Sumitomo Taisei was awakened from his deep sleep by the phone, a flicker of irritation stirring within him.
As people age, their energy wanes in all respects.
In the past, even if a call came through in the dead of night, he could quickly adjust, ready to face the challenge of any news.
Now, he only felt a wave of fatigue wash over him, spreading from his heart to his limbs.
Sumitomo Taisei didn't even want to reach for the phone. He lay there quietly, waiting for reason to overcome his reluctance before he said, "Yoshiko, hand me the phone."
His voice was light; it didn't need to be loud.
A person's vocal volume wasn't judged by how loudly they shouted, but by their status.
His status was enough to make those around him prick up their ears and listen intently to his every word.
The beautiful woman quickly got up and handed him the phone ringing on the bedside table. "Dear, do you need me to step out?"
"Mm," Sumitomo Taisei nodded.
