──Ugh, what is this, seriously…?
I'd just finished cleaning up after dinner and was watching TV in the living room, waiting for my turn in the bath, when I heard my daughter's voice from the washroom.
"Hm? What's got Umi so worked up…?"
Ever since she started middle school, Umi has strictly enforced a new rule: 'Don't you ever come into the washroom while I'm bathing, no matter what.' But hearing a cry like that, a parent can't help but worry.
Did she mess up the laundry? Or spill something?
It was probably nothing serious, but I decided to check on her just in case.
"Umi~ what's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Ugh, Mom… I-I'm fine! It's got nothing to do with you. …And I'm not dressed yet, so don't open the door!"
"My, how cold. …Well, too bad."
The moment she told me not to, I slid the washroom door open.
I trust my daughter, of course, but with my husband away, he's left the house in my care. I can't let anything unexpected happen on my watch.
Besides, I'm a firm believer that being disliked by your daughter is sometimes part of a parent's duty.
"Hey! I told you not to open it! You're such a perv, Mom!"
"…What's this? I was expecting you to be naked, but you're all dressed."
"I-In my underwear! Just hurry up and close the door!"
"Alright, alright, I get it."
Though I was immediately booted from the washroom, it was pretty clear what my daughter had been up to.
…I'll just ask her directly when she gets back to the living room.
A few minutes later, Umi, now in her pajamas, returned with a sullen pout plastered on her face.
"──The bath is free."
"Thanks. …By the way, Umi. Have you gained some weight recently? How many kilos?"
"Grams, maybe… I hate you, Mom."
"Aha, so I hit the nail on the head. Come to think of it, summer vacation is just around the corner, isn't it?"
I know she's been fretting over her figure in her room lately. She probably has plans to go to the beach or the pool with her friends during the break.
To my eyes, her figure hasn't changed at all. But what's 'nothing' to me is a source of serious distress for her.
"…Um, Mother."
"Yes?"
"Regarding my meals from now on… there's something I'd like to discuss."
"You want me to make you a diet menu? If that's what you want, Umi, I don't mind. …But you know, I'm sure Maki-kun wouldn't care either way."
"That's… probably true. No, it's definitely true. Maki's super nice and spoils me rotten. But… it's more that I care, you know?"
"Fufu, I suppose so."
I walked that same path once, so I know exactly how she feels.
You always want the person you like to see you at your very best. And you want them to praise you for it.
"Alright then, shall we start tomorrow? Operation: Captivate Maki-kun with your daring swimsuit is a go!"
"C-Captivate… I-It's not like that!"
My daughter, blushing furiously as she denied it, was as cute as ever. Still… with both Umi and Maki-kun being so energetic and healthy, it does make a mother worry, in that other sense.