【 Stray Sheep 5 】
Yokozawa learns from Yoshie's junior colleague that he is unable to father children. However, Yokozawa already has a child born to him and his wife.
Shaken by the sudden announcement, Yokozawa barely hears the researcher's subsequent apologetic words. The researcher had been saying, "We would like to ask for your cooperation in periodic follow-up surveys..." but Yokozawa simply replied, "Excuse me," and left the laboratory.
If only this researcher had shown even a little consideration for the subject's current life situation, but because they spoke so bluntly, the shock Yokozawa received was immense. Yoshie, his only confidante, was away due to illness. As a result, Yokozawa was left to struggle with his worries all alone.
Yoshie did not learn of this commotion until after she was discharged from the hospital. In late December, when the year-end rush was at its peak and Christmas songs filled the streets, Yoshie, whose health was gradually recovering, contacted the laboratory to inform them of her situation. However, the follow-up survey had not yet begun at that time, and with a single word from the professor saying, "There's no need to talk about it while she's hospitalized," it was decided that Yoshie would be explained the situation after she returned to the lab.
Then, in early January after the New Year, having spent exactly three weeks getting her health back in order, Yoshie was discharged two days after the Seven-Herb Porridge festival. The following day, Yoshie contacted the laboratory to report her discharge and discuss future plans. It was then that the junior colleague who answered the phone informed her of the circumstances regarding Yokozawa.
"What have you done! Why didn't you contact me before that?"
"Well, Takagi-senpai, you were on leave..."
"Anyway, what did Yokozawa-kun say?"
"No, he didn't say anything in particular and just left..."
"..."
"What should we do? Shall I try contacting him again?"
"No, I will contact him after I return there." With that, Yoshie hung up the phone.
"I see, I understand the general situation. Have you been in contact with that friend since then?"
"I haven't contacted them. Since they said they were unwell..." Naoto asked, and Yokozawa answered dejectedly.
"I see..."
"Doctor, what should I do?" Yokozawa stared at Naoto with pleading eyes.
"Well, let's see..."
As expected, Naoto could not simply offer a "good plan right away." He was thinking, "If I take half-hearted action, Yokozawa's family will likely be torn apart beyond repair."
"By the way, Yokozawa-san, why did you think to consult me about such an important matter?"
"Yes, I struggled with that too. I can't talk to my parents, who dote on their grandchild. I thought about old friends or the superiors who have helped me in my work, but given the nature of the situation, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Because they are close to me, they might lack objectivity and might even interrogate Michiko (my wife's name is Michiko). Even so, I didn't know what to do on my own... I want to believe in my wife, but when it's stated so clearly that 'you cannot have children,' my faith wavers, so to speak..."
"That is understandable."
"So, I spent many days feeling troubled. At that time, I happened to remember you, Doctor... Since you are a third party with no connection at all, I thought you might be able to judge calmly and provide the best solution..."
"I see, so that's how it was."
"He is making very calm judgments in a family crisis." Naoto looked at Yokozawa in that way. Thinking, "He might still be okay," Naoto began to speak.
"Then, I will also speak to you as a counselor."
"Please."
"First, let's contact your friend immediately and clarify the details of the matter. We can talk after that. It is possible that it is a simple mistake."
"A mistake? You mean?"
"Yes. For example, 'the specimen names were mixed up.' I wouldn't count on such a mistake, but in any case, you should talk to your friend. Then, let's have them re-test. Let's have them re-test to clarify if there really is no mistake in the test results."
"And if the results don't change even then, what should I do..."
"Anyway, please execute what I just said immediately. Depending on the results, you can decide what to do from there. You must not take any further action until these clear results are known. I believe it will be okay, but whatever you do, do not interrogate your wife at this stage. Also, try to maintain your normal daily life. Please continue to be the father you always are. It is said that families, especially children, are quick to sense changes in a parent's emotions. It is difficult, but please act as much as possible so that your family does not notice. That is the best strategy you can take right now."
"Doctor, will it be okay?"
"This is all I can do for now. Let's hope for the results."
"I understand. I will contact them tomorrow."
"From now on, please contact me directly," Naoto said, handing his business card to Yokozawa.
"Thank you very much. My heart feels a little lighter." Carefully putting Naoto's business card into his wallet, Yokozawa left the shop.
"Well, I wonder what will happen..." Thinking about that, Naoto also left the shop, saying, "Master, thank you for the meal." Outside, a cold north wind was blowing. Powder snow was happily playing with the north wind.
Yoshie received a call from Yokozawa in the middle of January, a week after she was discharged from the hospital. Just as she was preparing to return to Sendai the next day, her smartphone signaled an incoming call.
"It's here!" After seeing the caller's name, Yoshie exhaled deeply and answered the phone.
"Is this Takagi-san?" Yokozawa's call began with a formal tone.
"It's Kazuya-kun, isn't it? Why are you being so formal?" Yoshie answered the phone as cheerfully as she could. She had guessed the reason for Yokozawa's call.
"I finally got through. Where are you now?"
"At my parents' house. Actually, my mother passed away. On top of that, I caught a bad case of the flu and was hospitalized. I was finally able to be discharged a week ago, and since then I've been recuperating at home. It's been tough, you know."
"Is that so? You've had a hard time too. So, are you still at your parents' house?"
"I intend to return to Sendai tomorrow. I'm preparing for that right now."
"I'm sorry to bother you when you're so busy, but could you make some time when you get back to Sendai? There's something I'd like to consult you about."
"I know, it's about that matter you provided before, right? When I contacted the lab the other day, I heard the general circumstances."
"Yeah... I'm a bit troubled by this too."
"I understand. But I can't say anything until I go to the lab myself. Please give me a little time. I'll check the situation and contact you from my end."
"Sorry to bother you when you're busy."
"Not at all. Since I was away, another researcher said something careless to Kazuya-kun, so it's like my mistake. Anyway, I'll check the situation and contact you immediately."
"I understand. I'm sorry to bother you when you're really busy, but I want to meet as soon as possible."
"I know, I'm really sorry. I'll definitely contact you tomorrow, so please wait."
"Yeah, I understand."
"Phew..." After the call with Yokozawa ended, Yoshie sighed.
Yoshie sat slumped for a moment, but soon reached for her smartphone. After the ringing tone played a few times, the call connected.
"Yes, this is Tomita."
"It's Yoshie, where are you now?"
"Oh, Ms. Yoshie, it's been a while~ Oh, we haven't even said Happy New Year yet, have we?"
"What are you being so laid-back about? Is it okay to talk now?"
"Ah, maybe it's okay... though I'm driving."
"That's dangerous, talking on the phone while driving."
"Hey, hey, you're the one who called me. Why are you angry?"
"Oh, that's right. I have something to talk about, please pull the car over and call me back."
"Wait a second... Okay. I've pulled over now, so it's fine. What's wrong, why are you in such a hurry?"
"Something terrible has happened."
"What?"
"That matter, Kazuya-kun found out!"
"What! What do you mean!" Tomita was surprised and shouted loudly in the car.
"I'm sorry. I took a long leave because my mother passed away suddenly and my flu got worse. During that time, the lab decided on the policy for the follow-up survey, and Kazuya-kun was included in it."
"Couldn't you have stopped that survey!"
"But I was having a hard time too. So, I didn't know at all that things had turned out like that."
"So, what is Kazuya saying?"
"He wants to meet, he says as soon as possible."
"When are you meeting?"
"I'm at my parents' house now. I'm returning to Sendai tomorrow, so it will be after that."
"I see... I understand. If it's been found out, it can't be helped. I'll think about it too. I'll contact you again from my end."
"I understand."
Hearing the voice of Tomita, who shared the secret, Yoshie felt a little relieved. Even if the situation hadn't changed, just having someone who shared the secret made Yoshie feel reassured for now.
Upon returning to Sendai, Yoshie left her luggage at her apartment and went straight to the laboratory. After greeting the professor and handing a souvenir to the junior female colleague, she called the male junior colleague into the meeting room. She wanted to confirm the details of the matter.
"Aoki-kun, a moment."
"Yes." The man called Aoki is the researcher who interviewed Yokozawa and was scolded by Yoshie over the phone.
"I see... I understand, I understand the general situation. I will take over everything regarding Yokozawa-san. You don't need to do anything anymore."
"I understand. I'm sorry for everything."
"I'm not blaming you. I just think that when dealing with such delicate issues, you need a little more consideration for the other person."
"I understand, I will be careful from now on." Saying that, Aoki returned to his desk.
-To be continued-
Facebook publication date 3/12 2021
