A Story in Yokohama -18【Purple iris petals】
A Story in Yokohama【 Subtitled "Longing"】-18
From then on, Junko worked as a hostess and clerk in the Carriage Road. Years passed and she fell ill. Her tumor had metastasized and she had little time to live. The child she had brought up with all her love was now 17 years old.
Putting the bank book and seal in front of the child, Junko said.
“I've saved up all this money. I've put it in your name. You won't have to worry about it for a long time.”
The boy made no reply, but stared at his mother.
“I have given my life for you, I know you will make it.”
“It's hard to be alone, but I'll be okay.”
“There's something I have to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“I have a sister. She lives just around here.”
“You don't want me to call her now?”
“I've hardly been in touch. But I want you to tell her when I'm gone.”
“You didn't have good relations?”
“We quarreled all the time when we were young, because she was serious and only said what was right and I did what I wanted. I don't wish to see her now, but she's my sister and I want you to keep in touch with her.”
“Yes.”
“I have something more important to tell you.”
“What is?”
“It's about your father.”
“What?”
“I'll tell you.”
“I've asked you so many questions and you've never said a word. I don't know if he's alive or dead.”
The boy stared at his mother.
“His name is Shiro Murakami. He was my classmate in high school.”
“Shiro Murakami?”
“He lives nearby, too.”
“You went out with him?”
“Only for a short time before I had you. After that, we stopped seeing each other.”
“What was he like?”
“He's a man I recognized. He's kind, and he's a real man.”
“I didn't know that.”
“I'm sorry I didn't tell you.”
“Do you want me to tell him?”
“Yes. But that's not all.”
Junko told her child about the days after she had met Shiro in Yokohama.
“You loved him, didn't you? Why didn't you marry him?”
“He had a wife, who died soon after I had you. He kept asking me to marry him and come and live with him, but I refused. I wanted you to be my only child. I'm a selfish mother.”
Tears fell from the boy's eyes.
“Mother, all I want is only you.”
"Now listen to me carefully. That man's son, Yuichi, goes to the same school as you.”
“I know him. He's as slim as a bean sprout.”
“I want you to guard him after I'm gone.”
“What do you mean?”
“I want you to repay Shiro Murakami for the gift he gave me. Shiloh's child is weak and fragile. I want you to protect him.”
“Why should I do that? He has a good father.”
“Sometimes parents can't help, you know. You've inherited my temperament, for better or worse, and you've become a strong-willed child. But he's not.”
“If you insist, I'll do it.”
“Thank you. I'm sorry it's such a bother.”
“He's the child of a man you loved. I'll do what I can.”
“You have to protect him so I can make it up to Shiro Murakami. Please.”
(I can't tell you the truth now, but you're a clever boy and you'll find out soon. You've grown up with me as you are and you'll have to protect the slender Yuichi and trace your bond.)
“Mother, do you want me to call this Murakami person now?”
“No, you're the only one who stays with me. It's always been just the two of us.”
“Okay.”
“Stay strong, my boy.”
Junko's funeral was organized by the people of the Carriage Road. J did as his mother had told him and contacted Naomi and Shiro. Both Naomi and Shiro were devastated by the news of Junko's death, but they were both concerned about J's welfare and invited him to live with them.
J was surprised that two people he had never met before showed him such kindness, but he refused, saying that he wanted to live in the place where he had lived with his mother, together with her memorial tablet.
Commentary
J and Yuichi were twin brothers.
Junko tells J that she wants him to protect Yuichi before she takes her last breath.
We will return to the case as described so far next time.
・・・To be continued・・・