Who Leads Today May Someday Follow (Manuscript)

SHIROBAI - MAMA-SAN | EPISODE 010
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Hand in hand, Hana led Emi to a quiet spot just inside the gate, yet out of the way of other foot traffic.

Again, Hana squatted down in front of her little girl. “Emi, Mummy has to explain many important things to you, ok? I need you to understand: a shrine is NEVER a place to play. This is where Kami-sama live, so you must always show respect—just like when we visit other people's homes.

“But here is the really important thing: Kami-sama take care of us. They make sure we are safe, have food to eat, and have peace and love in our homes, understand? This means we must show them the utmost respect. Even Grandma and Grandpa bow to the Kami-sama. Kami-sama live forever, so we MUST respect them.

“When you respect the Kami-sama, they will answer your prayers and take good care of you… They are EVERYWHERE, and they see EVERYTHING. So even when you behave badly, the Kami-sama will KNOW what you did, and they will punish you if you have been bad to others. Understand?”

Emi nodded, her head bent in serious reflection.

“Now that your hands, heart, and mouth are clean, we can go to the Kami-sama’s ‘house’ to pray. Never, never go without washing your hands and mouth like I taught you, ok? It is very bad manners. Just like we must take our shoes off when we visit other people, we must ALWAYS wash our hands and mouth. Remember this! You don't want to talk to Kami-sama with dirty little hands, do you?”

Emi shook her head in a placid response, visibly dreading bringing shame to her family.

Hana resisted the strong urge to just burst out laughing. So, after a moment of staring into Emi's large, bright eyes, Hana gently drew Emi into her arms and hugged her tightly.

In that beautiful, silent moment, Hana again gave thanks for her precious child, swearing to always be grateful for this gift that was entrusted to her care.

As Hana stood up, they could hear the faint wail of the shō and the high-pitched, rhythmic tinkling of tiny bells in the distance.

Emi looked at her mother questioningly. Hana only smiled down at little Emi, then began walking quickly towards where the sounds were coming from.

Soon, a large stage came into view. There were three beautiful maidens dressed in white and bright red robes, dancing gracefully and rhythmically ringing the tree-shaped bells they each carried.

Their hair was tied back with delicate, jewelled headbands, and each maiden had the grace and presence of royalty.

Little Emi's eyes grew wide and round like saucers as she drank in the heavenly sight. Her soft, pale cheeks flushed, turning a warm, delicate pink. Emi watched the dance, drinking in the solemn yet illuminating scene.

After a few moments of silent rapture and sacred gravity, Hana broke the spell and gently led Emi further towards the main hall of the gods at the back.

Emi’s little head remained fixed on the dance as Hana gently but firmly led her away from the stage.

Emi found herself staring at her mother in confusion, not understanding why or how Hana could take them both away from what was clearly a piece of heaven on earth.

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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.

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