On the day of the 10-year-old gathering, I saw my family's backs

The gymnasium floor was a little cold, and the air was chilly.


The "10-year-old gathering."

A milestone once called a half-coming-of-age ceremony.


The children stood in front one by one,

as if it were a "minor's declaration,"

it was a time to shout out their future dreams.

There was laughter,

and small murmurs.

But every child was serious.



When my son's name was called,

for some reason, I felt the presence of my husband standing next to me strongly.

And then, my son said,

"I will do the same job as my father!"

It was a voice without hesitation.

For a moment, the air stood still,

and then loud applause spread.



While my heart was full,

I looked quietly to my side.


My husband had a slightly embarrassed look on his face,

but he was clearly smiling happily.

He wasn't overly joyful,


nor was he showing tears,


just a face that couldn't hide his pride.


Seeing his profile,


my heart warmed once again.



Surely my son

wasn't just looking at this special moment.


The days he came home late,

the days he sat slumped on the sofa from exhaustion,

and yet, the back that would head out again the next day.


The voice that, while complaining,

would talk about work with a hint of enjoyment somewhere.


I think he was properly watching

that accumulation of daily life.




Ten years old.

An age where they are still children,

but no longer just children.


That declaration,

rather than deciding on a future profession,


might have been a confession of,


"I love that back."




On the way home, my son was his usual self.


He said, "I'm hungry,"

kicked off his shoes,

and didn't talk much about today on his own.


But my husband's stride was a little slower.


As if savoring the happiness.


I thought to myself.


I don't know if he will end up in the same profession.

His dreams might change many times from here on.


Even so, today.


The fact that his father's back

gently touched my son's future.


And that we were able to witness that moment

together as a family.


That alone made me feel sufficiently happy.

And for dinner, my husband

made homemade tortillas and delighted the children.