A Used Muse

“Don’t be formal! I want you to relax and feel at home.”

“My son is wonderful. I have been blessed to have such a kind child.”

“There are no rules that says I can’t celebrate it with two of my sons. Now hush, we are having a hot pot for dinner.”

“Aren’t you a delightful young man. Please, treat Raidou with love and care.”

She’s new to having a son again in her life.

“I know we aren’t related by blood, but... if you wish to celebrate today with me as company you are more than welcomed. You care for Yusuke so deeply like any brother should after all.”

“A day to celebrate mothers? How wonderful. I wonder if I am worthy for such a holiday.”

“Please don’t cry son.”

“I wish more of my sketches were available for you to view. Madarame must have tossed out anything like that. But I have pictures still, I was allowed that at least when I was sent away.” Saori slowly got up and with careful ease reached inside of a closet. Rustling around until she pulled out a box made of a canvas material. Worn handwriting not in her own, that read, ‘Memories’.

“A Garigari-kun Popsicle sounds divine. Especially the soda flavor.”

“NOW.” Never did a woman make a rice serving spoon look so threatening.

“I’m sorry, I worried for a long time if I was a good parent for Yusuke. My father didn’t care for me much, I was always sick compared to my other siblings. My mother... she wasn’t able to embrace me after I was born. So I wanted to make sure that you were happy as a child Makoto-san.” To give Yusuke something she lacked, a loving childhood.