Page 27 of A Serving of Hope

“Get all the details?” he asked Koishi.

“Oh yes,” she replied, shooting Toshio a look. “The whole story.”

Toshio made a low bow in Nagare’s direction. “I’m counting on your help.”

“We’ll do the best we can,” replied Nagare, removing his cap and politely bowing back.

Toshio pulled out a bulging wallet and asked to pay for the meal, but Koishi told him that could wait until his next visit.

“And when will that be?” he asked.

“We’ll probably need two weeks or so,” said Nagare, glancing at Koishi and then back at Toshio. “Will that work?”

“Absolutely. There’s no rush, so just let me know and I’ll come up from Sakai.”

Toshio slid the door open and stepped outside.

“Drowsy, you’re in his way,” said Nagare, extricating the tabby cat from between Toshio’s legs.

“This is your cat, then?” said Toshio, bending down and gently rubbing Drowsy’s neck.

“He’s half pet and half stray, really,” said Koishi, scooping the cat up into her arms. “A sad old existence, don’t you think?”

“Miyuki loved cats too. Even slept with hers at night. But she never once let it into the café.”

“Well, no,” interjected Nagare. “You can’t have a cat running around when you’re serving food!”

Toshio blinked in surprise. “That’s exactly what she used to say.”

“Seems a little excessive, if you ask me,” said Koishi, holding the cat aloft.

“Well, I’ll look forward to hearing from you in two weeks.” Toshio turned to face east down Shomen-dori.

“Kyoto station’s the other way,” said Koishi.

“The Keihan line’s easier for Sakai. I’ll hop on at Shichijo.” Toshio gave a quick bow, then walked slowly off down the street.

—

“So,” said Nagare as they watched the figure recede into the distance, “what’s he after?”

“Shogayaki.”

“From some famous restaurant?”

“No,” said Koishi bitterly, setting Drowsy back down. “He wants us to recreate the version his mistress used to cook for him.”

“Koishi, it doesn’t matter what the customer’s circumstances are, our job is to—”

“To find their food. I know, Dad. I haven’t forgotten.” Koishi sounded like she was trying her utmost to persuade herself that this was true.

“And where does this mistress live?”

“Mimasaka, near Okayama. Though who knows if she’s still there.”

“Only one way to find out, I suppose. Mimasaka’s famous for its three hot springs, you know. How about you tag along and we make a trip of it?”

Koishi’s face lit up. “Definitely. I haven’t been to an onsen in ages. My skin could do with a boost.”