The Legacy

Minami no Hanashi : Yume - Adagio

Azumi and Minami gathered in the kitchen for a meeting. Since Minami knew nothing about cooking, she left her mother to handle everything and simply watched. An hour later, Azumi threw a towel at Minami's head to wake her up. "I'm done," she announced.

Stretching on her chair, Minami replied, "Great, thanks, Mom."

"You should at least try to watch how I cook, just so you–"

Minami dodged her mother's advice, grabbed the lunch box, and rushed out. "See you later!"

"You're leaving now?" her mother asked, surprised.

"Yeah, yeah!" she replied from afar.

Shinsuke and Narumi, who were in the living room, watched Minami dart out the front door. They exchanged knowing glances, smiling.

Outside, Minami walked with her head in the clouds. Her GPS showed that Grandma Ishikawa's house was quite close to the convenience store. She arrived within a few minutes.

Standing in front of the house, she knocked on the door without hesitation. "Mrs. Ishikawa? It's Katayama Minami! I heard about the store, and we need to come up with a strategy!"

After several moments without any response, and after waiting for about twenty minutes, Minami decided to head back. Before returning home, she stopped in front of the convenience store. This place, which held countless memories and encounters, now stood lifeless and empty. 

Feeling tears welling up, Minami took out her phone and snapped several photos of the storefront.

"I wish I could take some from the inside too," she murmured.

Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded behind her. "I see you're still your usual self, dear Minami."

She turned around to confirm her suspicion, and sure enough, it was Mrs. Ishikawa. "So cliché, but I'll take it! You're finally here!"

"Oh, you've got something on your mind, don't you?" replied Grandma Ishikawa in a playful tone.

"No… but we'll figure it out together. You can't and mustn't close the store," Minami declared with conviction.

Mrs. Ishikawa's face darkened, reflecting her sadness about the situation. After a few moments of gazing at the ground, she looked up to meet Minami's determined eyes. Inspired by that determination, she suggested, "Let's go to the small park nearby. It'll be better to talk there."

Their walk was slow and silent. Minami walked alongside the elderly woman as if they were family. After a few minutes of peaceful walking, they found a small table and sat down.

"And here, this is for you! It's a little gift from her."

"Oh, thank her for me. That's very kind, it makes me happy. By the way, how is she doing?" asked Mrs. Ishikawa with a soft smile.

"Wait! We're not here to talk about my mom! We'll do that at the end if you want. We have more urgent matters to discuss!"

"Yes, yes," the grandmother replied, laughing.

Minami stared at her, the silence between them growing heavier. "It feels like you don't even care about the store closing," she said, her voice carrying a hint of accusation.

Mrs. Ishikawa sighed softly, a sad smile playing on her lips. "You know, Minami? You're still young and full of life. It's natural for you to act with such passion. But me, you see, I've grown old. Over the years, I've learned to accept certain realities that you might not understand just yet. I know when to resign myself to an unchangeable fate."

Minami's eyes burned with fierce determination, glowing with defiance. She leaned forward, her hands clenched into fists on the table. "But don't you think it's worth fighting, even against what seems unchangeable? Shouldn't we try to change our destiny when everything inside us screams not to give up?"

Mrs. Ishikawa rested her head on her clasped hands. She looked at Minami with a faint smile. 

"You have the same look as Azumi. I find that very amusing."

She straightened up and continued, "Put emotions aside and analyze the situation rationally. Do you know why the store is closing?"

"You sound just like my mom. That's exactly something she'd say."

The grandmother simply smiled, waiting for Minami's response. Realizing this, Minami eventually replied, "Because the city sold your land to a company."

"Hmm. Indeed, if that's all you think, I can understand why you expect me to fight. Do you know the reason behind it?"

"Oh, companies like my dad's don't need a real reason. As long as they have money, the city agrees."

Mrs. Ishikawa nodded, her smile fading slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "That's part of the truth. Look at me, Minami."

"W–What?" Taken aback, Minami looked her up and down.

"Well? Do you understand?" asked the grandmother, observing Minami.

"No. Stop playing guessing games. Tell me what I don't know!"

The grandmother raised her hand, as if to silence Minami. She spoke again, this time with a more maternal tone. "You want to know the reason? Here it is. The first reason, the one you already know, is that the city sold my land to a company."

"I–"

"Don't interrupt me, Minami."

"Pa–Sorry."

"You want to know the reason, so here it is. To understand it, you need to look at things more rationally, even if you don't like it."

Minami lowered her head, seemingly upset by this truth.

Mrs. Ishikawa gently placed her hand on Minami's, trying to soothe her frustration.

"I know it's not easy to hear, but sometimes reality requires an objective view, even if it displeases us." She paused, letting her words sink into Minami's mind.

"The land will be used for a new business. In the real world, the economy takes precedence over memories. It's painful, but that's how the world works."

"Yeah, I get it," Minami replied, tiredly.

"You're so stubborn, my word."

"Just go on!"

"That's the official reason. Now, there's another reason that caused this one."

Minami straightened up abruptly, as if about to uncover a huge secret. The grandmother smiled at the young girl's reaction. She continued, "The real reason is that I refused to sell my recipe. 

The one for the famous cereal bars you love so much."

"WHAT?! REALLY?!"

"Haha, yes. I had everything to gain by selling it, but I refused. I wanted you to observe me so you'd understand: I'm an old woman. Running the store takes an enormous amount of effort now. And I don't have children willing to carry on the legacy."

"But… so they threatened you?"

"In a way, yes. If I wanted to keep the store open longer, I could have fought."

"But then… you agreed because you don't want to run the store anymore?"

"I told you, Minami. I'm no longer able to keep the store open. It's too exhausting. Let's just say I saw an opportunity to close the store. I couldn't bring myself to let go on my own, so I seized it."

Minami finally understood the truth behind the closure. She fell silent. Saddened by Minami's state, the grandmother sat beside her and gently patted her back.

"Forgive me, Minami. It might seem selfish of me toward all my loyal customers, but… I want to enjoy the time I have left in my own way." She chuckled. "I'm not going to spend my last days behind the counter! Even though chatting with my customers was the best part."

In a soft voice, Minami spoke up: "Stop talking like that. Last year… when I told you everything that happened at school and in my family…"

"Yes, and when you helped me run the store, advising customers in my place… Those are memories you should cherish in your heart and never forget," she explained, pointing to Minami's heart.

"But… what you're saying is so sad…" Feeling tears welling up, Minami was embraced by the grandmother, who warmly stroked her back.

After a few minutes, Minami had calmed down. She stared into the distance, once again lost in thought.

"This will be a new chapter for that young girl," thought the elderly woman.

"Tell me… why did they want your recipe so badly?"

"Oh, from what they told me, they're starting to gain some recognition abroad."

"No surprise there! They're the best!"

Ms. Ishikawa let out a soft laugh, a tender smile lighting up her wrinkled face. She, too, seemed lost in thought, her eyes fixed on the horizon of the park stretching out before them. The tree branches rustled gently under the caress of the light breeze, their hair swaying delicately to the rhythm of the wind, as though carried by indistinct whispers. The atmosphere carried a wave of memories and nostalgia, enveloping the two women in a bubble of intimacy and reflection.

After a moment of silence, the elderly woman spoke again, her voice tinged with sincere affection: "You know, Minami? You're the daughter I always wished I had. And I'm not saying that just because you were an amazing customer."

Minami, moved, let out a faint, trembling laugh before replying in a soft voice: "Are you trying to make me cry, is that it?"

"I'm serious, Minami," Ms. Ishikawa continued, her gaze resting kindly on the young woman beside her. "You hold a special place in my heart. When I made the decision to accept the fate of the store, all I could think about was how you'd react. I kept trying to think of a solution that would make you happy."

Minami looked up at her, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity: "And? Did you find one? Because if not, I'll graffiti the company taking your place every night."

"I love your spunk," Ms. Ishikawa smiled, touched by Minami's determination. "Don't ever change. I'm not sure if this will make you happy, since the store is still going to close. That's–"

"Unchangeable, I get it. Tell me anyway?"

"What matters most to you, Minami—the store or the person running it?" she asked, a glint of interest in her eyes.

Minami couldn't help but smile, her affection for the woman shining through: "For me, it's obviously the person. The store wouldn't be what it is without you."

"And do you know what was the hallmark of my shop?" she asked, an impish smile playing on her wrinkled lips.

"Your incredible granola bars."

The elderly woman looked faintly exasperated: "Oh, come on, think a little harder, girl."

Minami scratched her head, trying to figure out what Ms. Ishikawa meant. Then, suddenly, a spark of realization lit up her face: "Wait... This might be embarrassing if I'm wrong, but… You're not about to give me the recipe for the granola bars, are you?!"

Ms. Ishikawa burst out laughing, her face lighting up with amusement: "Bingo! Well done." She was delighted but soon noticed Minami's worried expression.

"What's wrong?"

Minami replied, her gaze and voice downcast: "I… I can't even cook an omelet without burning the bottom, let alone recreate those granola bars…"

"You love them so much that I know you'll get there. It doesn't matter how long it takes. And if you really get stuck, I'll be here. But be warned, I'm strict, so I wouldn't recommend asking for help too often."

"O–Okay."

"Let's head to the house; I'll give you the recipe. It's all homemade, so you can make them right from your own kitchen."

Minami still seemed unable to believe what was happening: "But why me?... There are other customers who loved those snacks!"

"Minami? Are you joking? I keep track of who buys my granola bars. You've bought the most by far. Your mom even told me you kept every wrapper to save the poems and little stories printed on them. And I consider you like a granddaughter. So, really, I'd be awful not to pass this recipe on to you—it's rightfully yours."

Minami was deeply touched. The fate of the granola bars now rested in her hands. Everything depended on her.

"It's an honor, Ms. Ishikawa! I'll do my best to live up to it!" she replied solemnly.

After a few moments, the two got up and started walking toward the elderly woman's house. The path was bathed in the gentle light of the sun, and a light breeze brushed their faces. Minami followed Ms. Ishikawa through familiar streets, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension growing within her as they neared their destination.

Once inside, Minami was enveloped by the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the living room. It felt familiar, much like the shop, and filled her heart with a sense of security and nostalgia. She sat on the couch, waiting eagerly for what was to come.

After a few minutes, the elderly woman returned with a simple piece of paper in hand. Minami's heart beat a little faster as she caught sight of the treasured recipe written on it. She took the paper carefully, as if holding a precious treasure, and then tucked it safely into her jacket pocket.

The elderly woman then spoke in a gentle, kind tone: "Now the granola bars are yours. You can even do what I never did—give them a name. You could sell the recipe if that's what you want."

"NEVER!" Minami exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion. "And yes, it's strange that you never named them."

"Oh, I was never good at naming things. And when I saw customers simply calling them 'granola bars,' I decided to leave it at that," the elderly woman explained with a nostalgic smile.

"I see. Then I won't name them either!" Minami replied with a grin.

Laughing, Ms. Ishikawa responded affectionately: "Do as you like, Minami. Oh, and before you go, I'd like to ask—how's your mom doing?"

"She's fine. What else can I say?…"

"You and your sister should encourage her to go back to work. It would be better for her, rather than brooding at home. It would take her mind off things." Her tone was solicitous, but Minami felt a pang of discomfort in her stomach.

Confused, she looked at the elderly woman: "I don't know how to respond, but my mom's doing just fine. She doesn't seem to want to go back to work, and besides, working would tire her out even more than what she already does for the house."

The elderly woman, her expression serious, replied softly:

"I see you're still thinking like a child. It would be much better for your mom to go back to work than to stay at home."

"I don't see how!" Minami replied, frustrated by her lack of understanding.

"Well, you'll understand one day. Just don't forget this."

"Ugh… You adults love speaking in riddles," Minami sighed in exasperation, feeling more lost than ever.

The conversation shifted to various other topics. After a few hours, Minami finally decided to head home. Upon arriving, her family greeted her, curious about the fate of the shop. Minami shared the inevitable news along with the hidden surprise. Their faces showed little shock; they all seemed to have anticipated it. But when Minami revealed that she now had the recipe for the granola bars, the Katayama family exchanged wide-eyed glances.

"You… You're going to cook?..." Narumi asked, looking concerned.

"Yeah! Ms. Ishikawa believes in me, so I'll make it happen!"

Azumi, hoping to encourage her daughter, offered to help: "You should at least let me show you how to–"

But she was immediately cut off by Minami: "No thanks, Mom. And Ms. Ishikawa seems worried about you, by the way. You should listen to her advice. On that note, I'll be IN my room." She left without looking back, leaving a heavy silence behind.

"I think she's upset; she probably thinks we don't believe in her," Shinsuke explained.

"Really, Dad? No kidding?" Narumi retorted sarcastically.

Without saying another word, Shinsuke followed Minami, realizing he was being teased by the youngest.

"Now it's just us two. Who's next to join them?" Azumi asked with a strange smile.

"S–Stop it, Mom!"

"Oh, I'm just teasing!"

In Minami's room, Shinsuke encouraged her to dive into making the granola bars. Naturally, Minami was already fired up to prove to her mother that she was determined and capable of succeeding on her own. While Minami studied the list of ingredients, Shinsuke sat on the floor with his back against her bed, casually reading a book that was on the floor.

"Do you read authors' biographies?" Shinsuke asked, intrigued.

"Yeah, I like learning about authors," Minami replied, scrolling through her phone.

Overcome by sudden curiosity, she looked up the list of people who had borrowed the same book. "Llina Delys… This person is everywhere! Some people really have too much time on their hands!"

Her father interrupted her thoughts. "I wonder where your interest in reading comes from."

"Mom said I had a hard time learning to read, but once I got it, I never stopped."

Thoughtful, Shinsuke nodded, a touch of nostalgia in his gaze as he recalled a distant time. "Yes, that's true, you did struggle." He paused, his eyes wandering over his daughter's bookshelves. 

"Have you ever thought about writing a book?"

Minami sighed and turned to her father with a wry smile. "What kind of reader would I be if I'd never thought about writing my own book? I just don't know what to write about yet."

"Hmm, you've got plenty of time. You're young and there's so much for you to discover," he said with a gentle smile.

Picking up her phone again, she laughed. "Yeah, yeah, stop talking like an old sage."

Shinsuke chuckled softly, his deep, warm laugh resonating in the room. He got up slowly. "Just don't portray me as an old sage in your future books."

Minami burst out laughing but didn't have time to reply, as a loud voice blared through a megaphone: "The two grumps are summoned to the living room!" It was Narumi.

Shinsuke and Minami went downstairs to see what was happening.

"Are you insane, using a megaphone in the house?" Minami exclaimed. "What about Lapis's ears?"

"Since when do you care about him? He's in the garden, don't worry!" Narumi teased with a grin.

"And? What's going on?" Shinsuke asked, looking at Azumi. Madame Katayama, exuding an air of regal authority, stood by their usual table, a board game in front of her.

"Well, since Madam Ishikawa's shop is closing, I decided to bring out this game I bought from her. Let's play in memory of her store!"

Shinsuke and Minami exchanged knowing looks. "It's always either you or Narumi who wins. You two play; we'll watch," Minami said, clearly tired of losing.

"Absolutely not," Azumi said, crossing her arms and sweeping the room with her piercing gaze. 

"Sit down immediately."

Shinsuke and Minami exchanged resigned looks and sat down with a sigh, their expressions slightly defeated. Narumi, the smallest of the group, rushed over joyfully and plopped into her chair with a big smile, ready to start the game.

Azumi was about to go over the rules when the doorbell rang. Minami leaped to her feet, eager to escape the board game. She opened the door, expecting Madam Ishikawa, but instead, she found herself face-to-face with a boy her age.

"Who are you?" she asked bluntly.

"I'm here to drop this off. It's from my mo–"

Before he could finish, Minami shut the door in his face, saying, "We didn't order anything, and we're not buying anything."

As she turned to rejoin her family, Azumi and Narumi appeared.

"Who was it?" Narumi asked.

"I don't know. Some guy who...reminds me of someone. Anyway, he must've got the wrong house–"

The doorbell rang again.

"Did he not get the message?"

This time, Azumi opened the door. "Oh, if it isn't little Ryo! Did your mother send you?"

"That's right," he replied, glaring at Minami.

Feeling embarrassed, she avoided his gaze. "Ohhh, now I remember! But what's he doing here?"

The young boy handed over a luxurious box adorned with delicate floral patterns and a deep red satin ribbon. Intrigued, Azumi carefully opened the box to reveal an exquisite assortment of fine chocolates, meticulously arranged in velvety compartments that shimmered in the light.

Azumi's eyes widened in surprise, her face lighting up with wonder. "Oh my… What a marvelous gift!" she exclaimed, captivated by its elegance. "But what's the occasion?"

"She said it's to thank you for the meal you prepared during the 'Friends' gathering."

Azumi shook her head in astonishment. "Excuse me? But that was just out of kindness; it didn't deserve such a gift."

Narumi, entranced by the chocolates, grinned mischievously. "If you don't want them, I'll take them!"

Pulling the box away, Azumi turned to the boy. "Come in! I'll give you something to take back to her."

"Does Mom think he's a carrier pigeon?" Minami thought, watching the scene.

"My mom knew you'd do this. She told me to run as soon as you invited me in. So, goodbye!" 

Ryo bolted, not looking back.

"He can't do that to Mom! Minami, catch him!" Narumi shouted, pointing at the boy.

"Are you crazy? I'm not chasing after a boy." Minami shut the door and looked at her sister. "Did you see his geeky sweater?" she said, snickering.

"Oh, I knew you noticed it!" Narumi teased, laughing along.

Azumi, feeling sorry for Ryo, scolded her daughters. "Poor boy! Don't make fun of him like that, especially…you, Minami."

"Huh? What do you mean, 'especially me'?"

"Well… He's your classmate, isn't he?"

"Yeah, but so what? Classmate or not, his sweater is funny." Curious, she added, "How do you know him, anyway?"

"He's the son of Hayashi Lyna, one of my close friends," Azumi explained. "She hosts what she calls the 'Friends' gatherings once a month. It's a little time for us to chat about everything and nothing. And during the last meeting, I prepared a full and delicious meal for everyone."

"Ohh… How many people attend these gatherings?" Minami asked.

"About twenty, I'd say."

Minami seemed to ponder this. Suddenly, she turned to Narumi, who was trying to sneak a chocolate from the box. "Hey, Narumi, did you know about these meetings?"

Narumi jumped, startled. "W-What? I didn't do anything!"

"Ugh, I don't care if you're stealing chocolates. I'm asking if you knew about Mom's meetings," Minami said, rolling her eyes.

"Of course!" Narumi replied proudly, still trying to grab another chocolate.

Minami turned to her father, who was standing in the distance. "What about you, Dad?"

"Yes," he replied distractedly.

"So I'm the only one left out around here?" Minami concluded with a theatrical sigh.

"Ow!" Narumi yelped.

"Don't steal. And yes, Minami, you're always in your own bubble, and you don't eat lunch at home often. That's when we chat the most!"

"Well… Dad's never home at lunch either!"

"I sleep with him. We don't fall asleep instantly once in bed. And besides, he's my husband—I tell him about my day, even though I don't know what he does all day."

"I work, dear. Where else would I be? And it's not interesting to talk about. And before you pout, let me remind you for the… I've lost count… that what happens at work stays at work."

Minami sighed and joined her father.

"Haha! Mom pouting? That's the best joke I've heard!" Narumi said, laughing.

Azumi finally closed the box with a sly smile, challenging Narumi with her gaze. "If you want one, you'll have to beat me at the board game. Deal?"

"Oh, Mom, don't underestimate me."

Azumi, her eyes sparkling with amusement, replied, "But I'm not underestimating you."

Meanwhile, Shinsuke and Minami, watching the scene unfold, exchanged a knowing glance, wondering what would happen in this imminent confrontation.

Narumi and Azumi continued bickering in the hallway, while Minami suddenly thought out loud, 

"Now that I think about it… I have the recipe for cereal bars!"

"Yes, Minami," her father replied with a smile.

"I looked up how to make cereal bars online, and it seems pretty simple!"

"You can try if we have all the ingredients."

"Yeah, I'll keep checking! I'm going to honor this legacy!" As her determined gaze inspired her father, she thought, "That must be what Tishiku meant. That guy's so cool!"

END OF CHAPTER