⬷•••⤐

The dragon symbolizes mighty divine forces that can carry both good and evil.

⬷•••⤐

If one treats the dragon with due reverence and respect, it can generously reward a person because dragons are fabulously wealthy.

Japanese legends and myths

***

"Suzuka-chan, hurry up with breakfast! Did I make scrambled eggs for nothing?" My mom speaks to me, but she's not looking at me. She pretends to be a fighter pilot, trying to direct the spoon-plane, full of some mess, into my younger brother's mouth. His face contorts, and he turns red – he's on the verge of tears.

I struggle to shove the remnants of cold scrambled eggs into my mouth and wash it down with bitter coffee.

"You're just like your father, not taking care of your health. Ever since you started working, your eating habits have gone downhill. You won't be twenty forever. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition will turn your skin into... Are you even listening, daughter?"

"I can't do anything about it right now, Mom! I need more work experience. Then I'll go to university to become a professional graphic designer, as I've always wanted. Right now, I need real-world experience while I have this wonderful opportunity. When I finish university, I'll have both a diploma and experience."

"Then you'll bury yourself in work – that's what will really happen. You'll end up like your father, disappearing into the office at night, and then complaining about a stomachache," she sighs, wiping my brother's mouth with a napkin. "Take a cue from your younger sister. She has many friends, engages in sports, leads a fashion club, goes to cafes, and sings karaoke with classmates. She's always so stylish and beautiful, while you're constantly playing your computer games or reading books all night, then going to work like a shadow of yourself. Maybe wear a dress today? Remember that beautiful one your grandmother gave you for your last birthday? How will you find a good guy if you spend all your time at work or at home on the computer? There are only girls at your workplace, no promising guys." She sighs again and picks up the dirty spoon from the floor that my brother just dropped.

"I should get going. Lots to do at work today. I'll stay late. Everyone is planning to stay overnight, even those who live near the office. Has Dad returned from work?"

"Of course not, he warned me yesterday that he might stay overnight at the office. He'll only be able to stop by home at lunch to take a shower and change into clean clothes. Don't forget your bento."

"Thanks, Mom! You didn't have to make the effort; I could have lunch at the office cafeteria," I gratefully put the lunchbox in my bag.

"I'm happy to help you. You're my child. I'll go to the market today and buy fresh fish when your sister returns from school."

"Sister won't be able to take care of him: brother is definitely not doing well today. I'll buy everything myself."

Mom nods and waves me off from the kitchen.

"Suzuka-chan, wait!" She rushes out to the porch holding my brother in her arms. His nose is running, and he looks melancholic. "I keep forgetting to ask you about Henk?"

"Who?" I genuinely wonder at her question.

"Don't pretend you don't remember Henk-san! I think he's an excellent young man from a decent family... Your father spoke highly of his leadership qualities."

I blush and tuck a strand of black hair behind my ear, "Mom, I'm running late for work!"

"Have a safe trip!" Someone calls Mom on the phone, and she, along with my brother, who's practically clinging to her, disappears through the doorway.

❣️ ❣️ ❣️

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