"Elma, get up baby. You missed your alarm." I stroke her tender sleeping face.
"Hmm? I'm so tired though." She turns over.
I went in for a kiss this time. Her eyes spring open. I giggle.
Elma showers while I make breakfast and Haru's bento lunch box.
At 6 am, she is ready to eat.
Me: "I know you're worried."
Elma: "Nai, I can't disappoint my boss."
I rub her shoulders as she sits munching toast.
Me: "You're going to close that lead and get that sale. I believe in you."
Her: "You have no idea what tactics the competitors use. Ughh... I lost a big job last month. That would have given me nice commission too. I can't afford to lose one this time."
Me: "You were the first to arrange that meeting with the client. Be proud you secured the lead." I gently hug her neck from behind.
Elma: "Those words mean so much to me. I will do it for my boss...for us."
She cups my hand.
As I exited the elevator in the afternoon, Elma greets me with a smiling face. There's Kobayashi and Takiya too.
She lifts me up and spins me.
"Woaahh I assume you did it."
"I sure did. We're having drinks at our place tonight."
Kobayashi and Takiya smile.