Riri in the small mirror
I took a quick look into the tableware cabinet glass to see if Riri was there. She wasn’t. Afraid of mom, I guess.
Dad staggered into the living room, said good morning. He didn’t say much after that. He just sat there, ate his breakfast quickly. Riku and I didn’t bother to ask him whether he’d like to play or do stuff with us. We knew he’d say “not now kids.” Anyway, just like on most Sundays, dad went right back to the bedroom after breakfast.
I took my time eating the fish, rice, miso soup and everything else that was served.
Riku finished his food dumped the dishes in the sink and fled the house. Through the window I could see the weather outside was dreamlike gorgeous. I have no doubt Riku was heading to Masaya Motoyama’s house where he’d meet up with a bunch of other kids from his class. They’d ride their bikes along the river and probably try to catch some fish or crabs. I wish I could go with them, but that wouldn’t happen. They wouldn’t want to hang out with a fourth grade chick. That’s what they call us.
stagger よろよろする
dump (中身)を放り出す、(不要なもの)を投げ捨てる
flee 〜から逃げる
hang out つるむ、ぶらぶらする、遊ぶ
