First Sight

9: Pushin' N Pullin'

"Hi mom!" 

"Izuku, my baby! I'm so glad to see you!" 

Izumi was so excited to see her mom, Inko, as she quickly ran up to the hospital bed. 

"How're you feeling?" Izumi asked. 

"Oh just fine, I've been taking medicine so there's nothing to worry about." Inko said. 

Izumi knew that though her mom was telling the truth, she noticed right away how much weight her mother lost. 

'She's lost a lot more weight since the last time I saw her. Is she not eating?' Izumi thought. 

"Are you sure you're okay though? You've lost some weight since I last saw you." Izumi said. 

"Oh sweetie, don't worry about it, and I'm eating like usual. I'm just happy I get to see you after so long." Inko said, trying to smile it off. 

"Hmph, me too."

"So what've you been doing since the last time you came to visit me?" Inko asked. 

"Well... I've been working and taking care of the library, and I took another job in editing. Haven't really found the time to write my next novel yet, but don't worry, I'll get it done." Izumi said happily. 

"Oh Izuku, when will you take some time off from all of that and go out and spend time with your friends or something?" Inko asked. 

"I wish I could, mom, but after you ended up in the hospital, I can't afford to do all those things. And I'm fine with how my life has been." Izumi said. 

"What about the house?" Izumi froze.

"Hmph... someone's trying to buy the house from me- but don't worry! I'm not gonna let anyone take away our home!" Izumi said with confidence. 

"Izuku, why don't you sell the house?" 

"No way! After everything dad worked for, why should I? And besides... It's the house I was raised in after we lost our own house, and all of our precious memories are from that place. I want to make sure to protect dad's home and I won't let anyone else live in it unless they're family." Izumi said. 

"Oh Izuku-" 

"I'm fine, I'm doing everything I can for you and dad!" Izumi said. 

Though Izumi was acting like everything was fine, Inko knew her daughter was struggling with everything.

"Hah- if only I didn't get so sick, then you would've been able to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree. Then things would've been easier for the both of us." 

"Mom, don't blame yourself on this! This was unexpected of your health, and it's not like I'm broke and homeless. I'm doing everything I can to make dad isn't worried about us in Heaven." Izumi said. 

"Izuku... does that mean you haven't gone on a date either?" Izumi froze.

"W-What?" 

"You haven't gone on a blind date have you? I thought I told you last time that you need to open up your horizon and find new people? Dating is one of those things too." Inko said. 

"Sorry mom, you know I'm still recovering from the last time I liked someone." Izumi said, looking at the floor. 

"Izuku-" 

"I know it's been 7 years, but I just don't want it to be one-sided again." Izumi said, trying to smile.