‘Mankanshokus were strong,’ her father told her many times. Their whole family had held to that belief. It might as well been the family motto.

“… Mom?”

When she was younger, she thought mothers were invincible. The way they kept everything clean and cooked meals every day. The way they gave support and still loved no matter how much trouble they went through. Mothers had to work the most in the family. And yet, they could still keep smiling at the end of the day.

“No, no! Please!”

She was older now. Old enough to live on her own and make a life separate from home. But for a little longer she wanted things to stay the way they were. 

“Mom, don’t go! Don’t leave! Please, say something!!" 

For a little while longer, she had wanted to stay. To remain with the the happy times her mother gave her.

"Don’t leave.”

For a little longer, she had wanted to stay as her baby girl.