Red Data Girl - Series 1 & 2

My First Familiar - 15

Red Data Girl: My First Familiar
By Noriko Ogiwara
A Translation

Translation notes:

Miyuki's studying taijutsu with Mr. Nonomiya.

Red Data Girl: My First Familiar
Chapter 3: Yukimasa
Part 1 (3 of 3)

When Izumiko returned home that afternoon, Sawa was holding a small package. She greeted Izumiko cheerfully.

"Ah, Izumiko. An express package from Yukariko just arrived at the house. It must be a reply to that letter you sent,"

"Express mail?"

When she checked the mail voucher, the addressee's name was indeed Izumiko Suzuhara. But there was no address for the sender. The only thing written was "Y.S." "Delicate" had been circled in the product description space.

Opening the box, Izumiko found a red cellphone nestled inside of the tight packaging.

Seeing this, Sawa said happily, "Look at that! Perfect timing. I was just thinking I should buy you a new one."

"But why did she give me a cellphone?"

There was a folded piece of paper in the box as well. When Izumiko picked it up, she saw it was a letter from Yukariko. Even though the letter had been placed in a flower patterned envelope, the paper inside was white and the words on it had been typed using a word processer. The style of the letter was short and to the point, certainly like Yukariko herself.

I received your letter. You sound well currently.

I understand the situation you want to change well. However, as there are things I cannot tell you in a letter, I believe we should meet face to face. You did not include certain critical information in your letter. Please be a bit more specific in the future.

I think it would be best if I returned to Tamakura Shrine. With that said though, my work is currently in the advanced stages of a project and I unfortunately cannot take time off.

But I heard that you would be coming to Tokyo for Awatani 's class trip. If you will be in the city, I believe I can find time to meet you.

Izumiko, if you really want to change your situation, use the email address in your phone to message me after you arrive at Haneda. I don't use my phone often, but I'll tell you in another message where I'll be waiting to talk with you.

Please don't tell anyone from school that we're meeting. Not many people know where I'm living at the moment. I'll select a time that shouldn't be troublesome for either of us.

I look forward to seeing you.

"Mom..." Izumiko muttered after she had finished reading the letter. As usual, Yukariko didn't understand a thing about her daughter. She hadn't even remotely considered the possibility that Izumiko might not go on the trip. It seemed like Yukariko hadn't remembered that she couldn't use a cellphone either.

What am I going to do now?...

Izumiko put her bag in her room and then gazed at the metallic red cellphone, her head turned to the side.

It was only a small detail in the current situation, but she was surprised that Yukariko had even known about the school trip. And it was generous of her to take advantage of it and set up a time for them to meet. Yukariko had acknowledged the seriousness of what was going on. That was probably the only reason she had agreed to meet.