A Journey of Trust (Manuscript)

SHIROBAI - MAMA-SAN | EPISODE 008
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

That evening, as they were having dinner together, Hana cleared her throat just loud enough to get Emi's attention.

As Emi turned to look at her mother, she noticed that Hana had a very serious look on her face. Her back was straight and her hands rested on her knees.

“Emi,” Hana announced, “I need to go to the Hachimangu Shrine tomorrow to do something important so I would like you to come with me. Hana turned to look at Emi just as her announcement came to an end.

“I know we usually go somewhere special on Saturdays but this IS a very special shrine … When you pray there, and if your heart is pure, kami-sama will bless you and grant your wish. Would you like that?” Hana asked Emi as she smiled gently at the child.

When the understanding of what Hana was saying about blessings and wishes dawned on Emi's 5 year old mind, a happy smile spread across her innocent face and she nodded in resolute affirmation of her mother's plans.

“We will take the bicycle but it will take time for us to get there so you must be VERY patient and a very good girl, understand?” Emi put on her best big girl face for her mother and nodded in compliance with her mother's request.

“You must also learn how to behave and what to do when you want to pray. Mummy will teach you so you must listen to me and do exactly as I say, ok?” Emi nodded again in response.

Hana smiled appreciatively at Emi for being such a willing child. Hana couldn't help but count herself fortunate that Emi seemed so mature for her age.

“Pinky swear?" Emi smiled broadly and held up her right hand with her pinky crooked and ready to swear. Hana chuckled, hooked her daughter's small little pinky and together, they both swore to be on their best behaviour.

After a simple breakfast of soft boiled eggs on toast the next morning, Hana set Emi on the child seat of her bicycle, strapped her in securely, put on their bicycle helmets and set off on their very important mission.

Hana reminded Emi of her promise the night before and suggested that she just relax and enjoy the view. "If you see anything interesting, just remember what and where you saw it and you can tell me all about it later.”

👉 Read the Manga! 📚

Author’s Note
This story is dedicated to all single mothers out there. It is a work of fiction set in Osaka, Japan and written with much love and devotion. While the characters and events are fictional, every effort has been made to portray everyday life, work, and society as realistically as possible.
Some occupations, procedures, and institutions may be simplified or adapted for storytelling purposes.

📬 akinokaze58notes@gmail.com