Early in the morning, as I was going through my usual routine to get ready for work, a modest knock echoed from the front door.
Knock, knock, knock. The rhythm was exactly as I'd been told yesterday, and a small chuckle escaped my lips.
…She really is a polite, serious, and cute girl. My son is truly a lucky guy to be loved by someone like her.
"──Good morning, Masaki-obasan. I'm sorry to come so early."
"It's fine, dear. I usually get a little bored around this time anyway. Maki is still sleeping, so come on in before he wakes up."
"Well then, excuse me for intruding."
Ever since our families became close, Umi-chan has been taking care of my son almost every day. My son, who previously lacked even the slightest sense of grooming, started spending more time in front of the mirror and putting effort into his appearance as soon as they started dating.
That aside, the real reason Umi-chan came today was for something else entirely. I hadn't heard the details yet, only that she had something she absolutely needed to consult me about, which is why she contacted me directly last night. And, of course, my son has no idea about this. He's probably sound asleep in his bed, dreaming about a date with Umi-chan.
After preparing coffee for us both, we sat down at the table, facing each other.
…Come to think of it, how long has it been since I've sat across from someone here like this?
"So, what was it you wanted to talk about? If it's about my son, you can ask me anything, from his embarrassing childhood stories to where he hides his naughty manga."
"I'm very interested in that, too, but… that's not it. This time, I came to ask for your advice about Maki's birthday. It's next month, after all."
"Ah, that's right… Don't tell me you're planning to give him a present, Umi-chan?"
"Yes. Whether he'll be happy about it is up to him… but regarding that present, there's something I'd like your cooperation with, or rather, something I'd like you to provide, Masaki-obasan."
"Oh? Well, if it's a rare request from my dear Umi-chan, I'm all for it. I can offer you money or even my son's secrets."
"Oh, Masaki-obasan, you're teasing me again. …Actually, I was wondering if you had any old photos of Maki—specifically from his elementary to middle school days."
"…Come to think of it, I wonder if we have any left in the family album."
The album is filled with photos from when my husband and I were still on good terms, but unfortunately, there aren't many records of Maki's adolescent years. My son hated having his picture taken back then and would openly avoid the camera whenever his grandparents or I tried to point one at him.
…It was our fault, of course.
"Any photo will do, as long as Maki is in the picture. It doesn't have to be him looking at the camera, and he doesn't have to be smiling. …I want to fill in the blanks of his past, even if it's just a little."
"…!"
At Umi-chan's words, I desperately held back the emotions welling up inside me. What an incredibly kind-hearted girl. She could have just picked out some standard gift, but instead, she's seriously thinking about my son's past and trying to create a present that truly celebrates him.
"If that's the case, leave it to me. Some of them might be a little blurry, but I have photos on my PC and smartphone that I took without him knowing."
"Thank you so much! …I wonder what kind of face Maki will make. I hope it's not too much for him."
"Oh, my Maki can handle it, even if it's a little heavy. So, be confident."
"Okay. …Ehehe, I'm happy to hear you say that, obasan."
And then there's that adorable charm. I can certainly see why my son fell head over heels for her.