Page 50 of A Serving of Hope

Masaru smiled weakly. “My dad used to say something similar.”

“I forgot to ask. What made you want to eat this kara-age again all of a sudden?”

“Well, it’s not just the kara-age per se. I want to reconnect with what Mr. Kawakami told us. Ever since I took my current job, I’ve felt like I’m stuck in an endless losing streak. Just like back then.” Masaru seemed to be fighting back tears. “What I mean is, I’m starting to feel like I’m losing at life too.”

“Right,” said Koishi. “Well, we’ll get right on the case. Don’t you worry.”

He glanced up at her, and she smiled back.

—

Back in the restaurant, Nagare was perched at the counter. He had been leafing through a photo album, but snapped it shut as the pair returned.

“Did the interview go okay?” he asked.

“Yes,” replied Masaru. “Koishi was very patient with me.”

“Whatever you’re looking for, we’ll give it our best shot.”

“This is a tough one, Dad,” said Koishi, glancing at Masaru.

Nagare narrowed his eyes. “You always say that.”

“So,” Masaru cut in, “when should I come back?”

“How about in a fortnight or so?” replied Nagare.

“Of course.” Masaru adjusted his collar. “Just let me know a couple of days in advance and I’ll get permission from my company.”

“My regards to your father,” said Nagare with a grin. Masaru smiled back, then made his way out of the restaurant. After seeing him off, Koishi and Nagare sat down at the counter.

“What’s he after, then?” asked Nagare.

“Kara-age.”

“Kara-age, eh? Made by his parents?”

“No, at a restaurant in Kusatsu Onsen. Long gone, of course.”

“Naturally. He wouldn’t have come to us otherwise.”

“Dad…”

“Hey,” said Nagare, flinching slightly. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“I want to visit this Satsukitei place. Mom was always saying she wanted to go back there one last time.”

“Koishi, don’t get any funny ideas,” said Nagare sternly. “Our job is to track down this kara-age. Not go lounging about at a ryokan.”

“I know, I know. But Mr. Suzuki’s family runs the place, right? You never know what clues I might stumble across!”

“When did you get so good at twisting my arm? Fine, I’ll leave this one up to you. As long as you’re sure you’re up to the task.”

“Don’t you worry, Dad. I’ll search high and low. Just…let me go to Kusatsu.”

“No slacking off, you hear?”

Koishi threw her arms around him. “Thanks, Dad!”