Water Eggplant and a Kitchen Knife (9)

 

     When Nagisa came home, the living space was lit.  Kotaro might be there again today.

     Nagisa, however, didn’t make an appearance at the living space, and went to the workshop.  She turned on the light, and prepared her grindstone right away.

     One by one, She sharpened the knives Mr. Sebumi had trusted her.

     It’s not that difficult.  The clip on the knife which Mr. Sebumi made when he cut frozen food was mended instantly.  Mrs. Sebumi seemed to have carefully used her knives which she had brought in her marriage.  They didn’t take time.

     The sounds of sharpening the knives alone spread on the quietness of the evening.

     “What trouble did you have?”

     Kotaro’s voice came from the entrance.  Nagisa said, “Nothing really,” with her back toward him.

     “Then, why do you look like you’re going to cry?”

     “Never look into my face as you like, Kotaro.”

     Nagisa turned away, but Kotaro didn’t show any sign of reluctance.

     Nagisa didn’t like to show her miserable look to Kotaro.

     “What’s the problem?  Did anything happen to you?”

     Kotaro cared about Nagisa as he had done when they had met in their early childhood, but she had had enough of his tone of voice.

     Once Nagisa sought consolation in Kotaro, but nothing changed for the better.

     If she didn't treat her sorrow for herself, she would surely be hurt twice.

     On the day when her father packed his belongings and left home, Nagisa tried to sharpen a knife which had been quickly cooled with water after forging like a sword, but she just broke it.  She thought if she was successful in sharpening it and being recognized as an heir, she would be able to keep her grandfather and father together.  With such an idea, Nagisa tried to sharpen it, but failed after all.  She felt badly depressed.  She believed Kotaro to always be kind, and sought consolation in him.  She was asked in return by him against her expectations.

     What is the point of sharpening knives?

     “You don't want to talk about it.”

     Kotaro patted Nagisa’s hair, but she didn’t let him do as he liked like before.  Don’t touch me.  She brushed his hand off.

     “Do you remember you asked me what the point of sharpening knives was?”

     “Yes, I asked you on the day when Sadayuki left your home.”

     Sadayuki was Nagisa’s father.  He left home 11 years ago, and never came back.  He married her mother, was taken into the Takaochi Family, and was an original true heir.

     “I still don’t know what the point of  sharpening knives is, to tell the truth.”

     Nagisa, however, felt that the encounter with Mrs. and Mr. Sebumi gave her an answer.

     A knife is a tool.

     Unlike animals, human beings without talons or fangs had to create a tool.

     To sustain life for tomorrow, we use a knife every day.

     Mrs. Sebumi gave her husband a knife so that he can sustain his life until the day when his lifetime expires.

     Nagisa had never thought that way, but those who present knives to their daughter on her marriage or to their son on his independence might have the implication in their mind.

     To use a knife to live.

     So, Nagisa will sharpen knives for those hopeful of living on.

     “That might not be the answer you demanded…..but, for me, that’s it in my way.  Kotaro, you’ve come here to invite me to dinner, haven’t you?  I’m hungry.”

     Nagisa wiped dry sharpened knives, and wrapped them up in newspaper.

     “What is today’s dinner?”

     “Today, we have…..”

     Kotaro looked down on Nagisa, and smiled a little sorrowfully.