Seiji's Love Letters
Chapter 25 –New Year's Again
Dear Shiharu,
I could tell you were tired when we had the taxi drop you off at the institute tonight. It was probably a good things that the twins had already fallen asleep or they may not have let you go. It was a long day but I really enjoyed our day in Shizouka with the Takegawas. It was so much fun to have a relaxing day letting the twins spend time with their grandparents. This New Year's was so much better than last year when we went to the shrine. It was so much easier to relax when I didn't have to worry about crazy fans, getting separated from you, or saving you from those boys who were trying to assault you.
The Takegawas really enjoyed having you come with us again. I know that it makes you nervous because you feel like an outsider. In a way, I am an outsider, too. We are not really related in any way, except indirectly through my brother. Despite that, they have welcomed me like a son and trusted me with their daughter's children.
Thank you for remembering to bring Aoi and Akane in to their mother's shrine to greet her. I should have remembered to do that as soon as we arrived. It was a little hard for me, seeing the pictures of my brother and having the resentment I feel toward him well up so unexpectedly. The twins' grandfather was right to reprimand me for neglecting to show Aoi and Akane pictures of their father. Deep down, I knew that it was not my place to withhold pictures of my brother from his children. I appreciate that the Takegawas were so gentle with their scolding. I hope you do not think any less of me for that.
From the look on your face during that discussion, I figured you must have been thinking about your own father who died before you were born. Your mother probably had a shrine like Misaki's for him and told you stories about him. I guess you probably don't have a shrine for your parents at the institute. That's probably why you take the whole day on Obon to spend it at the graves of your parents. I'm sure you must miss them a lot.
I guess the twins' grandfather was trying to lighten the mood when he started teasing me again about my making progress with you. I hope it didn't embarrass you too much. At least is dispelled the tension from the scolding before we sat down to lunch. It was a much better atmosphere to relax and enjoy companionship over the meal.
Thank you for taking Akane and Aoi into the other room to play fukuwarai while I talked to the Takegawas. We were talking about the coming spring and the best way to move the twins to Shizouka. I know that they probably won't understand the situation and it will feel a little like they are being separated from their loved ones again. I assured the twins' grandparents that, when the time was rights, I would explain things to Aoi and Akane. In a way, this is all my fault because I insisted on remaining in the house with the twins while waiting for my brother to return. If I had not done that, the twins would have already been settled with family in Shizouka. On the other hand, they would have been separated because one family would not have been able to take both and their grandfather could not take them while their grandmother was in the hospital. I just hope it all turns out for the best.
I was really surprised when the twins were given their bicycles. The first one I had was a hand-me-down from my brother when I was ten. It's good to know that the twins will be so loved and cared for by their grandparents. I have to admit that I envy Aoi and Akane at times. I never knew my grandparents and my parents didn't seem to care about me at all. I'm just glad you and I have been part of providing them with a loving family.
From the peaceful look on your face when you returned from the walk with the twins' grandmother, I take it that she was able to set your mind at ease about you being welcome to visit after the twins move. I hope you will continue to be a part of their lives even after you are no longer their babysitter. You have been such a pillar of strength for them. You have taught them so much and given them so much love.
I look forward to the bright future that this new year will bring to us.
Love, Seiji