“… and you know what he did after that? He looked at me from head to foot and walked out of the room. Who does he think he is? Does he even know who he was talking to? The nerve of that idiot.” I narrated, fuming mad as I helped Riida pack.
We were seated on his bed, packing his things for his “trip’ as Shin watched me animatedly narrate what had happened.
Riida smiled silently as he continued to fold his clothes.
“What? Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“What do you want me to say? I haven’t met the boy Kazu. It’s not fair for me to judge him.” He replied calmly.
“Oh you don’t need to meet him Riida. He’s E-V-I-L. I’m telling you. There’s something about him that’s not right. He’s got a sharp tongue. And those eyes, where have I seen them before?”
“Seems to me like you’re describing yourself Kazu.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, you ARE evil. You’ve got a sharp tongue and your eyes are both wonderful and murderous if you ask me.”
“Oh shut up old man! That’s not what I’m trying to point out here.” I said I threw the shirt I was folding at him.
“Zu-chan, you said he played the guitar, was he good?” Shin asked.
I fell silent as I tried remember the way the boy played.
“Well was he good?” Riida asked.
“I really hate to admit it but he was good. No, he was excellent. The way he played the song, it was flawless. It was just perfect.” I replied.
“Even better than you Zu-chan?”
“Ehhh??? Of course not! But for some one his age, it was not… normal.”
“What do you mean not normal?” Riida asked again.
“The way he strummed and plucked the guitar strings, it was amazing. He was playing it like a professional. He could be a prodigy.”
“A little awhile ago you wanted to kill him, now you’re putting him on a pedestal?”
“Riida, I may hate the kid’s guts but talent wise, I can’t say anything bad about him. But he really does need to have his manners checked. Anyway, what time are you leaving tomorrow?” I asked.
“I got the first flight out of Japan. Is it really ok if I leave Shin with you for a while?” he asked.
“That’s a stupid question. Of course it’s always OK to leave Shin with me. He practically grew up with me remember? Plus my mom’s already complaining that you’re not coming over as often as before.”
“Papa, when are you coming back? Will Mama be with you when you come back?” Shin asked as he got up and walked towards Riida.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone Shin but I promise…” Riida stopped mid sentence when he saw Shin shake his head.
“Sorry… I’ll make sure I’ll bring Mama back ok?” he continued.
“Yosh! Shin, get your things, we’re leaving in a while.”
It has always been a tradition for Shin and I to eat dessert at the terrace. Every time he visits or sleeps over we usually have dessert there while talking about anything under the son. Tonight’s no different. We were seated near the railing busy gobbling our chocolate ice cream when Shin asked out of the blue.
