The voice went even higher. "His hometown?! I can't process this. What does this mean? Are you... greeting the parents?"
"Greeting them?" Tachyon repeated.
"Is it an official introduction? Are you... dating?"
Tachyon sighed. "It's nothing like that. I'm just visiting his home for a few days."
A long, skeptical "Ehhhhhh?" came through the receiver.
"Hush," Tachyon said dismissively.
"Fine, fine. How long will you be there? And where is it?"
"Until the fifth of January... so eight days, I suppose. I'm in a town called Ryu-no-O in Ouchi Prefecture."
"How interesting. Can I come too?"
"Absolutely not."
"...Well, if you're leaving today, are you at the station now?"
"We've already arrived. I'm standing outside the station with him."
"Is he right next to you?"
"No."
Her mother's voice turned playful. "Then let me just say this: Why don't you try actually dating him, Tachyon?"
"No thank you," Tachyon snapped. "If you're going to be like that, I'm hanging up."
"Wait, wait! Don't! How have you been? How's the research? And your next race?"
"One question at a time, please. Research is proceeding perfectly. My condition is excellent."
"I'm glad to hear it. I cried, you know, when you took first in that 3,000-meter race in Kyoto."
"You've told me a dozen times. ...And how is Father? Is he well?"
"He's great. He retired from training Umamusume after I finished my career, but he's enjoying his work in the industry. He's been very happy lately because your merchandise sales are through the roof."
Tachyon smiled. "That's good."
"Also... we got a dog."
"A dog? Why so sudden?"
"Oka kept begging for one. We asked if she'd actually take care of it, and she swore she would. Then a friend needed someone to take in a puppy, so it worked out."
Tachyon nodded. Oka was her younger sister—a girl ten years her junior, without horse ears, born when Tachyon was in the fourth grade. Tachyon could still vividly recall the day Oka was born. She remembered her mother's face contorted in pain, the sheer intensity of the "battle" unfolding in front of her. As a young girl, Tachyon had been awestruck and terrified. She had felt small, pushed to the periphery while her parents fought through the labor. It was a moment that had made her feel profoundly lonely, yet deeply aware of the weight of life.
"Is Oka in elementary school now?" Tachyon asked, trying to push the old memories aside.
"She's in first grade. Time doesn't stop for anyone, does it? It feels like just yesterday you were both babies, and now you're a Satsuki-sho and Kikuka-sho winner. And you overcame your own physical frailty to do it. It makes me want to cry again."
Tachyon let out a small huff. "Is she on winter break?"
"She is. Want to talk to her?"
"I... suppose so."
Tachyon pulled the phone away for a second and waved at Tanagami. "Sorry! Just a bit longer!"
Tanagami, who was doing some light calisthenics to stay warm, gave a distracted wave back. Then, a small, high-pitched voice came onto the line.
"Hellooo? Big Sis? Are you coming home this year?"
Tachyon softened. "No, I'm afraid not this year."
"Aww, why not? That's boring! Does that mean I don't get New Year's money?"
"You'll live without the money. Are you being a good girl?"
"Mostly. It'd be better if you came home, though."
"I told you, I can't."