[But, in the eighth year that I was together with my husband—]
When tou-san came back from work, he was really given a shock by kaa-san’s report in the kitchen
[A b-baby!? R-Really!?] After tou-san heard this news — with a determined expression, he placed his hands on kaa-san’s shoulders and said
[…I understand now! This time for sure! This time we definitely have to give it everything we’ve got to give birth to this child!] Kaa-san happily began to shed tears while she made a smile. After that, the sight of those two working hard for the birth of their baby emerged again. More than ever before, tou-san read all kinds of books, and kaa-san was even more mindful of her diet. When kaa-san was trying to lift things, tou-san desperately rushed forward to stop her. In order to protect their unborn child, the two of them visited specialised agencies. On a snowy night, tou-san was barefoot in a certain shrine, and had already completed Hyakudomairi. [Please! Please make sure! Please make sure that my unborn child will be delivered safely!] On a freezing, cold and snowy night, tou-san had already bowed his head and prayed over and over while facing the main hall of the shrine. [I don’t care how much of my life you take! It’s fine even if my remaining lifespan is halved! So please, I definitely need it! Protect the child in the womb! Please! I beg of you!] Even if his feet were so cold that they became numb, tou-san still continued to bow and offer his prayer to the god. Tou-san, who prayed to the god…only wished that the child in the womb would be safe. On the screen, the seasons changed, and it had become a warm spring. Kaa-san was lying on a bed in a hospital room, and beside her — the baby that she had successfully delivered was lying there. [It’s a baby boy.] The nurse told tou-san who was still in disbelief. After a brief moment, tou-san finally regained his senses and said
[……Ah, I see…. ……It’s really my child…]
[Yes, it’s the baby of you and me…. It took eight years.] Kaa-san emotionally said as she lied in bed. The nurse then urged tou-san to hold the baby. Seeing the baby in his arms, tou-san smiled widely and tried to hold back his tears as he said
[…………It’s nice to meet you, I, I am your otou-san.] The baby’s eyes finally met tou-san’s eyes. In that instant, tou-san could no longer hold back his tears. Tears streamed down his face as he continued to smile at the baby in his arms. [……Thank you. That you were born…really…thank you…]
Kaa-san and tou-san cried tears of joy together, and she then asked tou-san
[…Have we decided on the name?] […Ah, it’s [Issei]. That embodies the hope that’ll he’ll be able to live an honest life. ] After hearing this name, kaa-san made a weak laugh. […Ah, that isn’t very creative.] [T-This is all I could think of even after trying so hard!] [Ufufu. …But, that name has a good sound. Issei. Ise. My child.] The baby…I was surrounded by the warmth of those two people. [Ah, our child. —Yes, Issei.] What was displayed on the screen afterwards was consistent with my memories. At night, tou-san read picture books to me when I couldn’t fall asleep. When the animals were sad, and when he read a sad story to me, I wouldn’t stop crying. On a certain night, tou-san was away on a business trip. Kaa-san had called tou-san to tell him that I was in the hospital emergency room because I was suffering from a high fever. In the end, tou-san ended his trip early, and then took a flight to hurry back as soon as he could. In primary school, I ran together with tou-san in the parent and child three-legged race, tou-san and I worked hard to aim for first place. In the end, we could only take third place. Afterwards, on one side of the playground, the three people in our family ate fried chicken and tamagoyaki together; the taste from that time was something which I had never forgotten. In middle school, the first time that I put on my uniform, it made my parents really excited. We took quite a few photos in front of the school gate that day. Although I felt a little bit embarrassed about it, my parents seemed happier than ever. …On Father’s Day, I bought tou-san a rather cheap tie, and on Mother’s day, I gave her a floral apron from home education class. But the two of them still treasured those things. Finally, the last scene which appeared was — me on the verge of tears in the corner of a department store when I was young. …I remembered that. Our family of three went to the department store of a nearby prefecture that we rarely visited. I was attracted by a strange item, and got separated from my parents. The people who came and went were unfamiliar faces; with a guilty conscience I decided on one thing, that I would not cry. If I didn’t see tou-san or kaa-san, it would be fine if I just found a place with a large clock and waited for them there—. In order to follow through with this decision, I stood in a square with a clock tower nearby, and waited for the appearance of my parents who would desperately come looking for me. [Chichi-saaaaan, haha-saaaaaan.] When I saw them, I was unable to stand it any longer, and I called out as I ran towards them; our family of three, without minding anyone else tightly embraced each other. [Hey, Ise! You worried me to death!] [Really, didn’t we say that you shouldn’t leave our side!?] [I’m soorrry! I’m sooorrrry!] I was crying as I apologised…. After that, the three of us didn’t separate again as we returned home, hand in hand—. —At that time, the warmth in my hands, I never forgot it. ……Tou-san……kaa-san…uh. …I was prayed for, and I was the child who was born from your hopes. Although your lineage wasn’t special, nor were you wealthy people, I was the child which you two endured struggles to finally have. These memories were surely things that could be seen everywhere. These memories were definitely not experiences which could be called uncommon. Even so…even so, it was my, and my family’s journey over seventeen years. Not a single person was missing; for us three, those were irreplaceable times. Ah, tou-san, kaa-san, I — am the child of you two. I am Issei. The Issei that belongs to the two of you! —I am Hyoudou Issei! …The display of those memories still continued. In the time that the three of us spent together — a blonde haired girl also joined. —It was Asia. Kaa-san’s voice traversed over to me
[We’ve both lived for so long now, yet we were actually able to have such a beautiful daughter.] It was a scene where Asia smiled happily as she spoke to tou-san and kaa-san—. [Supposing that we had a daughter back then, if we were really able to give birth to a daughter, it might be like how we’re living together with Asia right now. I often think that.] Asia said to my parents
[Otou-san, okaa-san]
Upon hearing Asia’s words, both tou-san and kaa-san appeared to be deeply moved. [—We’re truly happy. You’re able to be my — our daughter.