Chapter 1: When Opportunity Knocks

My life changed when the Yukinawa family moved into the neighborhood near my home. I had purchased a place many years prior when the land was still mostly empty, then the town boomed, putting in a small subdivision bordering my property line. It was still a good 10-15 minute walk through woods to get to my home, but I occasionally saw my neighbors or their children on my property thinking it was public land. I also enjoyed getting out and walking my Great Pyrenees through the neighborhood fairly often. The kids loved him, and he loved them back. I had plenty of time as I had retired young several years ago.

I first met them as I casually waved while walking Chunk down the sidewalk. He was straining on his leash, whining to go meet the unfamiliar group of people directing the movers into a modest little two story suburban dream. The man gave a nod and a short wave back before going back to directing the men in coveralls carrying boxes. One of the girls grabbed her sister excitedly and pointed out Chunk to her sister, giggling. Chunk, in normal fashion, was aware of the attention and strained at his leash to go receive the pets and praise he deserved.

“Maybe some other time big guy, they look pretty busy.” I murmured. Both girls giggled with each other and watched as I managed to muscle my dog down the path, leaving the family to their work.

Chunk looked up at me reprovingly as we continued down the path. I would most likely find a steaming present hidden in my path between my back door and my pool house later in the day. He never held a grudge long, but he was an expert at letting me know when my behavior was unacceptable to him With a free hand, I reached down and scratched the back of his head. “It’s okay buddy, I’m sure you’ll get a chance to meet them later. Ladies can’t resist two handsome devils like us can they?” He chuffed deeply in reply, then went back to his normal routine of smelling and marking every vertical surface on our walk.

My words came true a couple days later when Chunk and I were woken up from our first nap of the day to three precise raps on my front door. My fearless protector and companion does not wake up swiftly, and I saw him blearily open one eye, raise his head slightly and look at me. I could almost hear him say, “Get the door, I’m not done with my nap.” Seeing me pull myself off the couch, paperback falling to the floor from my chest, he yawned lazily and put his head back down.

“Amazing guard dog,” I grumbled, swinging my feet to the floor. “The only thing you guard is the floor when I’m cooking.” Shuffling through the entry hall, I wiped the drool off the corner of my chin before opening my front door.

The family I had seen moving into the house was standing on my doorstep. A Japanese man of average height stood in front with a small watermelon wrapped in a bow. He bowed slightly, and proffered the fruit.

“Good afternoon. I am Taki, Yukinawa. I have moved my family to America recently, and we wished to greet all our new neighbors.” His accent was very light, and his words felt crisp and practiced. I accepted the fruit and offered my hand which he shook firmly.

“I am Dan Tucker. Happy to meet you neighbor,” I stepped back and motioned welcomed them “Please won’t you come in? I will put some tea on.”

Taki shook his head, “Thank you Mr. Tucker, but we will have to take a...” he searched the air for the unfamiliar word. “A rain check?” I nodded at the half question and he smiled triumphantly, “Hai, a rain check. May I introduce my family?”

Apparently he had walked his whole family over to introduce themselves. He must have researched the area as I was tucked so far back most people didn’t realize there was a house on the land behind the neighborhood. I studied him as he made introductions. He was middle aged, his suit pressed and nothing out of place. His English was very good, except for stumbling over occasional words.

He picked up steam and started from the beginning of what appeared to be a carefully rehearsed speech. “Good afternoon. I am Taki Yukinawa, and I very recently move in and hope to make acquaintance with my neighbors. I am very pleased to meet you.” He gave a slight bow, and motioned to his family standing slightly behind him.

“This is my wife, Fumi and my daughters Miku and Kira.” They each stepped up smiling with slight bows as they were introduced. It was hard to tell Fumi’s age, but I guessed mid to late thirties based on her clothes. She was dressed conservatively, with a pull over sweater and long skirt but just like her husband she exuded fashion and togetherness. The two daughters were a different matter.