Shouda sat nervously dwarfed by the enormous high back chair. He didn't understand what was going on. Where was his mom? Where was his dad? Strange people offered him juice and sweet cakes, which he refused. A man smelling of silk and tobacco was trying to make him try on a strange uniform.

"Come young master Umezawa. I must see how this fits. Please try it on."

"My name is Shouda Richards and I have a uniform." He sat erect his hands gripping both armrests. His feet dangling a smidgen above the floor. Where was his mom?

Mrs. Umezawa breezed into the room with a smile.

"What? He has not dressed yet?" She turned to Shouda. "You must change your clothes young Shouda. You are going to attend the same school as your father and grandfather and his father before that. I want to take you today to introduce you to the Director myself. You will look very affluent in this uniform." She smiled sweet enough, but Shouda could hear the demand in her voice.

"I have a school Umezawa-san. I have a uniform. Mother took me to my school this morning and she will be waiting for me when it is over. I must go back. Please take me back." He began to panic thinking of his mom waiting for him at the gate like she always did. Rain or shine, sweltering or freezing, she was always positioned at the entrance of the school with a smile, a hug and sometimes a treat. "Please Umezawa-san, she will worry for me."

"I will inform your mother of your whereabouts, I promise you. She will not be surprised for she and Yukimoto discussed the matter and even visited the school."

"She did not speak to me about going to a new school." He said defiantly. His mother always talked to him about things. This wasn't right. He needed to talk to his mother. He could feel the water begin to fill the bottom of his eyes. He fought to keep it at bay. "I have a school. I have a school."

"What is the meaning of this?" Shouda looked up and saw Mr. Umezawa at the door. He slid off the chair and hurried to him.

"Please, I must speak to my mother. I have a school. My mother will be waiting for me at the gait. She will worry."

Mr. Umezawa bent down to his grandson and patted him on the shoulders.

"Dear, please tell me you did not take this child out of his school in the middle of the day and bring him here without his mother knowing." He looked at his wife.

"You heard Yukimoto, they toured the school and she is not opposed to the idea. I am moving things along. We cannot wait forever. Besides, I want to introduce Shouda to the Director myself." She walked towards them. "All right Shouda, put on the uniform. We must go." She clapped her hands a few times.

Shouda stood closer to him.

"I will not go because my mother did not tell me to go. I have a school." Shouda balled his hands into fists. Mr. Umezawa patted them.

"You have heard the young master dear. He will not go. We will wait and speak to Yuki and his mother." He gave Should a smile and saw him visibly relax.

"You wish to call Yukimoto? I will call Yukimoto." with that, she exited the room.

He turned to his grandson.

"You are very brave Shouda, but do not worry, I will not allow her to force you if you do not wish to go."

Unexpectedly, Shouda threw his arms around his neck and squeezed. Umezawa was reminded of his own son at this age and sighed. The mistakes people make without realizing. He always had his mind on other things. His moments with Yuki had been rare. Time had maybe given him a second change. He would not fail Shouda as he did Yuki. Could it be that he could mend his broken relationship with is son?

***

"I feel so bad." Kamir opened the door for Sara to pass before him.

"You wanted to ride in a rickshaw." She gave him a pointed look and passed by.

"I know, but the guy was sweating buckets. Ugh! Do you think I gave him a big enough tip?" he trailed behind her concerned.

"Yes, Kamir, you gave him more than enough." She laughed and stopped short. 

"Hello sister Sara." Ward came up to her and gave her one of his famous bony bear hugs.

"Ward, what are you doing here?" She gave him a brief hug back. She smelt a Darren Percy collaboration.

"I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd look you up." He gave her a peck on the cheek and then looked at Kamir. "Will you ever attract anything besides foreign bodies? He's a handsome foreign body though." He whispered the last.

"Hi, I'm Ward, Sara's baby brother and you are?" He held out his hand.

"Kamir Dubashi."

"Nice to meet you." Sara started to open her mouth.

"President, you have a call from Shouda's school."

Sara's frown deepened. Was he okay, did something happen?

"Hello, this is Sara Richards."

(Richards-san, thank you for taking the call. This is the Director. We just wanted to inform you that all of Shouda's transfer papers are ready, we will send them by currier to your office. It was a pleasure having Shouda in our school and we wish him well at the Academy.)

"You said transfer papers?" Sara could feel her temperature begin to rise, steadily, like active mercury in a thermometer.

(Yes, Umezawa-san arrived this morning and personally informed us of the transfer. She requested everything done as soon as possible. She also took Shouda with her...) Sara heard nothing more.

"Thank you very much Director for your assistance in this matter." She hoped her voice was calm and professional.

(It was my pleasure.)

She hung up the phone to complete and total silence. When she looked at her assistant, a startled young woman stared back at her. When she faced her brother, he was covering his mouth.When she turned to Kamir he seemed unsure whether he should step closer or back away. This made her smile. His frown only deepened. 

She shook her head.

"I'm sorry, I have to go. I have to go get my son." She turned to her assistant. "Would you please see to my appointments. Please tell them that I have a family emergency and give them my humble apologies. Several of the orders are done and waiting in the clinic. You may give them to the clients."

"Yes, President."

Sara shook her head again and made a dash for the door. If ever there was a time for the Lord to show his mightiness, now was it. If he didn't he would be gathering Mrs. Umezawa to heaven in a hot minute.

"Sara!" She turned to see Kamir running behind her. "What's the matter? Is something wrong with your son?"

"There better not be." She turned back around and marched on.

"Sara, where are you going?" 

She didn't have time for him right now. She hailed a cab. When one pulled up, she jumped in, Kamir slid in beside her. Ward kind of dived in behind him. The two men exchanged looks.

"Sara, I know this is unorthodox, but I am concerned for someones safety. Mostly yours, but at this point I'm not sure." She felt Kamir's gaze.

She moved to the edge of her seat. "Could you please go faster?"

***

Kaoru opened the door to silent confusion. Silent that is, besides Mrs. Umezawa. The servants ran around like ants. Mrs. Umezawa was apologizing to an older gentleman. If she wasn't mistaken, that was her favorite taylor. They walked passed as though she was invisible. This she was used to. She walked further into the house and saw a pensive young Shouda sitting on the couch with his grandfather. She walked into the room and looked around. Sara was not there.

"Hello Shouda." She smiled and walking to him extended her hand. He was confused at first, but grabbed it with a weak smile. "Have you been here long?" His small smile fell from his face and he shrugged. "Have you had something to eat?"

"No."

"You should eat something." She sympathized with the poor boy.

"I am not hungry."

 "How about a bowl of miso? It is not heavy and it will be quick to make and eat." She kneeled down and touched his sorrow filled face. He nodded in agreement. "Good." Kaoru went herself to ask for and bring it back to him. When she returned he was still sitting rigidly by his grandfather with his little hand on Mr. Umezawa's arm. She handed him the bowl and he devoured its contents, but when she asked if he wanted more. He quietly declined.

Mrs. Umezawa bustled back into the room. He tensed.

"This is most distressing indeed. I already informed the Director we would come by and now to have to cancel the meeting. You should let me take him Umezawa." She paced in front of them.

"No." He responded calmly. "You said you have called Yukimoto?"

"Yes"

"We will wait."

"And my mother? Did you call my mother as you promised?" Shouda looked up at his grandmother expectantly. Kaoru noticed that even the older lady melted.

"I have requested it done."

Shouda retreated back into unhappiness.

The front door banged open and Yuki burst into the room a few seconds later. He was totally disheveled.

"Shouda."

The young boy hurried to his father and hugged him tightly.

"Dad."

Kaoru watched the touching scene as Yuki held his son, enveloped him in his arms, cradled him. She could not give him that, but she did not seem to mind at this moment. Shouda was a special because his mother was special. She and Yuki liked Shouda for different reasons, but she did not feel threatened by it or even embarrassed by it. She smiled meekly.

Yuki opened his eyes and raised them to hers. She maintained contact.

For the first time in who knows how long, Yuki's wife made and maintained eye contact with him. He was delightfully surprised. He gave her a small smile and turned his attention to his mother.

"Mother I could not believe, when you told me over the phone that Shouda was here, that you would do such a thing."

"You said that you and Sara had..."

"I did not inform you that any decision had been made. We went only to look. You should not have done this." He tried to stand buy Shouda would not let go.

"I want my mother."

The chime began to clank repeatedly with such force that everyone cringed. A servant hurried to the door.

"Where is my son?" Sara's distress was clearly audible.

Yuki felt Shouda let go.

"Mom!" He ran toward the door and right into a seriously angry Sara Richards.

"Shouda." He almost crawled up her body into her arms. He was a little too big for this but she didn't care. She hugged and squeezed him with all her might and even peppered him with kisses. "Are you okay baby?" To hell with Japanese.

"Yes, mom."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." He pulled back, the smile on his face rivaling the sun. "Grandpa Umezawa sat with me and Kaoru-san gave me something to eat." His stomach growled on cue.

"You're still hungry." She laughed. 

"Uncle Ward!" Shouda squirmed from her arms and ran to his uncle.

It was then that Yuki notice the two strange men standing behind Sara. One was tall, broad and dressed in a very expensive suit. The other was thin in lightweight slim slacks and an equally airy three quarter sleeve sweater. His son embraced the young uncle fondly.

"Ward do you mind taking Shouda to the taxi?"

"Of course. It was nice meeting you all." He waved.

"Forgive me," Sara was speaking in Japanese again. "May I present my younger brother Ward and my friend Kamir Dubashi." She turned to the two men, "Shouda's father Umezawa Yukimoto and his parents and wife Kaoru."

"We should do lunch." Ward said in English. Sara waved him away. Shouda waved before dragging Ward out of the house.

There was total and complete silence while Sara rubbed her forehead.

"Sarua-san, you understand I just wanted to introduce him to the Director of the Academy. No harm done." Mrs. Umezawa chose to speak first.

"Who gave you permission to take my son out of school?" Sara could hardly contain her voice.

"I assumed that since..."

"Who? Tell me please. Did Yukimoto? Did you speak to me about it? Who? Because I am trying desperately to understand what would make you think that you had the right to take my son anywhere without my permission?"

"Sarua-san you are overreacting." Mrs. Umezawa spoke with less conviction.

Sara lifted her hand to keep her from saying anything else.

"So you believe it is okay for me to come into your house and take something of great value to you without asking? Your wedding ring perhaps? A family heirloom? A keepsake with unfathomable sentimental value?"

"Shouda is not your possession he belongs to the family."

"That is where you are wrong Umezawa-san, he belongs to me." She slapped her hand against her chest. "I carried him for nine months, I suffered through a difficult labor, I gave birth to him, he suckled my breast, I provided his food, clothing and shelter for eight years, I provided love, instruction and discipline, me. Not you, not this family, me." She was on the verge of tears. "If you ever want to see my son again, you will apologize to me and to Shouda and you will repeat these words. ‘I will respect your decisions Sarua-san, I will not be presumptuous as I have been in the past and I will not do anything regard my grandson without permission from either you or Yukimoto.' I hope you remember them because I will not repeat myself again." Sara glared into the eyes of Yuki's mother who glared back. Umezawa-san' flinched first, her eyebrows lifted ever so slightly and she very briefly glanced at some point in Sara's eyebrows or temple before regaining eye contact.

"I did not mean any harm." Was all she said in a defensive tone.

"Mother." Yuki stepped up.

"Maybe not, but now Shouda has a deep dislike for this house and possibly even you." Sara was finished. "Thank you Kaoru, for taking care of my son." This she said before exiting the room with Kamir in tow. 

Yuki followed as well. He was rather annoyed at the stranger who had attached himself to Sara. In the front hall he stopped her.

"Sarua, please."

She turned to him and Kamir exited the door after a brief glance at the two of them.

"I am sorry."

"You are infinitely sorry Yukimoto." she lashed at him as quietly as she could. "Are you not yet tired of being sorry?" She cover her mouth and took a breath. "Yuki to say sorry is very fine, but over time it looses its value if one does not learn from having to say it." She looked as though she were pleading with him. Her eyes shiny. She looked away.

"It will not happen again, I promise..."

"Okay, okay thank you." She backed away from him. "Handle it Yuki." Then she walked out of the house.

Yuki cursed himself ten times over before stalking back to the room where everyone still remained.

"Mother." He barked as he entered the room.

"Yukimoto please do not scold me. I think I have been through enough. We will wait until she calms, then try again." She sighed impatiently.

"We will do nothing of the kind. You will go to Saru-san and you will repeat those words and beg her apology or you will not see Shouda." He spoke clearly and firmly.

"Yukimoto," she came to him and touched his chest. "She was distraught, surely she did not mean for us to take her so seriously. I know best..."

"No. You will go and apologize. Even if she was not serious, though I believe she was, even if she does calm down and forgive you on her own, you will say them because I require it."

"Yukim..."

"I have made myself quite clear. If you will not do it, then I will keep you from seeing him." His attention shifted. "Kaoru."

"Yes, Yuki."

"Will you come with me please." He reached out his hand and she walked to him and took it. He felt an enormous sense of pride as he turned his back on his mother and walked out of the room with his wife.

Mr. Umezawa finally stirred.

"Well, my dear." He stood up from his couch and straightened his apparel.

"You." She turned to him. "You who did nothing to help me. You sat there and let that woman upbraid me in front of everyone."

He walked to her.

"I said nothing because she was right and you," he touched her nose, "were wrong."

"Perhaps."

"I told you. Sarua-san is a reasonable person. She will not, however, let you command or dominate her. You would do well to make peace." He patted her shoulder. "Your personality is difficult enough as it is." She shot him a truculent look and smirked. He walked passed her.

"What about Yukimoto, speaking to me that way?"

"I would say it was long overdue." He then left the room. Thing where turning out to be very interesting indeed. He liked the mother of his grandson. He liked her very much. He wondered what more was in store. Would his wife try something new? For Shouda's sake he hoped not, but one never knew.

***

Shouda sat in the taxi close to his mom. He took her hand as he talked with Ward and Kamir. Shouda and Kamir had taken to each other immediately, but Shouda was that kind of boy. He readily accepted kindness and openness of any type, as he was the same. He and Kamir were very alike in this respect.

Sara stared out the taxi window holding her son. Her head was beginning to ache.

As they sat in a restaurant, she felt as if she would hyperventilate, so excused herself with a big smile and a kiss for Shouda. Poor Shouda had been starved.

Outside, sea air whipped around her face and filled her insatiable lungs. She stood watching the people go by. They all had their own lives and set of problems and challenges. She felt the weight of hers exceedingly.

"Are you going to be okay?"

She turned to Kamir who stood before her, the top few buttons of his shirt undone and his tie hanging from his pocket. She reached over and stuffed it further in.

"I'll be fine." She laughed. "I just need to...to breathe." She rested her hands on top of her head and then covered her face. She felt him move close then wrap his arms around her. Then minute they encircled her, Sara began to tremble. She held in her sobs as best she could, but her gasps shook her body and just when she thought she would slide to the ground, he tightened his hold on her and braced her against him.

They stood there silently for a few minutes, she wrapped her arms around his waist and grabbed his shirt. Her breathing became more even and steady and she let her head rest on his chest.

"You know," his words rumbled in her ears, "earlier I told myself I wanted to find out more about you. I guess you have to be careful what you wish for." He laughed lightly and she joined him.

"I'm sorry Kamir."

"No. It was rather impressive. I wonder if she'll remember everything you said. Was she paying attention?"

"I think so. If she wants to see Shouda she better." He felt good, like a protective shield, but Shouda was waiting. Sara let go of his shirt and he let her go. She wiped her eyes and nose and laughed. "Very ladylike, I know." He only smiled. "How do I look?" She pushed her hair around and arranged her clothes.

"Good, you look good. Here just a little." Her arranged her hair and tucked some of it behind her ear. He stared at her a moment then stepped aside. "Shall we join the others?"

Sara smiled and led the way.

***

A freshly showered Ward plopped down next to his sister on the futon mat. Together they had pushed the furniture around to open enough floor space in the living room. Shouda was now dead to the world and Sara finishing her second glass of wine.

"Don't hog it you lush." Ward took her glass and the bottle of wine and poured himself some.

She eyed him. "So why are you really here Bod-man?"

"What do you mean? I told you sister-C, I was in the neighborhood."

"Neighborhood like East Asia or like Easter Hemisphere?"

"I was in Hungary, okay, Hungary." He finished off his glass and pour more for her.

"Darren Percy sent you didn't they?" Sara took the glass from him.

Ward lay his long thin body out on the mat.

"It was a good thing too. Look at what happened?" He lifted his hand. "You need people in your corner."

Silence

"So who is this Israeli again?"

She kicked him with her foot.

"He is not Israeli, he's from India."

"Are you in love with him?"

"What?" She erupted into laughter then blew out air in a rush. "No. He's just a nice guy, you know?" Sara lifted her leg in the air. 

"So you still love your baby's daddy?"

She began to rotate her ankle. "You remember when you forced me to take those flexibility enhancing classes with you?"

"Yeah, I can still do that shit, watch." He began to bend his legs in all kinds of directions.

"I man shouldn't move like that, its indecent." She laughed.

"You got to stay limber you know."

She pushed up on her elbow, "How limber do you have to be to walk down a runway?"

He relaxed himself on his belly and smiled at his sister. "Some of those poses are hard on an untrained body." He blinked. "So you are in love with your baby's daddy."

Sara leaned over and gave him a kiss then crawled off the mat, "Good night Bod-man."