I wandered along the sidewalk for a while, trying to decide whether I should go see Ryo first or drop of my bad at the apartment. It would be silly to carry my bag all the way to the hospital. I decided to go to the apartment first.
It's gotten much warmer outside now. In a month it will be summer.
I get to Ryo's apartment. I take out the key out of my pocket, and opened the door to my new home. The one I'd share with the person I cared most about. And together we would raise a child. I put a hand on my stomach as I took a step inside.
Although I had been in here only a few times before, it already had memories. I set down my bag on the floor next to the couch.
I wanted to go see Ryo. Thinking of the memories we shared in this one place made me miss him. I didn't want to wait too long in case I'd arrive after visiting hours were over.

As I walked over to the hospital, I recognized Genkei's noodle shop. I'd never noticed that it was located so close to the hospital. I smiled as I walked in. I wanted to bring Ryo something good to eat. And I knew that he'd like eating something from Genkei's shop.
“Hi Mizuki! It’s so great to see you! How’ve you been?” Genkei said seeing me.
“I’m good, what about you? Is business going okay?” I asked, and he nodded.
“Where’s Ryo?” he asked glancing behind me. I remembered Genkei didn’t know about Ryo’s accident. Should I tell him? I didn’t want to worry him, but he’d probably find out anyway.
“I’m going to see Ryo at the hospital. He was in an accident a few days ago. But now he’s recovering well. I think he’ll be able to leave soon.” I explained. Genkei was worried, but I hoped that mentioning his recovery was enough to put him at ease.
“I wanted to bring him something to eat…” I started.
“Say no more. I’m on the mission.” Genkei, winked at me. “I know what he’ll like to eat.” He added, when I was about to ask him if he remembered the usual meal he liked to eat here.
“Genkei, could you make two portions?” I asked. I wanted to eat with him; it’s lonely to eat alone. I remembered the times we’ve eaten together, and the simple happiness that I felt during those times.

I observed Genkei cooking. I could tell he’d been doing this for years, seeing how effortlessly he handled the utensils, and prepared the food.
“So, when exactly did the accident happen?” Genkei asked as he selected some ingredients.
“Almost a week ago. When I was going to tell him that I’m pregnant…” I answered. Genkei looks up, hesitating for an instant.
“Congratulations!” Genkei said with a warm smile.
I then talked about all the recent events. But I didn’t mention the tumor. That would just have him worry even more. If he had to find about that, he would at the right time. I did mention my father’s reaction and moving in with Ryo today. To which Genkei just shook his head, saying he didn’t understand how a father could do that to his own daughter.

Genkei poured noodle soups in plastic foam bowls and wrapped a snack in a paper bag. He put everything in a plastic bag.
“Here are two shrimp tempura noodle soups*, and dorayaki** for both of you.” Genkei said handing the bag to me.
“How much—”
“Consider it a gift. You and Ryo must be going through a lot, and I want to help.” He said.
“But—”
“Pass on my good wishes to Ryo for me. Come by to see me whenever you need something.” He said. I knew he felt bad and wanted to help, so I didn’t insist.
“Thank you!” I said, hoping he knew just how grateful I was.

*Tempura noodle soup = battered fish, shrimp or vegetables with noodle soup.
** Dorayaki = a (cold) pancake filled with red bean paste.