The Beauty of Imperfection

Chapter Three

I left Shun and Mizuko, unsure if I felt better or worse. I shake my head sharply, ridding myself of the thoughts; there would be time for that later. There was still much left for me to do.

With a sigh I begin down the street, taking a familiar course. Slowly my old house draws into sight. I walk up, trying to look confident and strong, trying desperately to not look like the weak girl I am--was. I hesitate, suddenly unsure. It was strange, standing in front of my old residence. I had changed yet it had not. I suddenly felt both too big and too small all at once.

Finally I decide to knock rather than walk directly in. I knock loudly and confidently, sure to not convey my inner hesitance. After several seconds I hear footsteps coming from inside.

The moment the door opens  I bow slightly, long hair shielding my face from the servant. "I would like to see the head of this house, please," I intone politely.

"I was unaware of any appointments," the servant replied. "Did you make an appointment?"

I raise my face, straightening from my bow. Squaring my shoulders and drawing myself tall, I glare down at her coldly. I had grown several inches in the past few years and now used that height to my full advantage. "I daresay I did not."

She gasps, clearly recognizing me. She hurries to bow, already flinging apologies at my feet. "Sorry, ma'am, I clearly didn't recognize you! Of course, come in! Was your trip pleasant? Did you just get back? Allow me to fetch some tea--"

"That will be unnecessary unless otherwise specified," I murmur dismissively. "I wish to see Father immediately."

"Of course, very good ma'am. This way, please. He's in his study."

I nod and trail behind, allowing her to lead the way. She knocks on the door and enters. There's a brief murmur of voices, and then the servant reappears. "He will see you now," she murmurs.

I stay standing, unmoving. The servant hesitates unsurely. I glare pointedly at the door, and she hurries to slide it open for me with a quick apology. Sweeping through the doors, I enter the room, ignoring the door as it slides shut behind me.

I view Father's already kneeling figure and join him at the low table. He looks up as I settle down, and I can see the slightest flicker or surprise; a weakness I wasn't used to him having-- or I wasn't used to being able to see.

"Fuzen," he greeted emotionlessly.

"Father," I droned.

"You're back. When did you return?"

"Earlier today," I replied. "And where is mother?"

"She is... Unwell," Father said, tone making it clear that we would not be expounding upon that topic. I nod shortly, allowing the silence to stretch between us.

"Where is Hideaki?" I question. A servant enters with tea, which I assume my father ordered. We don't speak as the tea is served, waiting until the servant slinks away.

"Drink," my father orders.

Inhaling the the scent of tea, I take the obligatory sip before setting it down. "What news of Hideaki?" I question again.

"Your sister has purchased an apartment deeper within the village. She says that it means less travel time when she is summoned suddenly for mission," my father replies,

"Hm," I murmur, taking another mouthful of tea. I wonder why it was that she left, exactly. "When did she obtain this apartment?"

Father considered me for a moment before deciding to answer. "Only about a month after you left."