Tomiko smiled softly, her eyes warm with quiet emotion. "Why don't we all sleep in the big hall room together? It'll be more comfortable that way. I'll ask the maids to arrange the futons."
The maids moved quickly and efficiently, their movements quiet and practiced.
They spread out five thick, comfortable futons side by side across the spacious tatami floor, carefully placing soft, fluffy pillows at the head of each one and layering warm, fluffy blankets on top.
The arrangement created one large, connected sleeping space that felt wonderfully intimate and familial — like the whole family was truly coming together under one roof for the first time in years.
The women excused themselves briefly to change into their sleepwear. While they were gone, I quickly changed into a simple t-shirt and loose cotton trousers, trying to calm myself down. When they all returned to the room, my breath caught in my throat.
