Chapter 5

She had just gotten out of the shower. Aiko padded barefoot across the floor. She held the phone between her shoulder and ear, her terrycloth robe loosely tied, damp hair brushing against her neck.

“Yes, Masato ... I know. I’m pretty sure I won’t see you for as long as he’s visiting. I understand. You two lovebirds enjoy yourselves. But remember to come up for air,” she teased.

A knock at the door interrupted her.

She paused.

Another knock, firmer this time.

“Talk to you later. It’s probably Nicholas. Yes ... have fun.”

She disconnected the call.

She set down the phone and padded over to the door, looking through the peephole. Her son stood there.

He was just as tall as his father and, in her eyes, very handsome.

She opened the door.

“Mother.”

“Nicholas.”

He stepped inside and, without hesitation, wrapped his arms around her. She returned the embrace, her body pressed close.

“I’m glad you came to see me,” she said with a soft smile as they parted.

“I wanted to see how you were doing.”

She nodded, smoothing the front of her robe unconsciously.

“I am well.”

There was a pause, one of those silences that carried more meaning than words.

“And Kenji?” he asked.

She lowered her gaze meekly.

“It went ... well,” she said, choosing her words carefully.

Nicholas studied her face, looking for something.

“I see,” he replied.

She turned, gesturing toward the living room.

“Sit. I will bring you something to drink.”

He settled onto the sofa while she moved into the kitchen. Her hands were steady as she prepared the tea, but her thoughts were not. The memory of her time with Kenji was still fresh in her mind.

When she returned, she handed him the cup and sat beside him.

They spoke of ordinary things at first: his work, the family, current events, and small things that filled the space.

Then Nicholas spoke again.

“Kenji and his mother are going to Atlanta,” he said. “There’s a martial arts event he wants to compete in.”