TJTPBFB 06

Chapter 6

 “Grandmother’s Feelings”

“If you want to know more about your grandmother,” said Yonekura, “Ms. Godai would probably be the one to ask. She was almost like a daughter to her. When Ms. Godai’s parents were still alive, the four of them often traveled together. If there’s anything you don’t understand, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

After saying that, Yonekura gathered his things and left.

“Ms. Aokawa, do you still have a little time?”
It was Godai, looking back at Ruri after seeing Yonekura off.

“Yes, I do.”

“Then would you like to take a look at your grandmother’s house? It’s quite close from here.”

“Please—yes, I’d like that.”

“Alright.”

Ruri got into the car, and they headed toward her grandmother’s home.

It really was only two or three minutes away by car—but Ruri quickly realized that “close” in the countryside meant something very different from “close” in the city.

Her grandmother’s house stood quietly, a little off from the cluster of nearby homes.
There were no mountains, no flowing rivers, and yet… even though it was just slightly removed from the residential area, the place felt like another world altogether.

Perhaps it was because of the small bamboo grove that stretched behind the modest house, creating a strangely tranquil and enclosed atmosphere.

When Ruri stepped out of the car and paused, gazing silently at the house, Godai spoke.

“There’s something about the air here—it feels different, doesn’t it? A little otherworldly, maybe. Ms. Ellis seemed to love that about it. She never wanted to live anywhere else.

Well, she was always healthy, never seriously ill, so I suppose even with a few inconveniences, she was content.”

Godai took out a key and unlocked the front door.

The single-story house had a wide wooden terrace—almost like an open café. It looked more like a small shop than a private home.

Ruri smiled faintly. It reminded her of a dollhouse she’d once had as a child.

“I thought it would be a traditional Japanese-style home,” she said, a little surprised.

“It used to be—very much in that style,” Godai replied. “But one day, out of the blue, Ms. Ellis said she wanted to remodel it into something that looked like a miniature house—just as you said. She had it renovated with accessibility in mind, too. Please, come in.”

Godai stepped aside to let Ruri enter.

“The house has been cleaned regularly and aired out,” she explained. “The tatami mats were replaced not long ago, so it’s quite pleasant inside.

Right now, the electricity, gas, and water are still active, so if you decide to live here, you’d only need to change the name on the accounts.

It’s about an hour’s commute from the city, but well within range. And if you drive, it’s even closer—though parking in Tokyo is terribly expensive, as you know.”

Ruri glanced around, her gaze drawn to the terrace that connected the hallway.
“Um… did my grandmother ever mention anything about my father?” she asked quietly.

“Well… not in detail,” Godai replied gently. “Ms. Ellis was acquainted with my parents, and also with Mr. Yonekura’s grandparents, whom you met earlier. She often said they’d all known each other since their school days.

When I first heard about you, I thought about reaching out, but… she seemed to have her reasons for not wanting contact. There must have been something deeper behind it.

In the end, I never did call. And then… things turned out this way.
I’m sorry, truly. I imagine you must have wanted to meet her—at least once.”