Don't Leave Home

To Rent a Wife

You didn't realize you fell asleep until you felt a hand shaking you by your shoulder, while a distant voice called you by your name.

- Hey. Hey, girl. Wake up – and with a bit of impatience, – Come on, wake up!

You took some time to remind yourself that you weren't at home. When you recognized Toji's voice, you opened your eyes in a startle and looked up to find him staring at you with visible relief, as if you have passed out instead of just taking a nap. You were holding Megumi on your lap; with his head leaning upon your chest, he seemed to be in an even deeper sleep. You sensed the beginning of a numbness spread through your arms and noticed you haven't moved them since you sat there.

You were going to leave the boy on the sofa, by your side, when Toji took him from your arms, taking care to not wake him up. You rubbed your eyes, straightening up on your seat.

- What time is it?

- 5 pm. I just arrived.

You looked at the living room's window just ahead your spot, and saw the change in the daylight. You tried to recollect what happened before you sat there and were surprised of how fast the hours passed. It was what usually happened when children were involved, you reminded yourself.

Toji was waiting for an explanation.

- So... was everything okay around here?

You nodded and stood up, stretching your arms.

- It was just like you told me. He didn't wear me out. He's quite obedient even though he just met me. I bathed him, changed him and gave him food without difficulty. He played a little and then started feeling sleepy. It was when I sat here with him and soon he was taking his nap.

Toji smiled, looking at the asleep child on his arms; when he turned to you, however, it turned into a smirk.

- And so were you.

You felt your cheeks warming up.

- Sorry.

He clicked his tongue and asked if you could return tomorrow at the same hour you came that day. You confirmed that yes, you could.

- Good. But, just for you to know, I don't always come back home at the same hour, so it's possible that you will spend more time with him in some days and less in others. My job kinda... changes everyday, so I never know exactly what to expect. Is that a problem for you?

If you were in a more favorable situation, it would certainly be a problem. But by that time you had too much bills to pay, so extra work became acceptable.

- Of course I can pay for your overtime, since you got along with him so well – the smirk was back to his lips along with that assurance – Also... is it possible for you to work at some weekends as well?

You couldn't help gasping at that. What kind of idea was that?!

- If you can't, just tell me now. I'd take care of this – Toji replied, not affected by your reaction – As I told you, my work is not the same everyday, so sometimes I have stuff to do in the weekends. It would be good if I have someone to count on during these days too.

You thought of this for a moment. If he was willing to pay for your overtime, he would probably think of a compensation for the weekends. Besides, of all the kids you've ever met Megumi was the easiest one to deal with; it wouldn't be a great problem and it could even help him to get used to an established routine, something important for children at that age and that it seemed to be absent there.

You decided for a counter-proposal.

- As long as you can tell me in anticipation when you will need me to come, it's no a problem for me. Because you see, I don't live with anyone, I have to study and have other things, so everything in my house depends on me and me alone.