Behind the Mask

Bad Taste

Chiho was a year older.

Streamers in pink and purple hung from the ceiling, gently swaying and dancing. Balloons of different shades dotted the room, some tied to chairs, others floating freely, their strings curling. A large banner that read "Happy Birthday, Chiho!" was strung across the far wall, and a table covered in a floral tablecloth was laden with gifts, each wrapped in bright paper.

I had set up a special section of the living room for the kids to play in, arranging it with toys, games, and a small ball pit that Chiho loved. The craft table was a riot of color, piled with colored paper, markers, and stickers that glittered under the light.

I stood at the doorway of the kitchen, watching Chiho run around with a few of her friends from school. Their laughter bubbled up, a joyous sound that filled the room . Chiho had carefully picked her guest list, and I had taken care of sending out the invitations earlier in the week. As I looked around, I counted each little head to make sure no one was missing. One, two, three, four... perfect. Everyone was here.

Juri and my mom were busy in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the cake. The air was thick with the sweet scent of frosting.

"Ami, stop stressing and come sit," Juri said.

"I'm not stressing," I shot back, turning to enter the kitchen.

She snorted and handed me a cup of punch, the cool glass refreshing against my hand. "You're a perfectionist. The party is already going great. Chiho is having fun. Don't overdo it," she said.

I took a sip of the fruity drink. I loved how the tangy flavor burst on my tongue. "If that cake isn't ready in five minutes, you'll see how much of a perfectionist I can be," I muttered.

She laughed.

I watched as my mom spread the smooth, pink frosting evenly over the layers of the cake. Then she picked up a piping bag and began to write carefully. "When is this friend of yours coming?" she asked, raising her gaze to meet mine.

I glanced at the clock on the wall. Kenji was supposed to be here at noon. It was 1:45. I bit my lip and looked back at Mom. "Soon," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"You know he's not just her friend, right?" Juri teased, a knowing grin on her face.

"Juri!" I hissed, feeling a flush creep up my neck.

She grinned wider and took a sip of her punch.

Mom chuckled, shaking her head. "I know. I'm not an idiot," she said. "But I haven't met him yet. Until I meet him, all I have are suspicions. I would like for you to be with a man who is worthy of you and Chiho."

"He's a famous, rich athlete," Juri piped up. "Does he have to be worthy?"

"Even rich men have to be worthy, sweetie," Mom said, smiling at her. "Don't forget that."

I took another sip of my punch.

Mom finished writing the words on the cake. She stepped back and looked it over, smiling. "Done," she declared, then picked it up and placed it on the kitchen island. I peeked at it and saw the message: "Happy Birthday, Chiho!" accompanied by a cute drawing of a unicorn.

"Nice," I murmured.

She grabbed the piping bag again and started on a chocolate drizzle. Loud footsteps suddenly thudded toward us. Chiho ran into the kitchen, her eyes wide with excitement. "Mama, someone's knocking," she said, her little hands clasped together.

My pulse quickened. I swallowed. "I'll get it," I said, placing my cup on the counter before heading out of the kitchen.

Two children ran past my legs, laughing and giggling as they chased each other. I carefully made my way through the crowd of kids, heading over to the front door. When I reached it, I smoothed my dress, a light blue number with a bow around the waist, and checked my hair in a mirror. Then I took a deep breath and opened the door.