As The Wind Blows Your Scent To Me

Himari asked for a three-day leave from school, citing the issue of her mother's condition as the reason. Fortunately, the school granted her four days of leave, starting from tomorrow Monday, saying she could extend the duration if the situation called for it.

"The headteacher has arranged the schedule of your classes for us. Don't worry about anything. We'll cover your post first."

Teacher Ayase updated Himari over the situation at school the Sunday afternoon. The fellow English teacher was concerned about Himari's mother's condition thus she made a phone call.

"Thank you, really, Teacher Ayase," Himari smiled in gratitude, "My mom should be fine in a few days. I'll directly call the headteacher if there's anything else."

Himari's hand was fiddling with a throw cushion while she sat in the living room. She had just sat down after finished sending lunch to Granny Saichi. Her mother was in the bedroom, having a short nap.

As to how her mother had instructed, Himari hadn't cooked their lunch yet. 

"Haha, you're away at such a good time ah. Teacher Goda has reminded us, the teachers, to gather for the sports festival preparations. I don't think he would give any important or heavy task for you, considering you can't join the meeting."

"Ah, I almost forgot about that," Himari knocked her forehead. She sighed regrettably, "The sports festival would start the other week's Thursday, am I right? I hope I could return before that."

Although this incident was not foreseen, Himari still felt bad leaving her responsibilities to her colleagues. Moreover, all of them would have their own shares of tasks regarding the sports festival.

"Aiya, don't be too worried. Focus on your mother first," Teacher Ayase quickly nagged at Himari, "We have enough manpower here and I heard Teacher Goda recruited the students from Grade Six to help him, the ones who won't be involved in the parade."

The class parade was one of the most anticipated performances during the sports festival. Each class would use their creative ways to make their class parade eye-catching and memorable since they would be given points as well. 

Most students chose to wear costumes for this event, especially the ones who would be holding the class placards.

"Should I..."

Ring~ Ring~

Himari paused midway. Her eyes drifted to the entryway as the sound of the doorbell ringing continued a few more times.

"Ah, sorry, Teacher Ayase," Himari rose up to her feet. She walked to the front door, "It seems like I have visitors."

"They might come to visit your mother. Okay, then, call me if there's anything. Bye-bye."

"Bye-bye."

Himari slipped her phone inside the pocket of her long skirt. She looked into the peep-hole before a surprise flickered in her eyes. 

"Granny Hori, Mr. Hori, welcome," Himari happily welcomed the mother and son pair once she opened the door wide, "Are you here to visit Mom?"

"Himari, you're home," Granny Hori was pleased to see the young lady. Her wrinkly face lit up as she smiled, "Yes. Is your mom inside now? Is she resting? I wanted to come yesterday but, it seems like it's better to let your mom rest more first."

"Mom's inside. Please, come in," Himari pushed the door even wider, allowing the old lady and her son to come in.

Mr. Hori appeared a bit stiff as his eyes collided with Himari. The middle-aged man lifting up his hands, showing a basket of fruits.

"For your mother," The man smiled awkwardly. A faint trace of blush tinged his tanned skin. 

Himari suppressed a grin. She accepted the fruits basket, "Thank you, Mr. Hori."

Aye, her suspicions might be right ah. Her mother indeed had something going on with this Mr. Hori.

After giving the mother and son pair home slippers to be changed into, Himari led them to the living room. Fortunately, Chobi didn't make a mess. He was just sprawling on the veranda. The living room was as neat and clean as usual.

"Please sit first, Granny Hori, Mr. Hori," Himari gestured to Akemi's room with a hand, "I'm going to call Mom."

"Hehe, okay. Take your time," Granny Hori sat on the sitting cushion that was placed on the floor, "Sorry, we came here unannounced."

"It's alright," Himari smiled, "It's good to see you again, Granny Hori."

The last time she saw this kind granny was before she returned from the Golden Week holidays. It happened over two months ago. Granny Hori appeared better than before.

Himari ventured to Akemi's bedroom after she placed the fruits basket on the kitchen table. She knocked on the door twice before she pushed it open.

Her mother was still napping.

As the windows were opened wide, the room was cooled by the passing breeze. 

"Mom, Granny Hori and Mr. Hori are here," Himari gently shook her mother's shoulders. Her mother was lying on the bed with her eyes closed. She was already showing signs of waking up, "Mom, wake up ah."

"...who did you say coming?" Akemi groggily rubbed her eyes, trying to chase the remains of her sleepiness away.

After watching today's morning drama and finished the potato pancakes made by her daughter, Akemi retreated to bed for a nap. 

"Granny Hori and Mr. Hori are here," Himari repeated her words. She lifted up her brows teasingly, "Mom, you should wash your face first."

"...! A minute!"

Akemi almost stumbled as she abruptly got up from the bed. Himari quickly supported her mother. She sighed, "Mom, don't forget that your ankle is sprained. Don't rush."

"Yeah, yeah, bring me to the washroom now," Akemi ignored her daughter's nagging. She was surprised to hear who were the ones coming to visit right now.

Her mother's reaction cemented more thoughts in Himari's mind. Especially when Himari saw her mother spritzed some perfume and carefully brushed her hair before walking out of the bedroom with her help.

Himari tried hard not to laugh.

En, something was indeed suspicious. 

"Aunt Hori, you're here," Akemi greeted the guests. Himari helped her to sit on the floor, "Have you been waiting for long?"

For a second, her gaze fell on the man sitting next to the old lady.

"No, ah," Granny Hori quickly shook her head. She scanned the woman in front of her. With her brows furrowed, she asked worriedly, "How's your condition now? Yoshiro said you only sprained your ankle and wrist. Is it too difficult to move around?"

"It's a bit painful but, fortunately, my little girl is here," Akemi smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt Hori. You even came here to visit me."

"There's nothing else I can do ah. I just asked Yoshiro to bring me here."

"Have you eaten lunch, Aunt? Sorry, we haven't prepared for ourselves, if not, you can dine with us."

"I've eaten at home. But, why do you..."

While the two women were conversing, Himari went to prepare some tea in the kitchen. She took a quick glance at Mr. Hori who was sitting beside his old mother.

The middle-aged man was mostly quiet but, his eyes remained on her mother. Even from afar, the look in those eyes was undeniably gentle.

Himari darted her eyes away, pretending that she didn't see anything.

Even after she interrogated her mother last night after Kazuya left, her mother kept her mouth shut.

All of the possibilities arising in Himari's mind were purely her own assumptions. But, from the way she saw how her mother reacted in the bedroom earlier as well as how Mr. Hori behaved, it was not far-fetched if Himari thought both of them had a thing between them.

But, when did it start?

And, how?

"I just left home for over two months but, once I'm back, my mom is already in a relationship? Does she want to compete with me?" 

Himari laughed faintly because of her own silly thoughts.

Her mother had been alone ever since she was born. There were many potential suitors who came knocking on the door, asking for her mother's hand in marriage but, her mother politely rejected all of them, saying she just wanted to focus on raising her little daughter.

Now, the little daughter had grown up and might even marry a man in the future.

Himari won't object if her mother wanted to find a man to accompany her until the end of her life journey. She perfectly understood having a child was different than having a lover by one's side.

Although it was undeniable that Himari would be sad because it felt like her mother was taken away from her, as long as the man was sincere regarding her mother, it was good enough.

"Hehe, maybe the next time I come home, I'd be Mom's bridesmaid," Himari stifled a chuckle.

Humming happily, she continued brewing a pot of tea for the guests. Himari took out two boxes of pudding from the fridge. Her mother made them before she met the unfortunate incident. 

Hurm, she had to continue asking her mother ah.

Himari had no doubts that if she told Nanako and Kazuya about the possibilities, both of them would be so surprised. 

After trying hard to suppress her gossipy heart, Himari brought the tray to the living room.

It was time to properly observe these two people ah.