[Essay] Listening to the Great Singing from the Bathroom

Recently, my children have started taking baths together.

Of course, that doesn't mean I'm completely off the hook.

"Mom, wash my hair!"
"Mom, dry my hair!"

Voices like these are still an everyday occurrence, and there are many times when they call me in halfway through, saying, "Actually, come in with us."

Even so, I fold laundry in the dressing room while listening to them bickering and chatting in the bath.

I secretly love this time.

From the bathroom, I hear conversations that I can't tell are about what happened today or just random thoughts.

"Hey, don't come in!"
"Why not?"

Sometimes a little squabble starts like that.

Then, just as suddenly, they might start singing together.

Lately, they often sing Arashi's "Kite."

I think it's probably because I've been listening to it so much lately. (I personally love Mr. Yonezu, so this song is right up my alley.)

My daughter sings expansively, even if she's off-key in places.

As for my son, he sings a little behind her, as if trying to match her singing.

Neither the lyrics nor the melody are perfect yet.

But that imperfection is what's good about it.

I fold the laundry while listening to their voices echoing in the bathroom.

It's just that, but somehow my heart feels full.

The days of a brother and sister taking a bath together might be gone in a few years.

My daughter will come to value her own time and sense of distance, and I think the day will come when my son says, "I'm going to take a bath alone."

That is growth, and it should be a happy thing.
But when I imagine it, I feel a little lonely.

Children's growth is always like this.
I'm happy every time they can do more things.
And I feel a little lonely every time they need me less.

The great singing I hear from the bathroom will also be gone someday.

That's exactly why I want to remember this singing voice as much as I can.

My daughter's voice, singing expansively while being off-key.
My son's voice, trying his best to keep up with her.
And their voices as they start singing again as if nothing happened after fighting in the middle.

It's a small scene in our daily life, not worth recording and saving.

But for me, it's a time I surely never want to forget.

Today, too, I can hear their singing voices from the bathroom.

While folding the laundry, I stop my hands for a moment, listen closely, and secretly enjoy this great singing that can only happen now.

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