At the beginning of May, I found myself calling my son Daichi's house for the first time in a while. With a family gathering scheduled in two months, I needed to discuss the details.
…Phew.
As the phone rang on and on, I let out a soft sigh. Not again. They've never answered within the first three rings—not since my son's family moved into their current home. I could just picture my daughter-in-law, Sora, staring at the caller ID with a sigh that mirrored my own. We never did get along when we lived together. I know they're busy, but at my age, handling everything alone is becoming a struggle.
──"Yes, Asanagi residence."
"It's me. I assume you've heard from Daichi about the gathering? Is everything still on schedule?"
"Of course. My husband has already taken paid leave for it, so as long as nothing unexpected comes up, we'll be there."
"…Is that so."
For some reason, her words gave me a sinking feeling that my son wouldn't be able to make it after all. He's a quiet, intelligent, and caring man, but much like his father, he's a pushover and always gets the short end of the stick. I could already picture him bowing apologetically at the last minute, explaining how a colleague had asked for a favor and forced him to reschedule his vacation. It certainly wouldn't be the first time.
"By the way, how are Riku and Umi? I feel like I only ever talk to you these days. It's been a while since I've heard their voices, you know."
"…My daughter is here right now, if you'd like to speak with her."
"Oh, that's rare, coming from you. I didn't think the rainy season was supposed to start this early."
"…She says she wants to talk to you."
"If you're going to click your tongue, at least have the courtesy to put me on hold first."
"Fufu, I did it on purpose, you know?"
"Just put Umi on the phone."
Perhaps satisfied with her little victory, Sora passed the phone over, and a moment later, my granddaughter's cheerful voice came through the receiver.
"Grandma, long time no see! It's Umi. Sorry I haven't been able to talk much lately."
"It's quite alright. You're a high school student now, so I'm sure you're busy with your studies and everything. By the way, Umi, you sound much more cheerful than usual. Did something good happen?"
"Fueh!? Do I really sound that different, Grandma? I mean, I'm just happy to be talking to you again, but…"
"You do. Your voice has a certain liveliness to it that was missing the last time we spoke. That was back in your third year of middle school, wasn't it? Back then, it felt like you were forcing yourself to sound happy… So, am I right?"
"O-Oh, you're sharp, Grandma… Well, that's all in the past now, so everything's fine."
My granddaughter is at an age where she's bound to be worried about a thing or two. Seeing as she didn't sound like she was lying, I decided not to press the matter.
"…You see, Grandma, there's actually something I wanted to, um, report to you. Or maybe, just tell you."
"Hm? What is it?"
"…W-Well, I have a boy I like now. And… we're, uh, going out."
"Oh, my."
Hearing my granddaughter's bashful confession filled my heart with warmth.
This unexpected little love story had me feeling giddy—a rather embarrassing sensation at my age.