As Kitayama turned to refill his cup, his eyes caught someone stepping into the garden from the house.
"Kyouko! Come here!"
Kyouko paused, then walked over quietly, hands folded in front of her.
"Yes, Father…"
Kitayama squinted at her and chuckled.
"What's with the facemask again?"
"Umm…" she glanced away slightly.
"Haaa… Kyouko…" he sighed in his usual rough tone.
"Anyway—thank you for the drinks!" he said with a wide grin, raising his cup.
Kyouko smiled behind her mask and bowed slightly. "I'm glad."
"Now go," he waved her off. "Eat, drink. Enjoy yourself. Tonight's for everyone."
"Mm… okay."
She stepped away quietly, blending back into the flow of the celebration.
"Kyouko!!!"
She turned at the sudden call, slightly startled.
"Hmm?"
Three women rushed over from across the garden, waving with wide smiles.
"Ah! Chiyo! Aiko! Hanae!"
Her old classmates from school approached quickly, arms full of drinks and plates, faces glowing with reunion excitement.
