Ozoni and Onsens by S. J. Pajonas

Author:S. J. Pajonas [Pajonas, S. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Onigiri Press

Chapter Eight

Our second stop of the day was at a grocery distributor off the main strip. I fell in love with the cheery storefront and happy customers leaving as we pulled into the parking lot. This was the holiday cheer that had been missing from my life recently.

“What are you picking up here?” I asked, parking the car.

Nahoko opened the car door. “Citrus gift boxes,” she said with a sigh. “Are you going to stay here or are you going to come in with me this time?”

I chewed on my lip, thinking over my options. I could stay in the car, return email, surf the web, or write to Yasahiro, or go inside and look for more New Year’s gifts for my family and friends. If this place was good enough for Nahoko, who appeared to have rigorous standards, I was sure I would find something that’d be nice for my mom or Yasahiro.

I also wanted to help Nahoko, but I didn’t want to annoy her. And it seemed like I did nothing but annoy her.

I was grasping for any excuse to go into the store with her, obviously.

“I’ll come with you.” I turned off the car and came around to the passenger side to help her out. She refused to take my hand, so I helped her up by the crook of her arm.

“I can get out of the car on my own, you know. I’m not some invalid.” Just the sound of her voice was grating on me.

I flashed back to Hiromi and Andrew’s faces when I volunteered myself into this fresh hell. I should’ve learned to read people better.

“I didn’t say you were an invalid. I’m just trying to be nice, which you don’t seem to appreciate.” My heart raced at my bold words, but I knew it was a mistake immediately.

She threw my hand off her arm. “You don’t get to tell me what I can or can’t appreciate. You’re a very presuming young lady. It’s no wonder you’re not married.” She twirled around as best as an old lady could and huffed off into the store.

“Great job, Mei,” I mumbled to myself. I was doing a horrible job of making friends with her. I needed to find some common ground or this would end badly.

I threw back my shoulders and lifted my head, determined to get in there and make the most of this awful situation. Remember, Mei. You got yourself into this in the first place.

The inside of the store was warmer than outside but still chilly enough to keep the fruits and vegetables fresh for customers. I steeled myself as I approached Nahoko, chatting amiably with the store’s owner as he stacked boxes for her at the cash register. He bowed and held up one finger to show he’d help me after he finished with her.

“It’s all right. I’m here to help Nahoko-san.”

“My daughter was unable to be here with me today, so she sent this ungrateful woman in her place. She has done nothing but bug me for the past hour.

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