Chapter Seventy-nine

Chapter Seventy-nine
Our new life in Tokyo started. It took us some time to adjust to our new environment. We also studied the Japanese language so that we can communicate with other people around. We taught Kaya Japanese words and manners.
"So how's my little boy?" Harry asked, taking off his shoes. He's wearing his usual black pants and suit. He walked towards us and sat on the carpeted floor in an Indian-style position.
"We're playing blocks," I said. "Kaya's still the best."
"I see..." Harry patted Kaya's head, messing his hair. "How about your homework?"
"We already did it, Dad," Kaya replied.
"So, you got nothing else to do for tonight?" Harry asked, and I nodded in response. "Who wants to taste Japanese food?"
"Weee!" Kaya and I said.
"Alright then." Harry stood up. "Why don't you guys rearrange your stuff, and then we'll have dinner outside?"
Kaya obediently rearranged his toys. Then we washed and changed clothes before going outside. I put on my long-sleeve shirt and black pants, while Kaya wore his cardigan.
Harry's waiting for us at the front porch. "I'm sorry, guys, but we'll have to take a walk," he said.
"Don't worry about it." I offered a warm smile. "I don't think there are bad guys strolling around at night in this country."
Walking together with my husband and son at the boulevard made me remember the past. I'm such a nostalgic person. Sometimes I just suddenly laugh when I remember something hilarious or cry when I remember something sad. People who don't understand me might think I'm crazy, but this is just who I am.
I'm glad we're finally living in a peaceful city where we don't have to worry about walking out at night because nobody's going to hurt or rob us. Safety is very important. My mother died because of those thieves, so I understand that very well.
We continued to the nearest restaurant, entered there, and sat at the empty table. There weren't a lot of people here and many empty seats. The corners were decorated with plants and cozy lights. It made me feel warm and comfortable.
A Japanese waitress approached us and handed us the menu. Just as I expected, I don't know any of these foods, and I haven't tried them before. But as long as I'm with Harry, I'm willing to try anything.
"Have you decided yet?" Harry asked.
I blushed. "Nope. The truth is, I don't know these foods. Can you order for us instead?"
"Yeah, sure." He smiled.
After all the years that we've spent together, Harry and I knew each other very well: our quirks, our flaws, our strengths, our weaknesses, spots in our bodies where we feel ticklish, our sizes, our likes and dislikes, and most of all, the foods we are allergic to.
"Waiter!" Harry waved his hand at the waitress.
The waitress came back and asked, "Have you made up your mind, sir?"
"Um. We want three of this and this and this and this." Harry pointed at the menu.
"Right away, sir." The waitress took back the menus before going to the counter. A few moments later, she and another waiter came back with the food Harry ordered. They put the plates and other cutlery on the table and told us to enjoy before going.
Harry removed the stainless steel cloches, revealing all the delicious-looking foods I've never tasted before. "Alright, so these are sushi, sashimi, ramen, and udon," he said, pointing at each plate of food. "Bon appétit!"
"Itadakimasu!" Kaya and I responded.
We dug into the foods. They are all so delicious. After dinner, the three of us went to the amusement park and had some fun. Kaya loved to ride a huge teacup. Then we enjoyed watching the fireworks display while having desserts.
Thereafter, we went back home exhausted. Kaya's already asleep, and Harry had to carry him inside his room. I'm glad that our little boy doesn't have school tomorrow, for it's Sunday. There are a lot of things, foods, clothes, drinks, etc., in this country that I haven't tried before. I can't wait to discover new things tomorrow.
I crawled on the soft, white-cushioned bed and closed my eyes. I heard the door opening and closing, then the rustling of the bedsheets, and felt a warm embrace.
"So, how's your day?" Harry asked.
"Great. Thanks for bringing us here, Harry," I said.
"Anything for you, my dear," Harry replied. "We should go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a great day."
The next day, I woke up early in the morning. It's 5:30 AM on the wall clock. Harry's no longer beside me. I swung my legs off the bed and fixed the bedsheets and pillows before going out. I smelled something delicious coming from the kitchen, so I went there and found Harry baking something and making coffee.
"Morning, Dad," I greeted.
"Ohayo," Harry replied with a sweet smile. "Come, sit down and have breakfast."
"Where's Kaya?" I asked, sitting down on the chair.
"He's still snoring in his room when I checked on him. Your little boy must have been very exhausted last night," Harry replied, putting a mug of coffee, with the Italian phrase "Carpe Diem" written on it, in front of me.
"So what's the plan for today?" I asked.
"Go to hot springs?" Harry asked, sitting down.
"Hmmm... That sounds nice."
"It's Sunday, so why not just try to relax? We can go shopping later, you know. Let's buy you new clothes," Harry said.
"Okay. There's nothing wrong with slowing down a little bit. Yutori, or the conscious choice to slow down, create space, and appreciate life." I sipped my coffee slowly and ate Hokkaido milk bread. "Ummm... This is delicious. How did you make it?"
"I watched a YouTube tutorial. Do you want to learn how?"
"Yeah, sure."
Harry taught me how to bake Japanese milk bread. First, we prepared the ingredients, including sugar, Tangzhong, egg, milk powder, bread flour, and salt. Then we kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic, and we did the first proofing. Next, we shaped the dough and placed it in the loaf pan for a second proofing before baking the bread in a preheated oven until it was golden brown and cooked through.
"Good morning, Mom and Dad," Kaya greeted. "What are you baking?"
"We're making a Japanese milk bread, son, but it's not done yet," I replied.
"Can I have one?" Kaya asked, sitting down on the chair.
"Yeah, sure."
We sat for a while, waiting until the bread was finally done. Then we had breakfast together. After breakfast, we exercised. I did yoga, while Harry worked out with his dumbbells. Kaya, on the other hand, practiced Soran Bushi, a Japanese dance.