My Other Mother
I had two mothers.
One was the mother who gave birth to me.
The other was my "Kansai mother,"
with whom I shared no blood.
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The wedding was a happy time.
There was only one regret.
I wanted to show this version of myself to Mother Yamada, too.
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"Hello, this is Minori."
Immediately after the wedding ended,
the first person I called
was Mother Yamada.
"Yes, hello?"
Her usual cheerful voice rang in my ear.
"Mother, the wedding is over.
I wanted to tell you first, so I called."
"Congratulations! That's wonderful.
It's that person, right? If it's with him,
you'll definitely be happy.
I guarantee it."
On the other end of the line,
I could picture her clapping her hands in joy.
"I really,
I really wanted to tell you something."
"What is it?"
I paused to catch my breath.
"I have never forgotten
everything you've done for me.
Feeding me so much takoyaki and sukiyaki every day.
Welcoming me like family, as if it were only natural... I will never forget it for the rest of my life."
My voice trembled.
"You aren't my mother, but...
to me, you are my 'Kansai mother'."
I finally said it.
I let out a breath.
After a short silence, Mother Yamada laughed.
"You say such lovely things.
I think of you, Minori, as my own daughter, too."
Leaning against the building wall,
I felt the cold concrete.
My lips trembled slightly.
Thank you, Mother.
"Marriage will have its share of difficulties,
but do your best."
"Yes... thank you very much."
When I replied, Mother Yamada continued.
"Though, if it's you, Minori, you'll be just fine."
At that moment, tears overflowed.
"I'll come visit again."
I said that and hung up the phone.
I lowered my smartphone and looked up.
"If it's you, Minori, you'll be just fine."
With those words in my heart,
I gently wiped away my tears.
I started walking toward the venue.
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🫧Me in this form
▶ To the next event (I thought it was just my sister)
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