moment longer before breaking into a wide grin and slapping Kyoshi on the back. "Good! I like you, kid. But if you hurt her…"
Kyoshi raised an eyebrow. "I'll have to answer to you?"
"Exactly!" the uncle said, puffing out his chest.
Kota, who had been observing the interaction with great interest, babbled, "Gabu baba goo!"
"This guy thinks he's scary. Cute."
Noriko snorted, turning away to hide her laughter.
The uncle, oblivious to Kota's commentary, suddenly pulled Kyoshi into a hug. "Take care of her, alright? Be kind. She's been through enough."
Max, though slightly startled, nodded. "I will. You have my word."
After the inspection and heartfelt moments, the uncle gathered everyone around.
"I have some exciting news!" he announced, clapping his hands together.
"What is it, Uncle?" Noriko asked, her curiosity piqued.
"We're hosting a book reading event next month," he said with a wide grin. "It's in partnership with a local grade school. The goal is to get kids interested in books again because, let's face it, all they care about these days are their phones and tablets."
"That's amazing!" Noriko exclaimed.
"I'm in," Max added.
"Baba goo!" Kota chimed in.
"Will there be snacks?"
The uncle chuckled. "Yes, there will be snacks. Lots of them."
Satisfied with the answer, Kota clapped his hands. "Gabu da!"
*"Finally, someone who gets me."*
Later, the uncle pulled Noriko aside for a private conversation.
"How are you, really?" he asked, his tone soft and concerned.
Noriko hesitated, looking down at her hands. "I'm fine," she said, though her voice lacked conviction.
"Noriko," he said gently, "I know you. What's bothering you?"
She sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's my mother. She's been messaging me again."
The uncle's expression darkened. "What does she want?"
"She wants me to come back to England… to marry someone," Noriko admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
The uncle placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Noriko, listen to me. You don't owe her anything. You've built a life here—a good one. Don't let her drag you back into that world."
Tears welled up in Noriko's eyes, but she nodded. "Thank you, Uncle."
He pulled her into a hug, patting her back gently. "You're stronger than you think. Don't forget that."
As the uncle prepared to leave, he crouched down to say goodbye to Kota.
"Be good, alright?" he said, ruffling the toddler's hair.
Kota responded with a string of babbles. "Baba goo goo da!"
"Bring snacks next time, or don't bother coming back."
The uncle laughed so hard that tears formed in his eyes. "You've got yourself a comedian here, Noriko."
As he stepped out of the store, the warmth he left behind lingered, filling the small bookstore with a sense of family and love. Noriko glanced at Max and Kota, feeling grateful for the little family she had built with them.
CHAPTER END 🫠