ghoststrums | CATCHALL OTOME

[ ... yamato hums a little, because there's really no solution to that. ]

... Part of the reason I was so lonely as a kid is that my dad works insane hours. So when it became the two of us after the divorce, it meant I spent most of that time on my own. It was... hard to get used to. [ it's part to say that he understands her loneliness, and partly; ] She might not be waiting there for you at home anymore, but she still loves you. You said so yourself. Whenever you feel lonely, you should try giving her a call, instead. I think she'd like that, even if you're the only one who remembers being her mom. You're still family.

[ That first part also hits home-- the reason she and Koharu had argued when she had been her mother.

But she takes a breath. ]

... When things calm down and I can reach her... I'll do my best. [ He has a point, after all. Koharu is still there, just in a different way. ]

Good. [ he smiles a little unaware of his unintentional guilt trip before he turns pensive again ] ... She might not remember, but you do. I think your feelings can still reach her despite that, even if she doesn't understand.

I don't necessarily want to burden her, but... I think just continuing to reach out should be fine?

[ Hopefully. ]

I don't think it's a burden. Kids like knowing they're missed, even if they don't necessarily get why.

[ a beat ]

But it's up to you.

... Your father's lucky to have a son like you. [ softly. ]

When things are a little less dangerous and service is properly restored... I'll give it a shot.

... He's a good dad. He just has to work a lot. [ a little defensive like it wasn't a compliment to him, it's fine ]

I did, too-- well, that part hasn't changed at all.

[ hahahaha... ]

Koharu used to try to sneak into the examination room to see me.

I bet the other doctors loved that.

It was a problem each and every time. [ haaaa. ]

She thought I cared more about work than her, because we were in the middle of a crisis... we argued more than I would have liked.

It can't have been easy for her, having just lost her parents. But she would've understood with time.

She did-- she's a very sweet and smart girl and she loved to draw pictures of any boy who caught her fancy.

[ with a trace of a teasing smile ]

She would have loved you.