The screen door at the back slid open with a soft creak.
Takahashi Kiyotaka stepped inside.
He moved with calm, silent, heavy steps.
At the sink, he washed his hands slowly.
Without a word, he reached for a glass from the cabinet, filled it with cool barley tea, and took a slow sip.
Then...
He walked through the narrow hall toward the living room.
Kyouko sat up a little straighter the moment she heard his footsteps.
When Kiyotaka entered, he stopped just at the edge of the tatami.
His eyes fell on her.
Kyouko held her breath.
Her mother gave her a quick glance, then smiled gently and stood up.
"I'll go check the laundry."
She left through the side corridor, her soft slippers whispering on the floorboards.
Kiyotaka stepped further in, sat down carefully on the zabuton across from Kyouko, then—
Gestured.
A simple, slow motion of his hand.
Kneel.
No words.
Just that.
