Winter Bakery

Epilogue

Three weeks had passed. The constant thought of what had happened that faithful day had left Jigi hollow. She still considered it and compared it to her childhood memories, checking that she had undoubtedly missed any cues.

She had worked herself tirelessly in the bakery. The bakery, what a funny notion to her a few days ago. She had gone through a mental breakdown. She didn't want to leave her bedroom, and neither did she want anything to do with that bakery.

The thing handed to her by an assailant, by an abuser, by a psychopath, she thought. After the night at Fumiko's favourite Japanese ramen shop, she had left her room. She had no desire to go on any longer. After all, what was there to look forward to, Jigi constantly thought.

Her health was slowly deteriorating not only physically because of the lack of personal hygiene but mentally and emotionally. She kept thinking of her parents thinking wondering whether all relationships were like that. After all, that's all she knew.

"Jigi, Juniper. This has gone on way too long. You've got to move on. You've to stop living in the past, Juniper." Fumiko yelled sternly at her from behind the door. Jigi stirred underneath her sheets and poked her head out of her blanket. She stared at the door which had a bit of light gleaming through the dark room from underneath the door.

She noticed Fumiko's silhouette pacing down the hallway in front of her room. Jigi could hear her muttering under her breath. Fumiko's shadow sat done close to the door and softly whispered.

"Hey! I know you're in there. I love you, Juniper Georgette Lefèvre but you need to move on and see the world in a different light. I tried cooking something for you for a change. I made you Chawanmushi. Mom always made one of these when I was down, it was a rainy day or when she wanted me to embrace my roots." She paused then continued.

"You remember my dad, right? He finally understands me, at least he tries to. I talked with him the other day. About four days ago. My mother set me up." She laughed a little to herself and sighed. Jigi could hear the relief in her voice.

"Imagine the surprise I felt when I saw my father who'd been able to make time out of his high and mighty schedule for me. I almost walked away, but I stayed. Despite how it may seem, I love you, little hibiscus. Those were his words." Fumiko smiled and leaned deeply into the door.

"We reconciled, Jigi. That was the first time in a long time my father and I had a carefree talk with no tension between us. I heard my father's heartfelt laughter. He told me, he wouldn't demand of me to take over after him. I was astonished, Jigi. But the first thing I did was hug him when he said that. He mumbled to me that I still own the company and he'll nominate a successor to succeed him or the board of directors. I'll figure out something. He reassured me." Fumiko stated. Jigi was sitting with her back facing the door on the cold floor.

"I know you're in there. When you're ready to come out, I'll be here waiting. Before I go, I have a few things to talk about. I have a gift for you." Fumiko said waited for a few seconds and stood up. Jigi was wearing a strapped white chemise top paired with shorts.

She pulled her knees towards her chest and heaved a sigh. She buried her head in between her legs. She stood up and left for a shower. She put on something more put together and opened her door after so long. The living room was borne and dimly lit but the moonlight shone through the opened window. The kitchen light was warmly illuminated displaying a slightly warm Chawanmushi, vapour still visible.

Jigi took a spoon from the set of cutleries and took a spoonful of it. She moaned at the deliciousness only then did her stomach rumble and did she realise she hadn't eaten for three days. A thought occurred to her. Where was Fumiko?