I caught COVID again, so it's another short chapter. Based on the ending, I'm sure you can figure out where the next part of this three-part journey is starting.

I hope you enjoy it and your new year is going better than mine.

A short time later, the train eventually stopped, and while Himeko and Airi handled the bags, Ume was tasked with waking Mei up.

"Mei," whispered Ume, shaking her gently. "Mei, sweetheart, it's time to wake up. We're at the station."

"Five more minutes, Yuzu," whispered Mei, her arm wrapping around Ume's arm, making Airi giggle.

"Mei, I'm not Yuzu," chuckled Ume, though she blushed a little at the fact that Mei felt so secure that she confused her for Yuzu. "It's Mama, you need to get up. You have a train to catch, remember?"

Mei shifted and opened her eyes, looking down at a grinning Airi, then at a snickering Himeko, and finally a smiling Ume.

At seeing her stepmother's face, Mei bolted out of her seat and began stammering while she rubbed sleep out of her eye and took Airi's hand before walking to the exit.

"I...I am so sorry, Mother. I didn't plan on falling asleep. You aren't upset with me, are you?"

"No," grinned Ume while they exited the train, luckily with a few seconds to spare before it pulled out. "No, I'm fine."

"I didn't do or say anything strange other than calling you the wrong name?"

Mei looked nervously at Himeko and Airi, who did their best to hide their amusement.

"You didn't," answered Ume, glad that Mei hadn't been awake when Himeko took their picture. "You must have needed the nap if you fell asleep so quickly, so don't feel embarrassed; it happens."

Mei grinned sheepishly, and Airi squeezed her hand tightly, saying, "Grandma makes a good pillow. I always fall asleep with my head in her lap when she reads stories and sings songs, and I have good dreams. Did you have a good dream, Mommy?"

"I might have," said Mei, still trying to shake the sleep from her brain. "But I don't remember. If I do, I'll write it down to tell you when I get home."

"As long as it's not a scary one," said Airi when they entered the area where Mei and Himeko would check in. "I don't wanna hear about the scary ones."

"Of course not." Mei rubbed Airi's hair and gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll only tell you about the happy ones."

Airi grinned and walked with Mei to the ticket kiosk while Himeko and Ume stayed back to give them some privacy.

While Mei and Airi went through getting the tickets, Ume turned to Himeko and asked, "When is this meeting?"

"Late tomorrow morning," answered Himeko, smiling as she watched Mei show Airi which buttons to press. "She wanted it first thing in the morning to try and catch them off-guard, but I suggested that we wait a little bit so we're rested. Mei-Mei didn't like that because she felt it gave them too much time to prepare, but I told her we needed it, too. Besides, I have a few friends who know about this group and are working with some contacts. We'll have some backup to help us out. We may not get everything, but we'll do our best."

"I'll never understand this," sighed Ume, taking a moment to get the picture of Mei lifting Airi so she could press the buttons and help with corrections. "With the way Sho described it, I thought for the longest time that her family only dealt with education, but the longer I've been with them, the more it feels like a spiderweb she can't escape."

"That's because it is." Himeko folded her arms and continued watching Mei teach Airi about the system and what she needed to do to get their upgrades. "Most of our friends are business partners we must keep at a safe distance, save for a select few. And we have our specialties, but that's how we make contacts and maintain our positions. It's pure supply and demand, and while we don't like it sometimes, we have reasons for staying involved and doing what we do."

"I know." Ume put her phone back in her pocket and put a smile on her face as Airi approached Himeko, a set of tickets in her hand.

"Here you go, Auntie. Your tickets for you and Juri-san."

"Thank you very much," replied Himeko, bowing her head and taking the tickets. "What'd you think about getting the tickets?"

"It was hard," sighed Airi, scratching her head, causing Ume to chuckle. "There were too many buttons, and I couldn't get Mommy's phone to work so it could scan the code, so she had to do that part. But she said I can help pick out your snacks and bentos for the trip, and I'm good at that."

"Then I'll leave it up to you," said Himeko, tapping Airi's nose. "I'm sure you'll pick the best one."

Tickets in hand, they moved toward the platform and made sure to stop by one of the shops to check out the bento selections.

Ume had half expected them to be sold out, but thankfully, there was still a large selection, including the ones in the shape of the train they'd be taking.

Those caught Airi's eye immediately, but Ume saw the girl avoid looking at them as she asked what Himeko and Mei would want to eat on their trip.

"Not sushi," said Himeko, with Mei nodding in agreement.

"I agree, and nothing spicy, Airi."

"I know, Mommy," said Airi, sticking her tongue out at the thought of eating a spicy meal. "Spicy stuff is gross. I don't know why Mama and Hideki like it."

"Because they're gross," said Himeko, earning her a giggle from Airi and a gentle elbow from Mei once Airi had wandered off.

"Be careful saying things like that," whispered Mei while Airi searched for their food. "I know it was a joke, but after all the teasing she went through this year and changing schools, we're trying to teach her not to make fun of people, especially when they're not around."

"I didn't know that," said Himeko, a little frustrated. "But you've commented about how much spice those two add to their food and how disgusting you find it, so I thought it was okay."

"I know," agreed Mei. "And I'm working on it as well. I should have told you that, and I didn't, so this is my fault. All I ask is that you try not to be so casual with comments like that when she's around. When it's just us, I won't stop it; I only ask that you do your best to avoid it when she is."

"Fine," grumbled Himeko, holding Mei's hand. "I'll do it for you and her, and I guess Yuzu and Hideki as well."

"I appreciate it," said Mei, squeezing her friend's hand.

"You're lucky I'm your best friend," scoffed HIemko weakly. "Or else I would keep doing it."

"Thank you, Himeko," said Mei, smirking at Himeko's weak attempt to sound antagonistic. "And you're right; I am lucky you're my best friend."

"So what do you think about Airi not liking spicy foods, Aihara-san?" asked Himeko, a little louder than intended and adding an exaggerated sigh while she tried to hide her blushing. "Does it bother you that she doesn't like them?"

"I'm not worried about it," commented Ume, grabbing a sandwich set and a drink. "If she ends up not liking them, then so be it. You've seen how she eats, so you know she's not a picky eater. She has her preferences, just like everyone else. Hideki, on the other hand, sometimes I worry he will end up with an ulcer with how much he adds to his food."

Mei nodded her agreement, and shortly after, Airi approached her with a bento and Mei's favorite bottled tea, saying, "This one's yours, Mommy. It says it's a sampler set, like the stuff they have at Mama's restaurant, so it's got lots of foods for you to try."

"What kinds of food," asked Mei, watching as Airi tried to read the box.

"Well, I know this says stewed beef," said Airi, pointing at a few symbols. "And this one is salmon, and this is vegetables; I know that because Mama showed me when I was at the restaurant and asked her about the menu. I don't know this one, but it shows an octopus on the box, and when I asked the lady a man looking for one, he said this means octopus, so I guess it has some octopus in it. Does that sound good?"

"That sounds delicious." Mei bent down and took the bento and drink before stroking her daughter's hair and smiling. "And the man was right; that symbol does mean octopus, which means it's in the box. Thank you very much for picking it out for me, Airi."

"You're welcome," said Airi, her cheeks flushing and smile showing off the latest location of a lost tooth. "Auntie, I found yours but couldn't carry it with Mommy's, so I'll be back."

Himeko told her not to rush, and the women spent some time chatting as she walked through the shop, trying to find the bento she'd picked out. It took her a few minutes, but eventually, Airi returned holding another bento, what appeared to be a dessert, and another bottle of tea.

"Is this a good one?" asked Airi, looking nervously at Himeko, who, like Mei, had dropped down to receive her gift. "I got you the dessert because you like sweet things, and you said earlier you wanted some shrimp, and that's got shrimp, crab, and rice from what the picture looks like. Is that okay?"

"It's perfect, Airi," Himeko said, setting the box on the ground, squishing Airi's cheeks together, and rubbing them. "You're such a good girl for remembering. Now, is there anything you want?"

"Like a souvenir," asked Airi once Himeko had let her go. "Mommy said she was gonna get me something, so you don't have to get me anything, Auntie."

"Well, I want to." Himeko gathered her things and took Airi's hand. "So you think about it while you help me pick out the food and snacks for mine and Mommy's assistants, and if anything comes to mind, you tell me, and I'll try to get it. Is it okay if I take her with me, Mei-Mei?"

"Of course." Mei nodded, grabbed a basket from the entrance, and placed her things inside it before taking Himeko's food. "I'll pay for these, and you can pay for the others, and we'll meet at the front of the store when you're done."

Himeko smiled, and Airi waved to her mother and grandmother before she and Himeko headed off to another section, their voices fading.

"Do you need me to pay for that," asked Mei as she and Ume got in line.

"I wasn't planning on it," chuckled Ume, taking a moment to step out of line to grab a cola to go with her tea. "But if you want to, I won't object."

"It's no trouble, Mother," said Mei as they stepped forward. "It's the least I can do for you doing this on such short notice. I also wanted to know if there was anything you and Father would like as a souvenir. I won't have much time, but I know of a few places, so it should be possible. Airi has already made her requests, one of which is rather silly, but I'm sure her friends will find it funny. I've yet to hear back from Yuzu or Hideki, but I can find their gifts easily at the station, and there are a few places near the hotel. Hiroshima is known for its sake, so I can try to get you a few bottles."

"Saje would be nice," said Ume thoughtfully. "But only one bottle if you do. Your father and I have been cutting back a little since, you know..."

Ume tugged at a few strands of gray in her hair.

"I understand," Mei replied as they moved up two more spots. She looked around and saw Himeko and Airi over at the souvenir bentos and wondered what they were doing there. "I'll keep that in mind, but there is a bakery specializing in lemon and orange-based pastries I was hoping to buy from. Would you like me to grab some for you and Father?"

"I've heard of those," said Ume, tapping her chin and nodding. "I think those would be perfect. Truthfully, your father and I will be happy with either, though I'm feeling the sweets more since we don't buy many unless the kids are over. So I'll say the sweets over the sake."

Mei nodded, and Ume was sure Mei would show up with the treats and a second bottle of sake, regardless of Ume's request.

"Are you going to be okay," asked Ume while Mei unloaded the basket and the cashier rang them up. "On this trip, I mean. It sounds like you're under a lot of pressure even with all the help you have."

"I'll be fine, Mother," said Mei while swiping her card. "I was sure something like this would happen, and much of what I have prepared has been ready for some time. I just need to fine-tune it, which is why Himeko and I called in a few favors so we can have the necessary information to do that."

"I know that," said Ume after asking the employee for a separate bag for her food, "and it's not like I doubt your ability, Mei, but it seems like you've been having nothing but problems lately with these people and it feels like something bad might happen."

"I understand that, Mother, but I have everything under control, so please stop doubting me," said Mei cooly, making Ume wince at the words.

"I'm sorry," she added after seeing the pain on Ume's face. "I know you are concerned, and I appreciate that. I know you've always had my best interest in mind since you and your father married. But you are right. I am stressed and tired, but this is nothing new for me. I'm used to it."

"I wish you wouldn't have to be used to it," sighed Ume as they sat on a bench outside the store.

"There are times I wish I'd chosen a different path as well," said Mei, shifting closer to Ume. "But I do enjoy my work, and I'm working on making the system revolving around it better in my way, and you're part of the reason I've begun making the changes."

"Oh please," snorted Ume, rolling her eyes. "I haven't had anything to do with your family's business, and I never want to."

"I'd never dream of asking you." Mei reached over, took Ume's hand, and held it gently. "But you've been a mother to me, and because of you and Yuzu, my father and I have managed to have a relationship. If it weren't for that, I don't think he and I would ever have found a way to start working on making the changes we needed to make to ensure our family's success. You're an important part of that, even if it's only indirectly, so thank you."

"Now you've done it," sniffed Ume, wiping away some tears. "You just had to make me cry, didn't you?"

"Sorry," said Mei, pulling out a handkerchief and giving it to Ume. "I was only being honest. I thought hearing that would make you happy."

"I know, sweetheart, and I am happy," said Ume after dabbing her eyes, putting the handkerchief in her purse, and pulling out a clean one to give Mei. "I'm going to wash yours, so take mine for now. Thank you for lending it to me and for the kind words. And don't be sorry for making me cry; they were happy tears. You rarely say things like this to me, so you caught me off guard, but it's nice to know that I've had a good influence on you all these years."

"You've been an incredible influence, Mother." Mei retook Ume's hand and held it tightly. "I'll try to be better about letting you know how much I appreciate you."

"Thank you for telling me," sniffed Ume, wiping her eyes again just as Airi and Himeko appeared holding a large bag.

"Mommy, look," said Airi, rushing toward them, too excited to notice her grandmother's tears. "We got the bentos and a surprise for you."

"You did," asked Mei, giving Ume's hand one final squeeze before turning to focus on her daughter. "What'd you get?'

Handing the bag to Mei, Airi opened it and rummaged around before finally pulling out a cake filled with cream and strawberries and covered in white frosting.

"We got you a strawberry cake," announced Airi, mirroring Yuzu's grin while she spoke. "See, it looks like the one Mama makes for us sometimes. We got it because it's your favorite, even though it isn't Christmas."

Ume snickered when she saw Mei's ears turn bright red and said a quiet thank you before taking the cake while Airi excitedly explained that the self-heating one for Mei's assistant and when Ume asked her about the train bento, Airi turned almost as red as train.

"That one's for Juri-san," said Airi quietly before pointing at a sandwich. "We also got her fruit sandwich because her bento doesn't have a lot of food, and um...I got it cuz..."

"Aihara-san! Momokino-san!"

The four of them looked up to see a woman in a crisp blue suit walking toward them hurriedly, her face red with exertion as she dragged a large suitcase behind her.

"Juri-chan," said Himeko, her face brightening at seeing her assistant. "Good to see you. Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine," said the woman, exhaling loudly. "I'm just glad I caught you. You didn't tell us which platform to meet you at, so we split up to find you. Is everything all right with your phones? We've been texting you for a while, and you haven't replied."

Mei and Himeko were both confused and removed their phones. They noticed they each had a handful of missed texts and a phone call from each of their assistants since they arrived and began apologizing.

"It's okay," said Juri, nervous that she'd upset her boss. "I wasn't...I mean...I don't know how to handle this; I've never had a boss apologize to me like this."

"Well, get used to it," said Ume, standing up, placing a hand on Mei's shoulder, and smiling proudly. "And from the sound of it, you had some pretty crappy bosses."

Juri looked at Ume confused and asked, "I'm sorry, Miss, but who are you?"

"I'm Aihara Ume," she explained, pointing at Mei and Airi. "You've already met my daughter and granddaughter."

"Oh." Juri's eyes widened a little, and she coughed before giving a polite bow and continuing. "I am so sorry; I meant no disrespect. Of course, I accept the apology. It's just that in my last job, the bosses didn't apologize very often, so I was taken aback. It's a pleasure to meet you, Aihara-san. Airi-chan told me a lot about you today; it's easy to see who Yuzu-san takes after."

"You don't know the half of it," said Ume appreciatively while a tightness grew in her chest. "It's nice to meet you also. Thank you for watching Airi today. I'm sure it's not a part of your work requirements, but it's still appreciated. She said she had a lot of fun today, and you helped her with some schoolwork?"

"Honestly, it was a welcome change of pace," Juri chuckled while Mei walked over to talk to Airi and Himeko and began trying to coax Airi out from behind her aunt's leg. "My child is only a few months old and has been pretty easy, but he's not much for conversation. On the other hand, my husband is better, but it's usually work stuff. So talking to Airi-chan about her favorite music and books was a much-needed break."

Ume grinned and nodded, saying, "She does love music, and story time is her favorite part of the day when she's at home, so if you need any recommendations for the baby, she can give them to you."

"I'll consider it," said Juri, smiling back and jumping a little when she heard Airi say her name. "What is it Airi-chan?"

"Um," began Airi, holding the bag and extending it to Juri, "I got you some food to thank you for watching me. I had to ask Auntie for help because I only had five hundred yen, but I hope you like it."

Juri's mouth dropped a little in surprise when she took the bag and began examining it, Airi's nervousness turning to a smile as she saw Juri's expression soften while Airi clung to Mei's leg.

"A shinkansen bento," asked Juri, looking impressed. "And my favorite fruit sandwich with kiwi, melon slices, and a drink. You remembered what I told you earlier?"

Airi nodded, blushed, and then returned to Mei while Juri laughed.

"This is so sweet of you, Airi-chan; you didn't need to get me all this."

"I know," said Airi, burying her face in Mei's leg from embarrassment and saying something no one could hear.

"Airi," sighed Mei, tapping Airi's head, "you need to look at Juri-san when you talk to her; she can't hear you."

"I said...I said I know, but I wanted to," said Airi, her voice muffled by Mei's leg but still audible. "And I thought you could give the bento box to the baby as a present so he can play with it when he gets bigger, and you can pack him lunches."

"He's still got a while before that," said Juri, but her smile stayed plastered. "But I'll make sure he can play with it when he's big enough, and thank you for getting me this; I'll make sure I eat every bite on the trip."

"Okay," said Airi before hiding her face again, signaling that the conversation was over and they should begin heading toward the platform.

When they arrived, Mei's assistant and Juri took the bags along with Himeko while Mei stayed outside to talk with Ume a bit longer and to say goodbye to Airi.

"So tonight she needs a detangling," explained Mei while Airi held onto her legs, making Mei wobble a little. "Which also means a bath, and she'll need her bonnet afterward or one of her scarves. Have you done the scarf before?"

"I haven't," said Ume, shrugging. "Normally, Sho and I use bonnets when we do her hair, so we'll probably stick with that."

"That's fine," said Mei, lowering her hands to massage Airi's upper back to help soothe her. "Call or text if you have questions. I'll reply as soon as possible, or you can try Hideki. He doesn't do her hair often, but he has instructions in his room and can show you where the supplies are kept when he gets home from his mixer and..."

"Mei," said Ume with a chuckle, "we know where everything is, and if you're out, we know what to buy. We'll be fine; I'm more worried about her schoolwork and what instruments she needs to practice."

"I'm done with my schoolwork," sniffled Airi. "Juri-san helped me with that. Tonight I gotta do piano and singing. Tomorrow's violin and guitar."

"What about the cello," asked Ume, reaching over and rubbing Airi's head, not surprised the girl grunted at her to stop.

"She's not doing cello anymore," said Mei, relieved. "She likes the other subjects more, and we donated her cello to another school's music program."

"Also, it's too heavy," said Airi loudly before reaffirming her grip on Mei.

Mei made a face that told Ume she agreed, which made Ume chuckle before saying, "Okay, so what an hour on piano and her vocal exercises?"

"Yes," said Mei as Himeko stuck her head out to let her know that they would be leaving soon, followed by an announcement from the audio system. "Also, I don't know what we have in the fridge, so feel free to cook what you like or order in, and I'll pay you back when I get home, or Yuzu can do it once she's rested."

"Don't worry about it," said Ume, walking up and patting Mei's cheek. "You just worry about finishing this up and getting home safe. Himeko-chan, you keep an eye on her for me, okay?"

"Of course," said Himeko, walking off the train and tugging gently on Airi's arm so she could get a hug. "Mei-Mei's in good hands with us, and we'll get her home safe."

"You take care of her," said Ume, looking at Mei and pointing at Himeko and then at the train, "and those two as well. I want you all to come home safe and sound."

"I understand, Mother." Mei gave Ume a soft smile before walking up and giving her a brief hug. "Thank you for helping out. I promise I'll be home soon."

"Take your time," said Ume once she'd recovered from the shock of Mei's hug. "If you want to take a day to relax, that's fine. Just come home."

"I will." Mei gently squeezed Ume before bending down and holding her arms open for Airi, who immediately ran into them.

"It'll be okay, Airi," said Mei, holding tightly onto her daughter. "I'll only be gone for a few days, so please don't cry."

"You promise," sniffed Airi from her mother's arms. "You promise you're gonna come home?"

"Of course, I'm going to come home," chuckled Mei before kissing Airi's head. "It's just a work trip; I've gone on them before, remember?"

"But this is the first one you've been on in a long time," said Airi, wrapping her arms around Mei's neck. "The last one you went on was before you and Mama..."

Airi's voice drifted off, and Mei sighed. After removing Airi's arms from her neck, she pulled back and removed the handkerchief Ume had given her and began cleaning up Airi's face.

"I know you're scared," said Mei as she wiped the tears. "The past year's been difficult, and I know I can't stop you from feeling this way, but is there anything I can do to help you feel better?"

"Can you call before bedtime," asked Airi, rubbing her hands together. "And can you read me my story over the phone?"

"I can't read your story tonight," said Mei, causing Airi to whine. "But I'll read it to you tomorrow if everything goes well. And I promise to call tonight, and I'll call tomorrow night since you have school tomorrow, and I will try to read your story tomorrow. It depends on my meetings, but if I can't, is it okay if someone else reas reads to you?"

"I guess," sniffed Airi again while Mei put the handkerchief away. "Are you still gonna get the presents?"

"Yes, I'm going to get the presents," laughed Mei, leaning in and kissing Airi's forehead. "You will have them when I get home, but if I can't, I will order some. So there's a chance they might be late."

"Okay," said Airi, disappointed that her presents might not come home with her mom while the P.A. announced that the train would depart in two minutes.

"You gotta go, huh," asked Airi, her lower lip disappearing into her mouth.

"I do," confirmed Mei before pulling Airi in for one last hug.

When they parted, Mei pressed her forehead to Airi's and whispered, "I love you, and I'll be home soon. You never have to worry about me leaving you, Airi."

"Promise," said Airi once she and Mei had separated.

"I promise."

Airi nodded, and Mei kissed her on the forehead again before boarding the train just as the final departure warning came over the intercom.

Once the door shut, Mei appeared in the window, smiling as she waved to her mother and daughter while the train began pulling out.

Airi and Ume stayed on the platform, waving until the train rounded a corner and disappeared.

When it was gone, they remained on the platform momentarily, Ume's hand on Airi's shoulder as the girl rubbed her eyes.

"It'll be okay, Airi," said Ume, shifting her hand from Airi's shoulder to her back. "Mommy'll be home soon, and remember me, Mama, Grandpa, and Hideki will be home with you, so you won't be alone. Also, Mommy said she's going to call, and if we need to, we can try your dad too."

"I know," sighed Airi, reaching up to hold Ume's hand. "I just get scared I'm not gonna see her again."

"I know how you feel," replied Ume as she led Airi off the platform and toward a small table. "I worry every time you guys go on a trip, but if I know one thing about your Mommy, it's that she's tough, and she's gonna come home even if she has to walk back."

"How long would it take to walk back from Hiroshima," asked Airi as they sat down and Ume divided up the sandwich.

"If you walk," repeated Ume after swallowing a bite.

"Yeah," said Airi after sipping some cola. "Auntie said it's a few hours by the train, so how long would it take Mommy if she had to walk?"

"I don't know," said Ume after another bite. "But I know it'll take a lot longer if you walk, but let's finish our food, and we can look it up on the train."

Airi nodded, and after a few minutes of quiet, she asked, "Are we going home, or are we gonna run errands?"

"Well, we need to make two stops before we head home, but I promise we'll be home before dinner time."

Airi shrugged and asked Ume, "Is Grandpa gonna meet us at home or the store?

"He's going to meet us at our first stop," said Ume after a deep breath. "Which reminds me, I will need your help when we get there and at the store. Think you're up for it?"

"What's our first stop?" asked Airi, finishing up the soda and her last bite of the sandwich.

Finishing her food, Ume took a moment to explain to Airi what the plan was and was surprised to see Airi look excited.

"I can help," she said happily as they got up and threw away their trash. "I help Mama and Mommy when they go, so I know everything we gotta do."

"Oh, you do, do you," chuckled Ume while she paid the train fare.

"Yup." Airi's hair bounced as she nodded excitedly. "Hideki helps out a lot, too, so if we forget anything, we can ask him to come help."

"How about we try to finish everything before bothering your brother?"

"Fine," groaned Airi as they walked over to their train. "But I wanna fill the bucket and light the incense. 'kay?"

"Works for me," giggled Ume as Airi grabbed her hand, and they headed off toward the next step of their journey.