Pharmacy Story Vol. 5-2: The Tonkatsu Shop is Busy - Part 2 (1750 characters including afterword)

The Tonkatsu Shop is Busy (Part 2)

“By the way... you were coughing a little earlier, weren't you?”

While having coffee after the meal, Shiraishi waited for the right moment to speak up.
It was almost time for their break, and there were no other customers left.

The owner raised his eyebrows slightly and stopped what he was doing.

“...Well, just occasionally. I've been using the inhaler since it was prescribed, though.”

“By any chance, is this... your first time using this medication?”

At Shiraishi's question, Mr. Kiyomoto was silent for a few seconds, then lowered his gaze slightly.

“...Yeah, that's right. It really is my first time.
But at the time, I was in a rush, and well... having someone explain how to use it in front of others, it's just, you know...”

Shiraishi nodded. He understood.
The feeling of wanting to put off learning about medication when you're in a hurry or worried about being watched by others.

“I understand. You're busy every day, aren't you? If you don't mind, could I just check how you're using it right now?”

Mr. Kiyomoto looked a bit bewildered, then took the inhaler out of his pocket.

“This is it. This is how I've been doing it.”

After watching the sequence of movements, Shiraishi said gently,

“You're close. It's just a little off.
The medication might not be reaching your lungs properly. It would be a waste since you've gone to the trouble of getting it.”

“...I see. I thought I was doing it right.
I've been coughing all this time, and I just thought that's how it was supposed to be.”

Shiraishi took the inhaler in his hand and began to explain slowly.

How to set the device, the timing of the inhalation, posture, how to hold it, how to breathe...

Mr. Kiyomoto nodded silently and took the inhaler in his hand once more.

“...Is this better?”

You're inhaling it well.

Yes, that's perfect. I think it's reaching your lungs properly. Oh, and one last thing, please make sure to gargle after you inhale.

Gargle...?

Yes. If the medicine remains in your mouth, it can cause your voice to become hoarse or lead to fungal infections. Gargling is just as important as the inhalation itself.

Huh... I didn't know that. I'm glad you told me.

Shiraishi smiled. I explained it to you properly the other day.

Is that so? I don't remember at all. Mr. Kiyomoto laughed as well.

Inhalers are extremely effective when used correctly. If you have any trouble, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Mr. Kiyomoto nodded slightly as he accepted the receipt.

I'll listen to the explanation properly next time. It's pointless if I can't use the medicine well even though I went through the trouble of getting it.

Shiraishi smiled back.

That's really true. Today, thanks to the delicious tonkatsu, I had a wonderful time.

Oh, hey kid, take this home with you.

What, are you sure? I feel bad about that.

Of course I'm sure. Take it and hurry home.

The way he said it felt comforting to Shiraishi.

Understood. I'll accept it without hesitation. I'll come back again to eat this delicious tonkatsu.

When Shiraishi said that and stepped outside, the sun was still high, and the sweet scent of frying oil drifted softly in front of the shop.

...Delivering medicine isn't the only job of a pharmacist. By communicating, you can gently become a part of that person's life. That is the moment when you can truly be of help to a patient.

(To be continued in Episode 6)

~Afterword~
It was truly a delicious tonkatsu.
As you can see in the photo, the color of the breading is light. It seems to be fried slowly at a low temperature.

At first glance, I thought that a golden-brown color would look more appetizing.

Perhaps the part of human appetite that controls us is already completely dominated by the Maillard reaction.

However, when I ate it, it was a truly delicious tonkatsu. Even though it was thick, it was tender and easy to bite through. It was juicy, and I could taste the sweetness of the fat—it was truly a tonkatsu made with dedication.

The owner was also friendly, unlike in the story. But looking at the interior of the shop and the many types of rock salt lined up in front of me, I could keenly feel that he has his own unique dedication.

Ah, I want to go eat there again 😆