Lesson Learned

Change can Happen

Breakfast was different on Tuesday morning.

Mitsuko walked in and nearly did a double-take when she saw her mom dressed for work in a white blouse with the sleeves rolled up and the hem tucked into a long black skirt, hurriedly cooking breakfast with the pink apron over.

She glanced at her dad and brother who were already sat down in their usual spots, with dad studying something on his laptop while Gakushuu quietly ate.

Mitsuko frowned when she looked back at her mom and saw she was struggling a bit.

"Morning," she said, walking over to her mom. "Uh, do you need any help?"

"No!" Mom said quickly, surprising her. "No, I have everything handled." Her voice was rushed as she put some eggs onto a plate, trying very hard not to get any grease on her apron. "Go ahead and sit down. I'm managing just fine!"

Mitsuko's frown deepened. "Um...okay." She eyed her mom hesitantly before sitting down in her usual seat. "So are you excited about work?"

"Oh, yes." Mom replied, coming over to serve her breakfast on her plate. "The induction yesterday went very well, and there's a lot of work that will keep me busy."

"That's good." Mitsuko picked up her fork. "Thanks for breakfast."

"Yes, thank you," Gakushuu commented lightly, staring at his phone while he ate.

Mom nodded and then looked over at their father who was still focused on whatever he was typing. "Would you like some more coffee, dear?" she asked, picking up the mug.

"If you're not too busy," he said evenly, keeping his gaze on the screen.

Mom gripped the might tightly. "Of course not." The smile on her face was strained, walking over to the coffee machine. "Actually," she turned around, leaning on the counter. "I was wondering if you'd be able to do me a small favour?"

"Hm?" Dad kept typing something. "And what would that be?"

"Well..." Mom fidgeted on the spot briefly as the coffee was poured from the machine. "I sent in some dry cleaning last week and I didn't know I'd have this job since it was before the interview so..." She took the mug over to him and placed it on the table. "It's due for pick-up today and they shut at five, so would you be able to pick it up while I'm at work?"

Dad stopped typing. "Why didn't you make arrangements for an alternative day?"

Mom gave a nervous laugh. "I completely forgot and they'll charge if I don't—"

"I'm afraid I have too many meetings." Dad sipped his coffee.

Mitsuko's eyes narrowed, while Gakushuu looked up from his phone.

"Yes, I know, but you'd just need to swing by and pick it up," mom argued, struggling to smile still. "I know it's last-minute—"

"Which is exactly why I can't." Dad went back to typing while he ignored their mom. "If we have to pay the charges then I suppose that will just be a lesson for you to be more organised in future."

You fucking bastard.

Mitsuko gritted her teeth as her temper mount when she looked at her mom and saw that she was close to tears.

Mom twisted the ends of her apron, turning away from them when she started blinking too much. "A-alright then," She said quietly, walking over to the counter again. "It's fine I'll just...um...I'll..."

Mitsuko opened her mouth to say she'd get the dry cleaning—

"I'll pick it up," Gakushuu spoke up, looking disinterested with the whole exchange.