Mom, can I put away these plates now?

Yes, please do.

Thank you for not just washing them, but also putting them away, Toya.

No, this is the least I could do after causing you so much concern.

Hehe. In that case, I will take you up on your offer.

Of course.

By the way...

Is Dad coming home late again today?

Yes, well... The final performance for his concert is today, so he may not be back until very late.

He is also probably going to go get dinner somewhere. Plus, he has his fellow performers and audience to think about.

Right...

(I was hoping to talk to him about something...)

That's too bad...

Maybe another time...

I'm back.

What?

Dad...?!

We thought you weren't coming home until much later. I hope your concert went well.

It's rare to see you welcoming me home like this...

Yes, so... There's something I'd like to tell you, Dad.

Tell me?

Yes. It's about my song.

I'd like to report that I managed to finish it.

And I was only able to after hearing what you said, Dad...

So, thank you.

Alright...

Is that all?

Oh, um... I have it saved here on this USB drive. If you'd like...

Sorry, but I have work to do.

I don't have time to listen to your song right now...

Understood...

But will you at least take it for now...?

Alright...

I'll be going up to my room now.

Oh, if you're going to be working tonight, would you like me to bring you some tea later?

Yes, that'd be nice.

Thank you.

(I got a chance to report to Dad about my song and gave him that drive.)

(I feel a little relieved...)

(Anyway, it's a little early, but I should also get going...)

(Today's event seems like a very high-level one, so I need to get myself prepared mentally...)

Toya, wait!

Hm? Yes, Mom...?

I put together a lunch for you using the leftovers from last night. Please take it with you if you like. Also...

I think your father already listened to your song last night.

What...? He did...?

Yes. When I went to take some tea up to his room, he had this very serious look on his face.

...

I see...

Thank you for telling me, Mom.

I'll be going now.

Okay, good luck.

(I'm walking a different path to Dad and my brothers now...)

(He won't be teaching me anything like he used to. He won't be praising or scolding me either.)

(But...)

(He took the time to listen to my song.

The song I put my heart and soul into...)

(I couldn't be happier right now.)

So...

I need to do the same for my next one.