A letter might not shorten the physical distance.
But compared to chats drowned in digital noise…
Tamamo Cross, seated on the restaurant's front steps, slowly tore open the envelope Tony Bianca had delivered.
She carefully pulled out the letter from within.
Graceful handwriting appeared before her eyes:
[To Tamamo Cross]
[I'm currently resting in France. Life is good right now, so don't worry about me.]
Following a brief greeting came multiple apologies for failing to keep their promise.
The letter wasn't particularly long; after the apologies, there was little else.
Finally, Tamamo Cross reached the letter's end.
"You'll come back to fulfill your promise, huh…"
Muttering softly, Tamamo Cross folded the letter and gently shook the envelope.
A key fell into her hand.
She stared silently at the key for a long moment.
Tokai Natural had asked in her letter that Tamamo Cross keep this key safe until she could return and reclaim it herself.
"But before you return… I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take a look first."
Saying this, Tamamo Cross stood, turned around, and inserted the key into the lock.
...
The annual health inspection day had arrived.
As the sous-chef, Tokai Natural had responsibilities to oversee during the process.
But since the restaurant was closed today, she returned home unusually early.
Seeing the sun still high, Symboli Speed turned toward Tokai Natural.
Holding a book, Tokai Natural tilted her head slightly. "What's wrong?"
"No, it's nothing. I was just thinking about Mochizuki."
"What about Mochizuki?"
Under Tokai Natural's gaze, Symboli Speed quietly contemplated for a few seconds before finally responding, "It's nothing. I was just wondering when you'll quit your job. It can't be good if I'm always the one staying with Mochizuki."
She casually changed the subject, concealing her worries about Mochizuki's mental state.
"I suppose you're right. But not just yet."
Tokai Natural didn't notice the hidden anxiety in Symboli Speed's words.
Not grasping the deeper implications of her own reply made Symboli Speed feel slightly disappointed. After all, it wasn't ideal for Mochizuki to always be left in her care either.
Though having only Natural around wouldn't be perfect either, come to think of it.
Children from single-parent households tended to face a higher likelihood of psychological issues.
With that thought, Symboli Speed found herself endlessly worrying, like any typical grandmother concerned for her great-granddaughter's well-being.
Yet Symboli Speed was also clearly aware that Symboli Rudolf was no longer a viable option.
After causing so much harm, even if Rudolf wished to return, Symboli Speed would personally step onto the track to kick that foolish granddaughter away.
As for other options…
After a few moments, Symboli Speed realized Tokai Natural didn't seem to have anyone else in her social circle who fit the role.
With that realization, Symboli Speed slumped directly onto the table.
What Symboli Speed hadn't noticed, however, was that her every movement had been closely observed by Tokai Natural.
Interrupted by Symboli Speed's restless fidgeting, Tokai Natural finally gave up reading and glanced at the clock. "I should start dinner now. What would you like?"
It was already six o'clock. Although the sun hadn't set yet due to the season, it was undoubtedly time to start dinner preparations.
"What should we eat…"
Symboli Speed pondered Tokai Natural's question for several seconds.
Truthfully, anything Tokai Natural cooked had always been delicious. She didn't need to choose.
Leaving it entirely to her would have been perfectly fine, given Tokai Natural's skill.
But even Symboli Speed occasionally missed the past.
Therefore…
"Could you make something Japanese? After living abroad for so long, I sometimes crave it."
Symboli Speed paused briefly after making that request, then quickly added, "If it's too troublesome, French cuisine is fine too."
"Japanese food, huh…"
Repeating Symboli Speed's request softly, Tokai Natural walked into the kitchen.
Their kitchen had few ingredients suitable for Japanese cooking.
But there weren't zero options either…
She glanced at the rice flour tucked away in a corner, alongside unopened packages of miso and soy sauce.
Symboli Speed had stocked these herself.
Tokai Natural checked their expiration dates to confirm nothing had spoiled, then moved toward the fridge.
Inside was pork, scallions, and a few other ingredients—but almost nothing that could easily serve as a main dish.
"With these ingredients…"
The silence stretched without further response.
Symboli Speed was about to speak up again—
But Tokai Natural's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Let's have ramen tonight."
"Eh? Ramen?"
"I considered sushi, but we lack the ingredients, so ramen it is. Is that alright?"
"Ah, sure!"
After giving that reply, Symboli Speed continued, "Mochizuki should be waking up about now. I'll go check on her."
"Mm. Ramen won't take long."
After saying that, Tokai Natural's gaze landed on the baking soda resting nearby.
Ramen dough required alkaline water, and mixing baking soda with salt in water would create a similar alkaline solution.
Realizing this, Tokai Natural rolled up her sleeves—she'd need to start immediately.
She'd previously said ramen would be quick, but that was compared to other Japanese dishes. After all, attempting anything else with their limited kitchen supplies would likely be inadequate.
Unlike Tokai Natural downstairs—
Upstairs, Symboli Speed quietly opened her room's wooden door, finding Mochizuki still sound asleep.
Approaching the bed with the quietest possible steps, Symboli Speed gazed at Mochizuki's serene face.
Looking at Mochizuki sleeping peacefully, Symboli Speed knelt beside the bed, resting her face in one hand.
Seeing Mochizuki's tranquil expression, Symboli Speed briefly thought perhaps it wasn't strictly necessary for Tokai Natural to find another partner just to complete their little family.
After all, she herself was still here, caring for Mochizuki, and could fill at least part of that role.
Although, Symboli Speed was also keenly aware she could never fully replace that missing role herself.
---
everyone is on vacation so no character notes this week
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