deanna Releaseshttps://mangahelpers.com/t/deanna/rss2011-12-04T18:18:04+00:00/favicon.icoMangaHelpers Adminsadmin@mangahelpers.comhttps://mangahelpers.com/t/deanna/releases/32443Translation: Are you my child? 22011-12-04T18:18:04+00:00deannaadmin@mangahelpers.comAre you my child? v1 c02
Translated by Deanna
p.105
Girl: Mama, Look! There are two butterflies!
Maybe they'll mate. Mother: Ma...?! Y... Yeah... SFX: Kusu kusu; chuckle chuckle. Girl: If they mate, they'll lay eggs, too. Mother: Aki-chan, don't talk so loud...
Girl: When are they going to mate? Mother: Aki-chan... (Stop...) Jun: (thoughts) Animals and insects mate purely to continue their species. Pitiful.
p.106
vol.2 – Do I love you?
p.107
Jun: (thoughts) They anticipate that most of them will die, so they have a lot of babies or lay a lot of eggs. So it's doubtful that the parents love each and every egg. So, what about humans...? Takuya: Gyahaha! I love that! SIGN: (Sorry, can't make it out.)
I would've loved to see that mother's face! Jun: But when that child grows up, I wonder what she'll think when she remembers the things she said.
p.109
Takuya: Oh, I just remembered. Jun: Huh? Takuya: I've been in school with you since elementary school, right, Jun? Elementary, middle, high school, and college; isn't it incredible? Is one of us a stalker?
Remember health class in fifth or sixth grade? We talked about pistils and stamens and such. Jun: Yeah. Sex education. Takuya: That's right. You raised your hand back then.
Teacher: Nagai-kun? Do you have a question?
Jun: So, You're saying that if you have sex, you'll have a baby?
SFX: Kyaaaa! SFX: Iyaaaa!; Eeeeeew! SFX: Ecchi!; How pervy!
p.110
Guy2: What a brat. Takuya: Then the teacher froze. The boys were delighted and made a big fuss, and the girls also made a fuss saying that it was dirty and such. Jun: I made a suggestion to the modern sex education curriculum.
Takuya: What “suggestion”? You were just precocious and wanted to do it so badly you couldn't stand it...
D- D-d-d-don't tell me, at that time you had already... Jun: Nah. That wasn't until two years later. It was pretty late.
Takuya: Ah, so first year of middle school? Then it's normal...!
* First time: Age 19, and since then, nothing. * Too many times to count. * Unknown.
Guy2: Middle school is too early, idiot! Takuya: Now, now... Jun: I'm going to get some smokes.
If you do it, you could conceive a child... Although I did know that, I had never thought about it.
p.111
Jun: Until back then... SFX: Fuu; puff.
Takuya: Huh? Didn't you stop smoking? Jun: I did stop at one point, But I started again...
SFX: Pito; pat. SFX: Kyahaha.
SFX: Kya kya! Mother: S... Sorry about that. Come on, Shii-chan!
There weren't any seats in the nonsmoking section. We're going home, so Say bye-bye to Onii-chan.
Baby: Bye byyyye!
p.112
Jun: Umm, Can I hold her? Mother: Huh? … Sure.
SFX: Ukya kya!
Uh... Ummm... (thoughts) What on earth? I don't understand young people nowadays at all. Jun: Sorry.
She's a pretty girl. I'm sure she'll become a beautiful woman like her mother.
p.113
Takuya: So you're expanding your territory to include married women? Jun: Leave me alone.
Guy2: That little girl was about the same age as Sumire-chan, wasn't she? Takuya: Sumire... Ahh!
SFX: Purururu pururu; ring ring.
Jun: Yeah, It's me. Huh? At the daycare? … Yeah, that's fine, but I really didn't want to go back there again.
I understand. I'm heading there now. Guy2: Was that from that daycare worker? SFX: Pi; beep. Jun: Yeah. She said she wanted to meet in Kichijouji, but now she wants me to come pick her up at the daycare.
Takuya: “Daycare worker”... That's the girl who looked after the baby at the daycare, right? So they were still together. Guy2: Yeah. And what's more, it seems he still hasn't laid his hands on her.
Takuya: No way! That brute didn't...?! Guy2: I know. He used to be so indiscriminate with women, too.
After Sumire-chan came, Jun-kun changed, didn't he? Jun: (thoughts) Two months earlier...
A baby was abandoned in front of my house, Along with a letter saying that she was a child I had fathered, so the mother wanted me to raise her. It was completely out of the blue. (I forget the kanji.) TL NOTE: Seiten no hekireki (a bolt from the blue) has some seriously complicated kanji, which are just written as hiragana here.
p.115
Jun: (thoughts) For me, who had never even thought about raising a baby, It was pretty bewildering. There were times when Sumire didn't do as I wanted, and I thought I would snap.
Eventually, I found out that she wasn't my child. And her mother came to get her, but...
I still remember. Those soft cheeks that smelled like milk, And her little hands.
p.116
Jun: (thought) I wonder how she's doing these days? Sumire. SIGN: Tatsumaki Daycare
Woooow. Look at all the brats. Well, of course. (thoughts) I used to come here every day, didn't I?
SFX: Ha; ah! Huh? Don't I seem like a degenerate right now?
Mother: What's this?! SFX: Gikuu; flinch.
Jun: Hey, You're wrong, I'm not a suspicious person... Mother: It is, it's Sumire-chan's papa!
p.117
Mother: Oh, you're right! How nostalgic~ Mother: It's been awhile. Jun: Ah, Yes, it's been awhile. Mother: That's right, Sumire-chan is here, isn't she? You came to pick her up, right?
Jun: Huh? Sumire's not supposed to be coming here anymore. Mother: Oh? But she's here. See? In the sandbox.
Jun: (thoughts) It's Sumire, with those cheeks that look like rice cakes. But why? Where's her mother?
p.118
Jun: Sumi-!
(thoughts) I'm an idiot. She won't remember me.
Sumire: Papa!! Miyauchi: Sumire-chan, slow down!
Sumire: Papa!
p.119
Jun: What, So you haven't forgotten me after all. Sumire: Pappa. Jun: (thoughts) Uh-oh. It feels like I might cry. Calm down! You've gotten big, haven't you?
Sumire: Mama!!
Kaoru: Yesterday they finally let her in the daycare. We've been waiting for an opening for a long time, but there hadn't been any. It's far from our house, but I couldn't be sure when any of the close ones would open up.
p.120
Kaoru: Before... While I was working, my mother would look after her for me. But my mother suddenly passed away...
I'm sorry.
Back then... When I abandoned Sumire at your house, Nagai-kun... I just didn't know what to do. My mother was gone, and there was no one who would look after her. And I couldn't work...
I got... So scared...
Sumire: Mamaa!
p.121
Kaoru: Are you awaaaake? Let's go home.
SFX: Kyahaha!
Miyauchi: ...was it?
Jun-kun? Jun: Oh! Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What is it?
I was thinking that I'm really sorry I called you over to the daycare.
p.122
Miyauchi: I thought you might be happy if you knew Sumire-chan was there, but... It seems like it actually just made you lonely. Jun: W...! Who's lonely?!
Miyauchi: Well...
For a little while now you've been looking like you might cry...
SFX: Guwaba; grab. Miyauchi: Kya!
W... What are you doing, suddenly...? Jun: Comfort me, I'm lonely, Yuuko-chan. Miyauchi: No, geez...
Come on, Jun-kun, The other daycare teachers also pass by here... Jun: (thoughts) Even though I... Would say “No thanks,” to something so tough now...
p.123
Jun: (thoughts) It's so... Guy2: Come to think of it, Jun-kun...
You were going to apply to another school's medical school, And become a doctor, right? Isn't that what you said? SFX: Bu; pfft. Takuya: He said that, he said that! He was even studying.
Jun: Please forget about that. Takuya: I thought it would be impossible for you. Even in our college, you're a dummy who had to repeat a year.
Guy2: But you know, Even if you give up, to challenge yourself with something,
I don't think it's useless.
p.124
Jun: (thoughts) Admittedly, I thought about it back then. I just wanted to save little children, and at some point or other that feeling faded.
I'm home. (thoughts) Somehow I'm... uncool.
Sumire: Let's Play!!
SFX: Kyahaha! Pappa! SFX: Pi; beep. Won't you be my friend?
Jun: Oh! What, it's just a toy. SFX: Kya kya! I was wondering when you got so good at talking... SFX: Ha, ah!
Wait... That's not right!! Why are you in my house?! Mother: Jun?!
p.125
Mother: What are you fussing about in the doorway? We have guests.
Jun: Oh! Old lady, what's she doing h...
Mother: Don't call me “old lady”! Punch!!
Hoho! Sorry about that. I made you see something unsightly. Sumire: Mama! Mother: My stupid son is...
Kaoru-chan used to work as an aesthetician in my store. She was incredible. A lot of customers insisted on her. But she suddenly became pregnant and quit. Kaoru: Sorry. At that time, my morning sickness was really bad...
p.126
Mother: I was so surprised! I went into a restaurant, and there was Kaoru-chan. Kaoru: I was surprised, too. Mother: I thought surely you would be working for another salon.
But I guess if you have a baby, it could be impossible to work in a salon. Jun: I don't get it. Kaoru: Yeah.
Mother: Jun, you remember, right? I think it was about two years ago. At the salon's 15-year anniversary party. Didn't you make a pass at Kaoru-chan?
Jun: Ahhh! Mother: Geez. You'll surprise the baby.
Jun: (thoughts) I remember! From that time... Miss, Why are you making such a sad face?
p.127
Kaoru: You... You're the owner's son... Jun: Were you Dumped by your boyfriend?
Am I right? Kaoru: It's not that I was dumped or anything... It just wasn't going that well... Err, what am I saying, to a younger man...
Jun: If it were me, I wouldn't make a wonderful lady like you
Sad, Miss. Uwaah... The memories are resurfacing. How embarrassing...
Mother: Well? Kaoru-chan, have you thought about what we discussed before?
p.128
Kaoru: About the opening staff in Sapporo? Mother: Yes. For a store, the first month is the battle. If you could be there, it would help so much. Jun: Ehh? When did you create that one?
C... Congratulations...
Kaoru: I'm very sorry, but... There isn't anyone who can look after this child.
Even if I brought her with me to Sapporo... When I get back, there's no guarantee I'll be able to take her back to the daycare.
Mother: I see. That's too bad. Kaoru: Sorry. For you to worry about someone like me, who selfishly quit your store... I'm so grateful.
Mother: It's tough for single mothers. Ah, oh yeah...
My son had a baby left to him before.
p.129
Mother: Come to think of it, that turned out to be a mistake. What was it...? Jun: Mom, you didn't notice before? It's her.
Kaoru: But I'm really the source of all this. I'm very sorry.
p.130
Jun: Umm... The real father can't look after her? Even for just a month? Kaoru: It's probably... No use.
Even when I talked to him about Sumire... He said, “There's no way that's my child.” Somehow I've gotten him to accept it, but... I also, umm... There was the thing with you, Jun-kun, so I couldn't say it that strongly... Sorry.
I was stupid, too. Although he was saying that, I thought once she was born, surely... He would come to love the baby.
Also... His father is the director of a company, and he spoke to me harshly, saying I was after his inheritance. So... I just... Jun: W...
What the heck!! SFX: Biku; shock.
Ah, uh-oh...
p.131
SFX: Suuuu; zzzzz. Jun: *sigh*
You should... Show Sumire to him, And how tough things are for you. It's not as if you're the only one with a responsibility.
I'll go with you, so no matter what...! Ah, but maybe you wouldn't like that...
p.132
Old Lady: Unfortunately both madam and master are out. The young master contacted me to say that he would be home soon. Please wait a bit.
Jun: Incredible. I've never seen a house that had servants before. Kaoru: Me, too... This is the first time I've actually gone into his house.
Jun: I've only seen the living room, but it's incredible. Both of our houses could fit in here.
Sumire: *Donk* Gyaaa!
p.133
SFX: Nwaaaa nwa nwa; roll roll roll. SFX: “n”wa nwa; roll roll. ← Stuck. Jun: Sumire!!
Kaoru: What are you doing? SFX: Waaaaah! Jun: Okay, okay. Hey, hey, you're fine.
Kaoru: Gorou-chan! Jun: Goro-chan? SFX: Pu; snrk (Jun trying not to laugh). TL NOTE: I think the joke here is that Gorou is a very fancy, very masculine name and she calls him “-chan.”
Kaoru: Umm... I want to ask you a favor today... It's about Sumire... Gorou: This is a problem for me. You doing this... When supposedly we don't have a relationship anymore.
I already acknowledged it, and paid the appropriate money. In exchange, you said you would raise her by yourself. Yet you still intrude on me in my home... To put it bluntly, you're a nuisance.
p.135
Gorou: Moreover, it's still suspicious that it's really my child. You should be grateful I even acknowledged her.
Even though I told you I wanted you to abort... You're the one who went ahead and gave birth to her.
Jun: Why you...! Kaoru: Stop, Jun-kun!
It's Okay. Let's go home.
Sumire: * Whine *
Uwaaaah! Mamaaaa! Kaoru: Sumire...
p.136
Kaoru: Well then, Sorry for intruding.
SFX: Gacha; clack.
Old Lady: Madam!! You're home.
Mother: Where's Gorou? In his room? Jun: Uwah, ignored... Old Lady: Y... Yes.
Mother: Gorou-san. I heard you quit the company?
p.137
Gorou: It has nothing to do with you, Mom. Mother: Of course it has something to do with me! It's your father's company.
Jun: Sorry. It's because I said we should go... It made you have unpleasant thoughts.
Kaoru: No, it's okay. I should've known it would turn out like this. How stupid of me. Wanting to rely on him at this point...
I'll just give up on going to Sapporo after all.
p.138
Kaoru: I'm happy that the owner Still believes in me, but... Right now... I've got to be grateful just to be able to work, and that the daycare will look after her.
Hey, Sumire. Wake up. Sumire: Mmmm.
Kaoru: If you sleep now, you'll be awake at strange times... SFX: Funyaaa; hmmm. (sleepy mumbling)
(thoughts) Stop this, me! It's just a month, right? It seems like Sumire's used to me. (thoughts) Don't promise without thinking it through! I can manage for a month, somehow.
p.139
Jun: Right, Sumire?
(thoughts) Remember how rough those days were! SFX: Kyahaha!
Guy2: You're going to be raising her again??
What were you thinking? Back then, there was no choice because you thought she might be your child, but... Now you know that's not true! Takuya: Geez, you're too good-natured with women. Jun: Be quiet. I'm really regretting it right now. COVER: The baby-raising book. (Can't read the rest.)
p.140
Guy2: Did she already leave for Sapporo? Jun: Yeah. Today she left Sumire with me and went to the airport. My mom will be gone for a while for the opening too, so for now it's just the two of us.
Girl: Ohh? Nagai, what are you reading? A child-rearing book? Funny! Are you using it to pick up girls or something?
Jun: (thoughts) Huuuge chest.
That's right! Wanna have my child? SFX: Yusa yusa; wobble wobble. SFX: Kyaaa! Girl: Pervy!
SFX: Bako; smack. Takuya: Yeah, yeah. Guy2: What stupid things are you saying?
My older sister has five children, so I know child-rearing is hard. Even if you're only looking after them, you have to take responsibility! This is not the child of a dog or a cat.
p.141
Jun: I know. (thoughts) It's not like I made this offer lightly.
(thoughts) I just... Hello. I've come to get Sumire. SIGN: Tatsumaki Daycare
SFX: Ha; ah!
SFX: Kyaaa! Daycare Lady: It's Sumire-chan's papa! Boss Lady: What are you guys doing?
Sumire: Papa!!
p.142
Jun: Here you go! SFX: Kyaaaaa! How have you been?
Sumire: Papa! Uuuuup, uuuup!
Jun: (thoughts) I'm not your papa, though... Ah, oh well. It's just the two of us from now on. Don't work me too hard.
Daycare Lady: Here, Ueda-san. Moe-chan was energetic today as usual. Ueda: Huh? Who is that?
Daycare Lady: Huh? Ohh, Sumire-chan and her papa? Ueda: You say that, but it seems like he's not her father...
p.143
Daycare Lady: Sumire-chan's mama is A single mother, and he's a friend of hers. He's too cool to be a father. Due to her work, she's having him look after her for a while.
Jun: Ah, Good work.
Ueda: She really managed to force her off on you. Too bad for you.
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan, You left this.
Our contact card, and some leftover diapers. With the card, we're collecting feedback about the state of the daycare. If there's anything that's bothering you, write it out at home. ON CARD: Tatsumaki Dayc...
p.144
Jun: Ummm, That person just now... Should I get mad? Miyauchi: Oh, Ueda-san? Don't worry about her.
Her child entered the infant class about a month ago, but... She hasn't tried to open up to the other mothers, and...
She doesn't always pick up her child on time, so it's a bit of a problem.
Jun: Ah, Oh yeah, my mother's out of the house starting today, so Wanna come to my house and play? SFX: Kirari; gleam.
Miyauchi: Su... Sumire-chan's papa! I need to talk to you a second!
Jun: What, what? Bringing me to this place with no sign of life... SFX: Waku waku; excitement.
p.145
Jun: Kiss...! Miyauchi: That's not it.
Ummm, Since you're looking after Sumire-chan, That makes you a client right now... So...
For now, Maybe we shouldn't see each other personally?
SFX: Ehhhhhh!
Jun: (thoughts) What the...!
I'm home! No one's here though.
Here. Wait a little while. I'll make you some food right away.
p.146
SFX: Toko toko; step step.
SFX: Hyoi; pop (sound of Sumire popping around the corner)
Sumire: Mamma.
Jun: Hey you. Don't go running all over the place. SFX: Hyoi; pop.
Today's meal is really extravagant. Seafood risotto, stewed hamburger, and a banana. Everything except the banana is prepackaged though.
p.147
Jun: What? You can't eat by yourself yet?
Sumire: Au! Jun: Ahh!
What are you doing? The bananas I got ready for you...! SFX: Uwaaah! < Purururu purururu; ring ring >
Yes, Hello? SFX: Ugyaaaa! Sumire: *Sob* *Sob* Jun: Sorry, it's hard to hear you.
Kaoru: It's me, Kaoru. I just got done with work. Sorry for calling you at a tough time. How is Sumire?
Jun: Oh, Right now, we're in the middle of eating, and battling. Will you talk to her a little? SFX: Uwaaaah! Hey, Sumire, it's your mama.
p.148
SFX: Waaaah! Kaoru: Sumire?
Sumire: Mama.
Mama! Mama! Jun: Uh, Sumire. Your mama's in here.
Sumire: Maamaa. Kaoru: Sumire, I'm sorry.
I can't be with you all the time. Be a good girl. Sumire: Mama.
Jun: You're okay now, right, Sumire?
p.149
Sumire: Uwaaah! Jun: Hello? Is work going well? Kaoru: Yes. The owner's still swamped with preparations for tomorrow at the salon.
Jun-kun. Sorry. I'm not in a position to be relying on you, but... I'm really grateful.
Jun: Well, the fact that Sumire's father thinks of you that way, Is my responsibility too, so... (thoughts) At that time... (thoughts) I said forcefully that I would look after her, but... Do your best this month and come back.
(thoughts) By doing so... Kaoru: Sorry. Jun: (thoughts) The dreams that I gave up on so quickly... I thought I would have an excuse.
For myself, who ended up smoking again when I had sworn to give up cigarettes.
Sumire, I'll make you some more food, so...
p.150
SFX: Gaaan; powww. SFX: Bun bun; swish swish. Jun: (thoughts) What is going on?
Hey, Sumire!! SFX: Biku; surprise.
Sumire: Mamaa... SFX: Fueeeen; uwaaaah.
Jun: Mom, wait. Don't go to work.
SFX: Egu egu; sob sob. Sumire: Waaaah! SFX: Pon pon; pat pat.
Sumire: *sob sob* Jun: We've both... Been made to suffer by our mothers.
p.151
Jun: (thoughts) It's strange, isn't it? I had forgotten how sad I was when my mother left me behind. Miyauchi: All night?
Jun: Yeah. She endlessly woke up and cried “Mamaa!” Miyauchi: She thinks she's been left behind. Child: Sensei, Good morning! Jun: But before she got attached to me right away...
Miyauchi: That's... Because babies grow with such force. Her sense of self Is steadily growing now.
Jun: Well, I'm leaving. Miyauchi: You should run.
Jun: I'll come get you tonight! Miyauchi: (Yuuko) Bye byyyye!
p.152
Sumire: Hm?
SFX: Ngyaaaaa!; uwaaaaaah! Miyauchi: Don't turn around and look behind you... Child: She's crying.
Jun: (thoughts) Many difficulties are in store.
SFX: Chira; glance.
Oh, good. She's in a good mood, watching TV.
p.153
Child: Mama! Mother: Sorry. Mama has to go.
Child: Mama!! Mama!! Don't go, Mama!!
Jun: S- Sumire!! It's nice weather, so why don't we go to the park?!
SIGN: Municipal Raimonta Park
TEXT: Celebrated Park Debut~
p.154
Jun: Shall we play in the sandbox? Sumire: Kyau!
Mother: Hey! Mother: My child always plays there.
Jun: Is that so? Sorry.
Mother: Well! <3
You're so young! Are you playing with your little sister~? Jun: Ah, No. Mother: Hm? Then, you're her father? No waaaay!
How old are yooou? Jun: E...
Excuse me...! Mother: Ah, wait!
p.155
Jun: Ahhh, That was scary. Sumire: Scaaare.
Jun: (thoughts) Hm? Isn't that the woman who was at the daycare with me...? Grumpy Ueda.
Ueda: Come on, Drink it. SFX: Eeee; Ngggg.
You're hungry, aren't you? If you don't drink your milk, Mother will be grumpy with me again.
“This child isn't drinking any milk, is she?” “That's why she isn't growing well.”
p.156
“Of course that's the wrong way to do it.” “But, in the child-rearing book...” “What are you going to learn from relying on a book? Young people these days are all this way.” “If she won't stop crying, isn't it because your way of raising her is bad? You're her mother, so take care of her properly.”
SFX: Ngyaaaa; uwaaaah! Ueda: … Why are you crying...??
Jun: Maybe she's just tired?
Hello. We go to the same daycare, don't we? This one is often fussy, too.
I just figured it out the other day, That if they're sleepy, it's best to have them sleep as soon as possible, you know? Baby: Uwah uwah! SFX: Ueee; uwah!
p.157
Ueda: … Talk as if... Jun: Huh?
Ueda: Don't talk as if you know anything! Something as obvious as that is in all the child-rearing books and magazine articles. From someone like you who's raising a child on a whim, I don't want to hear that!
SFX: Haa; sigh.
Jun: Is that so? I'm... Sorry.
Let's go, Sumire.
Ueda: Are they cute?
p.158
Ueda: Babies, are they cute? Even a stranger's child?
Jun: That's... Ueda: I've... Never thought so.
I've never once thought... That they were cute. They're so soft, like dolls. And they don't understand speech.
It's just like I'm looking at an alien.
p.159
Guy2: But it seems there are a lot of them. People like that, Who don't think their own child is cute.
Anyway, it's embarrassing to talk to something that can't answer, right? People who can't get past that hurdle and such, It's not mistreatment or anything, But, If it continues,
It often becomes a kind of mistreatment called “neglect.” Jun: “Neg”... Guy2: Giving up on child-rearing. To stop raising your child, Not feeding them or changing their diapers. There are a lot of kids who are neglected by their parents that way.
Takuya: But... For parents like that who don't love their children to be increasing...
Is mankind On the path to destruction? SFX: Shobon; dejected. Guy2: Stop it! You're saying scary things.
Jun: (thoughts) I also thought that I hated brats. And even now, I think that kids other than Sumire are noisy and get angry.
p.161
Jun: (thoughts) But now I really think that Sumire is cute. If I were her mother, wouldn't that just be natural?
Guy2: Ah! Oh yeah. My older sister told me to give you these, Jun-kun. Here, go with Sumire. Jun: What's this?
Guy2: Admission tickets for Tomashi Park. It seems there's a hero show.
Girl: Kyaaa! The cyborg Takohidora has appeared! SFX: Ueeeen; whoooooa! Someone: He's scary! Someone: Oh, no! Girl: Let's all call for Desert Man!
p.162
All: Deseeeert Maaaan! Girl: Louder!
Sumire: Jaaaaa Maaaa!
Jun: (thoughts) Why is she getting so worked up? That only sounded like “jama,” too. Sumire: Jaaaa Maaaa!
Desert: Hiya! Jun: (thoughts) What a shabby play. Girl: Kyaaaa! You're so cool, Desert Man!
Jun: How was it? Wasn't it fun? You like Power Rangers and such.
Sumire, How come you're all clenched up? Woman: Look, a young father. Woman: Really!
Jun: (thoughts) That face...
p.162
SFX: Hooooo; ahhhhhh. Jun: It stinks! Don't say “ahh”! Now you've done it. I've got to change your diaper somewhere.
SIGN: Can change diapers here. This one's a women's restroom, too. They don't have these in the men's rooms... And I can't put her on the floor to change her...
Now, she's... Got poop under her butt, right? So why can she smile?
So that means I'm carrying around poop right now.
Ahh, geez! Don't think of strange things.
SIGN: Entry forbidden to unauthorized people Ah! I'll use that place.
Okay. That feels better.
p.163
SFX: Kyaaa! Jun: Hurry up and at least learn To use the toilet yourself. SFX: Gacha; clack.
Gorou: This place should be off-limits to unauthorized people. Jun: Sorry, I just came to change her diaper...
You...! SMALL TEXT: Finger.
SFX: Pu; snrk (stifled laughter).
You were the enemy just now... Takohitora's underling. Gorou: It's my job. Leave me alone.
p.164
Jun: Your job... I thought I heard you worked at your father's company. Gorou: I quit. I had always wanted to be an actor.
I told that to Kaoru, too.
That eventually I would leave my house. That it would be a problem for me if she was relying on my inheritance.
Jun: What the heck? Saying such a cruel thing to her...
Gorou: When she told me I had gotten her pregnant, I asked her to abort it. But she went ahead and gave birth to it, and came asking me to acknowledge the baby. I couldn't help but think she was harassing me, or aiming for my inheritance.
p.165
Jun: Why you...! If you say one more word...! Gorou: Well,
It really is my child, I suppose. Jun: (thoughts) Oh, without hesitating... Gorou: We have the same blood type, after all.
Jun: From just the blood type, you...? Gorou: That child and I are both AB–. You know, right?
The odds of that.
Jun: (thoughts) I'm also... AB–... TL NOTE: Rh– blood types are rare (0.4%) in Japan, and AB is only 6% of the population, making only about 1 in 4000 Japanese AB–. Scientifically this is not a very accurate way to determine paternity though.
p.166
Jun: Height, 47.2cm. ON COVER: Maternity Record Book Mother's name: Yamabuki Kaoru. Weight, 2760g. I don't know whether that's large or small.
Blood type. It's true, You're AB–. Sumire: Au?
Jun: Ahhh, It's okay Sumire, take a nap. If you don't sleep, I won't get anything done.
(thoughts) If she...
Is convinced that he's the father based on the blood type... There's a chance for me, too...
No, no, there's no way. We only did it once that night, for a child to be conceived... No way, no way.
p.167
Jun: (thoughts) I think she's cute. When she left, it broke my heart, and I was lonely.
SFX: Gaaan; dunnn! It's nighttime!! This precious time... I wasted it sleeping! Sumire: Pappa. Jun: And Sumire's awake!! (thoughts) But...
Woman: It's been almost a month now, hasn't it?
p.168
Woman: That's right. It seemed long, but it went by in a flash. That's good, Sumire-chan. Your mom will be coming back. Sumire: Mama?
SFX: Uru; quiver.
← Looks like she remembered. Woman: Ah, Sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have said that.
Jun: Hey, Sumire. Come here.
SFX: Pui; turn away.
Ueda: Are they cute?
p.169
Ueda: Even a stranger's child?
Sumire: Nyaa! Nyanyaa! Oooooh!!
TV: Let's do it again! Sumire: Nya! Nyaa! Ooh! Ooh! Jun: I don't get it. Oh yeah, didn't the old lady say she would be back after a week? She's not back yet.
Hello? Ah, Kaoru-san?
Kaoru: Ummm, I have a favor to ask you. I want you to look after Sumire a little while longer.
Jun: Eh? Well, okay. What is it? Are you busy with work over there? Kaoru: … Yes.
p.170
Jun: I can manage for a little while. She's used to me now. Ah, can you hear her?
Here, Sumire. It's your mom.
Sumire: Mama?
Kaoru: Sumire? Sumire: Mama!
Mamaa! (Jun): Say “Come home soon!” Sumire: Guwaaah, Mamaa!
Jun: Sorry, she started crying so I'll hang up now. You don't need to worry about Sumire.
p.171
Kaoru: … I'm... Sorry. Sorry. Even though I really want to be a proper mother... I'm...
Jun: (thoughts) Somehow, She seemed kinda strange. SFX: Uaaaaaan; uwaaaaah!
Yes, yes. Ah, geez, I shouldn't have put you on the phone. SFX: Pururururu; ring ring.
Hello... Ah, mom? You're at Haneda now? TL NOTE: Haneda is an airport in Tokyo. Eh? What did you say?
Mother: Kaoru-chan has disappeared!
p.172
Mother: Hey, Are you listening?
It seems she had quite a bit of debt, That girl. She did mutter something about her mother's surgery bills before, too.
Jun: She didn't run away with the store's money or something...? Mother: No. Thanks to her, the salon is a big success. I can't thank her enough.
It's just... She borrowed from some bad people.
They found out where she was and started ambushing her in front of the store. She said she was becoming a nuisance to the store.
p.173
Mother: If she had only come to me for advice... I would have introduced her To a lawyer, or something.
Sumire: Papa.
Jun: Before you called, mom, She contacted me. Mother: No way! What did she say?
Jun: She said she wanted me to look after Sumire a little longer. Now that I think about it, she seemed a little strange.
Like she was under a lot of pressure... Kaoru: Sorry.
p.174
Mother: Well? What will you do with this child? Jun: Huh? Mother: It's one thing for her to say that, but...
She left her behind once before, And even if she said she would come back for her, there's no guarantee when that will be.
If you know who the real father is, Wouldn't it be best to have him take care of her? Jun: (thoughts) Have him...
Gorou: She went ahead and gave birth to it.
Jun: There's definitely no way. Right?
p.175
SFX: Geeee; bleeeeh.
Jun: What the heck, geez! I just changed you into those clothes! (thoughts) But...
How long can I keep this up?
What should we have today?
Sumire: Stand! Stand! Jun: What, you want to walk?
Okay, but just for a little while.
p.176
ON BOX: Choco Honey Jun: I'm not buying that, you know.
Miyauchi: Umm, Excuse me, I'm the person you contacted At the daycare.
p.179
Man: Sorry for asking you to take the trouble to come. Sumire-chan, Nagai-san.
Man: Then, This is the girl who looks after her, so there's no mistake, right? Someone: Yes. The daycare said so as well.
Man: Sorry about this. Anyway, there have been a lot of dangerous incidents lately...
Jun: Sorry, suddenly... Miyauchi: I was surprised when I got the call at the daycare.
p.180
Miyauchi: But kidnapping? That's so rude...
Jun-kun, What's wrong?
Sumire: Maa maa!
Jun: I... (thoughts) I'm... (thoughts) Just a college student. Can't do anything.
Miyauchi: Wai... Jun-kun... Jun: (thoughts) There's nothing tying me to Sumire.
p.181
Jun: (thoughts) Nothing... Mother: Jun, Someone called Tsubaki-san called for you.
Jun: Tsubaki... Who was that again? Mother: It seems it was from Sumire-chan's father's house. Jun: Eh?
Mother: She said they want you to bring Sumire-chan there. Sumire: Ooh!
Tsubaki: I tried to contact Kaoru-san, but... She wasn't at her apartment.
It was rude of me to investigate, but... I was told you're taking care of her at your house.
p.182
Tsubaki: Where is that child today? Jun: She's At the daycare now. Tsubaki: I see. I'm sorry, the other day I didn't even greet you... Jun: (thoughts) What's with this lady?
Yeah... (thoughts) Even though she was glaring at me so much before... Tsubaki: By the way, The reason I had you come here today...
Is that I've been thinking of Taking charge of that child in my house.
Since I'm asking, hasn't the mother disappeared? Jun: But she said she'd be back in a little while... Tsubaki: I wonder. From the start, this was the result of my son's carelessness. I think it's logical that I do this.
That's all right, isn't it?
p.183
Tsubaki: I will go and pick her up from that daycare. Since she might be confused if you're there, Nagai-san...
Thank you for everything until now. Jun: What the heck. If that's the case, take care of her from the start.
SFX: Ga; bam.
SFX: Goto; tunk. Cat: Nya!
Jun: Sorry, sorry. SFX: Fuuuu; hiss. Cat: If you'd hit me, I'd have died. Jun: Don't be mad.
I give you food sometimes, don't I? Here. Cat: Stop.
You're so light. (thoughts) It's fine. It's a big difference from Sumire.
Being taken in by that house is a lot better than being with someone like me.
Announcer: Tomorrow after the Desert Man show there will also be an autograph session! Jun: (thoughts) It's soon, isn't it? Time to pick up Sumire. Gorou: Oh?
p.185
Gorou: You Again?
Jun: I see, That job again... SFX: Pu; snort. Gorou: You're not with that little one today... Oh yeah, my mother said... That she arranged for her to be taken in by some relatives, didn't she?
Jun: Wait a second! So your house isn't taking her in? Gorou: Of course not. My mother saw Kaoru come to our house the other day, And got worried.
Rather than waiting until the next time she comes and asks for money, taking her in now, And giving her to some relatives who want a child is a lot better, is what she's thinking. That's just like my parents.
Jun: You're talking about your own child. Gorou: You're... A partner that Kaoru cheated with just once, right?
p.186
Gorou: What's your Blood type?
Although it doesn't matter At this point.
A brat who was abandoned by both her mother and her father... SFX: Gakon; clatter. She'll finally be able to go somewhere that'll take her in. SIGN: Can
Jun: She didn't abandon Sumire!
Gorou: Yes she did. Of course, I did too. And you as well.
p.187
Gorou: That all parents would think their child is cute... Is an illusion. Jun: (thoughts) Cute?
Ueda: I've never once thought that they were cute.
Mother: Hey, I caught you! Apologize to Onii-san!! SFX: Guri guri; noogie noogie. Child: I will! Owow! Soooorrrrry!
Jun: (thoughts) The mother-child notebook... Or rather, the case for it... I've got to return this too.
SFX: Hira; flutter.
p.189
SIGN: March 3rd. Yamabuki Kaoru.
ON PAGE: Mother-child... Sumire's records, March 3rd... TL NOTE: I can't read the small text at the bottom.
ON PAGE: March 3rd Safe delivery. Newborn... Look like monkeys... Kaoru: March 3rd. Safe delivery. Newborn babies really look like monkeys. But she's very cute.
I named her Sumire. So that she'll become beautiful and kind like a flower. Her one-month checkup. The nurse was surprised that she's already 5kg. Not much milk is coming out. I'm uneasy. All she does is cry. I wonder why. It makes me want to cry too. Today she conquered rolling over. She seemed so happy to be moving, she did it over and over again.
p.190
ON PAGE: ...The first time she called me Mama... ...She doesn't have a father, but... ...right? I love you so much, Sumire. ^_^
I love you so much. Sumire.
Jun: (thoughts) That's right.
Sumire: Maamaa! Jun: (thoughts) It's not as if she's not loved, by her mother or by me. She's cute, and we can't leave her alone...
p.191
Jun: (thoughts) Of course She's loved!!
p.192
Mother: But you know... Mother: No way!
Ueda: What's going on? Mother: Ah, Ueda-san. Mother: Well, it's... Someone's here to get Sumire-chan now, but... It seems it's someone from her real father's house!
But... It seems Sumire-chan's mother has disappeared. Mother: Oh, But wasn't Sumire-chan's papa raising her? Mother: It was no good after all. I mean, she's a stranger's child, right?
Mother: I mean, there are times When you even want to throw away your own child. Ueda: That's true.
Miyauchi: Come on, Sumire-chan. Someone's here to get you. SIGNS: Good energy! Get along!
p.193
Jun: Sumire!!
(thoughts) If... I were separated from Sumire this way...
SFX: Totata; step step.
Sumire: Papa!!
Papa! Papa! Jun: Sumire!!
p.194
Tsubaki: Hey, just what are you planning? If you're here, she'll go to the person she's used to. That's why I insisted that you not come.
Jun: (thoughts) Sumire will become a child Who was abandoned by her mother. I'll...
Raise Sumire.
I promised her. That until she comes back. (thoughts) “That's not true. You were properly loved.” So I'll raise her. (thoughts) I have to tell her that.
p.195
Tsubaki: What a stupid thing to... You'll regret it if you make this decision based on such a sudden feeling. Jun: I'm serious.
Tsubaki: Urk...
I understand. In that case, never cross the threshold Of my home again.
Jun: Please stop! Mother: But you're so cool! SFX: Hyuu; whistle.
Ueda: You look stupid. Acting like the hero of a drama, when of course you'll regret it.
Mother: Geez, Ueda-san! Mother: Why would you say such a thing? SFX: Hiso hiso; whisper whisper.
SFX: Ta; dash.
Jun: Ueda-san.
Ueda-san, umm... Ueda: What? You've got a complaint? I only said what I was thinking. Jun: No, that's not it... There's something I want you to hear.
p.197
Jun: Umm, uhh... For example...
Even aliens, if you don't smile at them first, I don't think you can build ties of friendship. Ueda: Huh? What are you talking about?
Jun: No, See...
I... Do think I'll regret saying that I'll take care of Sumire. Because even now, there are constantly times that make me angry and there's nothing I can do about it. But...
When I see Sumire's smile, All that goes flying away somewhere.
p.198
Sumire: Paapaa!
SFX: Bata; thunk.
SFX: Agggggh! Jun: I know, I know. It hurt, didn't it?
Baby: Ehn! Uwa!
Gya!
p.199
Ueda: (thoughts) Geez... Weren't you just asleep a second ago? At least sleep for 30 minutes. SFX: Pata pata; step step. SFX: Gyaaa!
SFX: Gyaaa!
Ueda: Yes, yes. I gave you milk, didn't I? SFX: Gyaa gyaa gyaa! Your diaper isn't wet, so why are you crying?
“Even aliens, if you don't smile at them first...”
Looook, You're a good girl. SFX: Uaaaa geeeeeh. Dwon't cwy.
SFX: Kaa; blush.
Ahh, how embarrassing...
p.200
Baby: Kya! Kya!
Kya, Kya.
“But...”
“When I see Sumire's smile, All that goes flying away somewhere.”
p.201
Someone: Kaoru-chan, An A special is up. SIGN: Semionowa. Kaoru: Yeeeees.
Thanks for waiting, here's your A special. SIGN: Sanma... Customer: Thanks. Kaoru-chan, you're a hottie today as well. SIGN: Denya... SIGN: Croque Madame SIGN: Nan... TAG ON SHIRT: Semionowa. Kaoru: Geez, Yama-san. ON SHIRT: Noh
Someone: Kaoru-chan, will you do a delivery for me? Kaoru: Yeees! SIGN: Adam Cooper Semionowa-san Bay Guy: That tenant Kaoru-chan sure is a hard-worker. Unlike most young people these days. Thanks for the food. At any rate, it seems she's paying back debt She incurred paying for her late mother's medical treatment.
Guy: That's rough... Kaoru: I'll be back! Jun: (thoughts) In this world...
There are a huge number of children who have been abandoned by their parents. SIGN: Film distribution- “Dandelion” Audition Location
Someone: Well then, Number 21.
p.202
Someone: Could we have you act As if this doll is your child, and hold it?
Jun: (thoughts) Though I think it's true that there are parents Who don't know how to love their children well...
p.203
Jun: (thoughts) But I still believe...
Aggggh! Sumire!!
The report I... Stayed up all night finishing...! SFX: Ahahaha ahahaha.
Why didn't you stop her?! Stupid old lady. Mother: Now then, I'm off on my business trip.
SFX: Gakkuri; slump. Sumire: Pappa. Kay, kay. ← It seems she's trying to encourage him. Kay, kay. TL NOTE: I wasn't sure how to tl this. She's saying “nai, nai” which I assume is part of “mondai nai” or “no problem”... I was going to put “no prob” but that seems a little complex for a 1yr old to pronounce. So I put "kay," meaning "okay."
p.204
SFX: Uga; grr! Jun: It's your fault-!
Sumire: Kiss!
Jun: (thoughts) That really, everyone Wants to love.
She may become a devil woman... Sumire: Nya nya! Nya u! < Continued in volume 2. >
p.205
Kurita Riku's self-appointed NY Diary In September of 2003, I suddenly ended up going to NY. I had been invited long before, but it had just been decided that I would go to Guam in August, and I thought it wouldn't be good to continue that trip, so I turned it down.
“But” The Guam trip was postponed. Cat: I'm gonna die... But Bunta, my cat who would turn 20 soon, suddenly had his body condition worsen, and seemed like he would die, so... Bubble: Eek! For canceling the trip, I lost 20,000 yen x 3 people's shares... *sweat* When I told this to M, who had invited me, saying that I wished I had agreed to go to NY, she pushed strongly, “Well let's just go now then!” Kurita: But... Err... However... … Is how I hesitated. Friend: If you'll go... … Is what she said. And so, my first trip to NY in ten years was decided. On my HP, I slowly keep a diary, and I thought I would do the same in NY.
And I will present it here.
But when going overseas, I've only done tours. For the first time I bought my own tickets. And I was by myself on the plane, too (because M went to NY about 4 days ahead of me). * heart pounds *
Also, because I had just seen the movie “The Bone Collector” on video, (getting in the taxi from the airport, whether that guy was a murderer and I would be taken away somewhere to be killed...) I was full of unease...
Well, I was looking forward to it, too.
BUBBLE: I wonder why I watched it when I had read the work it's based on, and knew the content...
p.206
September 14, 2003
Arrived at NY. Although it was my first time by myself on an airplane going overseas, I was surprisingly fine. I was working, so it went by in a flash. I got in the car I had reserved online to pick me up, and went to Manhattan.
NY's scenery was just like I remembered, so it was nostalgic. But the Twin Towers were really gone, so I really felt that there had been terrorism.
My hotel is located in Gramercy Park, so it's the Gramercy Park Hotel. I met up with M. Before long, I rested, and then went to a ballet lesson at BCD (Broadway Dance Center). This time it's my goal to attend as many ballet lessons as possible. There's a dance center next to Carnegie Hall. At the reception desk I paid the $15 fee for one session, and went to the locker room. ...Everyone in there was stark naked, so I was fine changing there.
Embarrassing... The class I took was a beginner's class. It was taught by a Russian man, and there were little kids mixed in, so it felt like a class for total amateurs.
September 15
Today I indulged in lessons.
12:00 – 1-hour en pointe beginner class. 1:15 – Advanced beginner class. After it was over, I had a lunch of yogurt and bagels in the lobby. 4:30 – I met up with M and R-san, who lives in the suburbs, and the three of us took another beginner's class. Then we got some food at the Cafe Europa next to the dance center. 8pm – Saw the musical “Rent” I had reserved tickets for. Went home on the subway. Bought some beer at a suspicious shop in the neighborhood.
September 16
Went around to a Recycle Boutique in the morning (with M). Met up with R-san on Fifth Avenue in the afternoon. Had lunch in a restaurant.
I tried on jeans at Bernie's (about 10 pairs) and bought two pairs. Also went in high-class boutique C and shopped.
Went to R-san's house, and he showed me his cute puppy.
ALONG SIDE: Metro card I bought one valid for a week.
I just couldn't get it to respond, and couldn't pass through.
Jeans. Blue Cult and Paper Denim & Cloth
The bagels I ate every morning
p.207
September 17
I went for a walk in the morning with a hotel guest in a private park that only neighborhood people can enter (if you don't have a key, you can't get in). But 30 minutes later, the old guy who said he would let us in hadn't come no matter how long we waited. And I was tired of looking at nothing but squirrels. When I explained to someone inside the park, they opened the door for us (and we were laughed at).
Lots of huge squirrels.
12:00 – Had a lesson in my en pointe class.
2:00 – Met up with M, and went on a field trip to the natural history museum. Made reservations for the opera tomorrow at Lincoln Center, and went back to the hotel.
6:30pm – Went shopping with M and R-san at Fulton Market. We met up with two more people from the NY suburbs and the five of us went to Chinatown. We had dinner at a restaurant recommended by R-san. On the way back, Little Italy was incredibly crowded. It seems there was a festival. Various floats came out, and it was incredibly hot. Went back and slept.
Dumplings that have hot soup that comes out of the middle.
September 18
10:00am – Took a beginner lesson. Today my NY lessons are over. When I told my teacher, he was increeeeeedibly surprised (because he had remembered my face), and he said to come back, and waved. I'm happy. Just in these few days... There is a child whose face I've gotten used to seeing, so I might be a little lonely...
I had heard there was a ballet supply shop nearby, but I couldn't find it. I heard from a girl in my class that it was right next door, and I bought leotards.
Blue. Black.
12:30 – I met M and R-san in front of FAO Schwartz. We shopped at Henri Bendel. We had tea at a fancy shop in Takashimaya. I went back to the hotel and packed.
7:30pm – We went to see the opera at Lincoln Center. Because of Typhoon Isabel the wind was incredible. I wonder if my plane will be able to fly tomorrow...
Typhoon Isabel.
In America, they give them girls' names. Right now Isabel is on the news somewhere every day.
September 19
I went to the airport in a texi. I got my boarding pass, and had breakfast at a McDonald's in the airport. By the way, M and I had mixed up our passports at the counter. Is this check system really okay? Went home. ON LEFT: I was by myself on the plane home as well. I watched a lot of movies. ON RIGHT: My first Mac in many years. It was good.
Well then, well then, see you in volume 2! In volume 2, I'm planning “Self-Appointed Paris Diary”!! I'm going with M, again. - Kuritahttps://mangahelpers.com/t/deanna/releases/32441Translation: Are you my child? 12011-12-04T17:00:29+00:00deannaadmin@mangahelpers.comAre you my child? v1 c01
Translated by Deanna
p.000c
Back cover: “It's your baby.” A one-year-old baby is suddenly brought. Even if you tell me that... There are too many father-child pairs like this!!
The college student playboy Jun who really loves the ladies, and the devilish, angelic one-year-old Sumire. He ends up raising her without knowing whether she's really his child...
Praising the honesty of life living with a child, Kurita Riku's heartful love story!
Flap: Babies are difficult to draw, especially the chubby part of the elbow. But if you draw it well, it will bring a smile to your face.
p.001
Are you my child? NOTE: One letter is upside-down.
Kurita Riku
p.002
Contents
vol.1 Are you my child? p3
vol.2 Do I love you? p105
p.003
vol.1 Are you my child?
p.004
“Are you my child?”
Here's volume 1. It's my first series in a while. I came up with a story like that movie from a while back, “Three Men and a Baby,” where some a boy has a baby forced upon him, and the running here and there that follows. At first, it was a story about how [face] and [face] join in on the child-raising. It didn't end up that way though...
Yamabuki Sumire. One year three months old. She's become good at standing up.
p.005
Jun: (narration) There's an opinion that The reason baby animals are cute is that it's their best and only way of protecting themselves. In other words, it's a signal to others, saying “Well, aren't I cute? Protect me.” Human babies are no exception.
But aside from animals, human brats Are noisy and depressing. I hate them.
p.006
Baby: Ah. Oo. Girls: Wahhhh. Look, look, so cute!
What are these wings? Let me take a picture! Jun: (thoughts) Guh.
What's so cute about it? It's drooling. That's unclean. And anyway, why would you bring a baby here?
SFX: Don; thud.
p.007
Mother: E... Excuse me! It's because you were running around! Hey, say “sorry”! Girl: Shorry.
Mother: Come on. Let's go.
SFX: Gaa; grr. Jun: I'm gonna eat you up!
Girl: Uh... Uh...
* All characters' names and organizations are fictional. Uwaaaa! He's gonna eat me! Mother: What? What happened? Girl: You're so mean, Jun.
p.008
Girl: That poor girl! She was crying so much. Jun: I hate brats.
Girl: Even though you like the process of making them, right?
SFX: Gui; grab. Jun: Yeah.
Now I want to do it. Girl: *Chuckle chuckle* Oh, Jun. Miyauchi: Excuse me.
That cigarette. Could you please stop holding it there?
p.009
Miyauchi: If you walk around smoking like that, It would line up with the height of a child's face, wouldn't it?
Girl: Hey, I don't recall asking you for instructions... Jun: It's fine.
It's fine if I just put it out, right? I'd never thought about a child's face. Girl: Geez.
Jun: What? Miyauchi: Oh, no, I'm grateful for your cooperation.
Jun: Hey, do you
Go around warning every single person, one by one?
p.010
Miyauchi: As much as I can!
Girl: What a strange woman. Did you see? That hairstyle, nowadays? Don't you think she probably hates us? Jun: (thoughts) She certainly was a strange woman. But...
If you notice her clothes and her hairstyle, and just look a little more... Well... Girl: Hey, Let's continue.
Jun: She's kind of my type... Maybe. Girl: Ah...
p.011
Girl: Jun...
Jun: *Pant*
This isn't bragging, but my first time was when I was 12. Since then I've had more sex than I can keep track of.
Because of that, more sperm than I can count Have made journeys in vain.
Babies: Papa! Papa!
You shouldn't walk around smoking! TEXT: All the children from all the times he's done pervy things.
Babies: Papa! SFX: Wara wara; chatter chatter. Papa!
p.012
Jun: I'll be crushed!
* In a love hotel.
Jun: (thoughts) What the hell kind of dream... SFX: Pin poooon; ding doooong.
SFX: Pin pon pin pon; ding dong ding dong. ← Just got home and back to sleep.
Old lady, you're up, aren't you? Hurry up and answer the door! SFX: Ban; bang.
p.013
Mother: I'm busy at the moment. You get it, Jun. You're an idle college student, anyway. ← Aesthetician I have to go to work now.
Jun: Don't you think your makeup is too thick? It's making your wrinkles stand out. Mother: Be quiet. Hurry and answer the door.
Jun: Yeah, yeah. Mother: Oh, and...
The next time you call me “old lady,” I'll kill you. Call me “Okaa-sama.”
Jun: Who's she kidding, “Okaa-sama”? (thoughts) My parents divorced five years ago. For a long time before that, they were a couple who seemed like there was no reason for them to be together. It was a relief, actually. My mother, who never had any self-awareness about being a mother, has been running wild and having more and more fun.
p.014
SFX: Ding doooong. Jun: (thoughts) Such a person shouldn't even put on the mask of being a mother. SFX: Gacha; clack. Coming, coming.
Sumire: Pa. Pa.
p.015
Sumire: Papa. Jun: (thoughts) Yes? Sumire: Up. NOTE: She's saying “dakko,” which means “hold,” or “hug,” but I think English-speaking babies normally say “up”? I'm not a parent. @_@
LETTER: This is your child. Her name is Sumire. She is one year old. I've been raising her up until now, but I'm at my limit. There are diapers and (rest is cut off) SFX: Puru puru; tremble tremble. Jun: (thoughts) My child?!
SFX: Tata; patter.
Jun: Ah! Hey, wait!
Sumire: Papa, Uuuup! SFX: Uwaaaan; uwaaaaah!
SFX: Uwaaaan; uwaaaaah!
p.016
Jun: (thoughts) What... It's my child, It's my child. (thoughts) What's going on here? It's my child. SFX: Butsu butsu butsu; mutter mutter mutter. SFX: Uwaaaaan; uwaaaaah!
Mother: Oh my, So it finally turned out like this, did it?
That's not good. You know, if you didn't date so randomly... Jun: I don't want to be told that by you. You know if it's my child, you're its grandmother. SFX: Biku; surprise.
SFX: Ngyaaaaaa; uwaaaaagggggh (stronger crying) Ahhh, geez. What the heck should I do? Mother: She's probably hungry, huh? There was milk with her, too.
Jun: Ummm, Three level spoonfuls... How do you level it? ON CAN: Kurita MILK. Milk for babies older than a year. Follow-up milk.
p.017
Jun: (thoughts) So it's my child? What a joke. I've never had a mishap before.
Well, There was one time that I thought, “This is bad.”
But that was several years ago... Oh, but it takes a child some time to be born, doesn't it?
More and more things are coming to mind.
SFX: Ngu; urg. Here, it's food.
SFX: Fungyaaaaa; uwaaaaagggggh (strong crying) What the heck, aren't you hungry? Mother: You dummy, It's too hot. Give it to me.
p.018
SFX: Naaaaa; wahhhh! Mother: Yeah. About like this, I think.
Here. Come here.
See? It's food. SFX: Nku; smack.
SFX: Nku nku nku; smack smack smack. Ohhh. So much energy! You must have been really hungry. SFX: Kusu kusu; chuckle chuckle.
There, all done. What are you looking at? SFX: Gefu; burp. Jun: Well, I was just thinking that you were a mother to start with... Mother: Of course I am!
Well, from here on you do it yourself. I'm going to work. Jun: W... Wait a second! I was going to go to class now...! Please!
p.019
Mother: If you earn some money, I'll think about it. Being a babysitter. * It seems she thinks babysitting is easier.
Jun: She's...
Takuya: This is divine punishment. You're too loose with women.
Jun: I'm normal. You're the weird one, only knowing one woman. Takuya: Don't call it weird!
Guy2: A baby, huh! That's nice. They're so cute. Next time show us! Ehehe. Jun: I'll give her To you.
Guy2: No Thanks.
p.020
Guy2: But Is it really your baby, Jun-kun? Takuya: There is the possibility that it's just an abandoned baby.
Jun: About that... I might remember it...
Once I thought about it, The thought that “Maybe it was that?” came rolling out... SFX: Kichiku; what a brute!
I tried calling the police, too, but They kept asking if it really had nothing to do with me... Takuya: That's true. Jun: And when I got flustered, they said that if I really figured it out, They'd write up a bulletin.
Guy2: Anyway, wouldn't it be best to find that girl? And ask her the truth.
Takuya: But what about the baby until then? Guy2: Take a break from school, And find someone to look after the baby. Jun: Look after... Oh yeah! Takuya, your house!
p.021
Jun: You guys run a temple, and you have a daycare, don't you? Will you let me put her in there? Takuya: No way, no way. There are a lot of kids on stand-by. TL NOTE: 待機児童 (taikijidou), or stand-by children.
Jun: Automatic celebrities? TL NOTE: 大器自動 (taikijidou), or great talent automation. These are not the same kanji that Takuya used. Jun doesn't know the term for stand-by children. ← * Wrong. Takuya: Children who want to enroll but can't. They're waiting for openings.
It's different from kindergarten, because working parents leave their children there. So there's an order of priority. For example, if we knew you were living with your parents or something and they could take care of the child, you would have a lower priority. These days there are a lot of single mothers, so for someone like you who lives with your mother, it could be tough.
Jun: You sure know a lot. Takuya: Well, I plan to take it over someday. Jun: The temple? Or the daycare? Takuya: Both.
Jun: (thoughts) This is kind of incredible. (bubble) I thought he was stupid... Even though there's nothing I want to do... Guy2: Anyway...
p.022
Guy2: What if you go to the houses of all the girls you know? Jun: Yeah... There's a lot, so it could be tough. SFX: Haa; sigh. Takuya: You're making us not want to help.
Jun: (thoughts) For now, I need to get my mom to look after her... SFX: Uwaaaaan; uwaaaah!
Mother: Ah, Good. I was thinking of going out after this. SFX: Ahhhhhh; gaaaaah. I just can't get this kid to stop crying. Jun: (thoughts) What is This disaster scene?
Mother: I remembered. I really hated raising children. I had forgotten. I've decided to go on a month-long business trip to Hokkaido after this. Jun: Whaaaat?
Mother: I'm leaving! I think she'll need a diaper change soon. Jun: D.... Diaper?
SFX: Ueeeeeen; (strong crying).
p.023
Jun: (thoughts) Diapers... What do I do with this?
Takuya: How to put on a diaper? SFX: Gyahahahaha; Ahahahaha. Jun: Shut up! If you're going to run a daycare someday, you should know, right? Tell me.
Jun: First take off the dirty diaper... Oh, it's heavy... Takuya: Well that's because it's full. Sumire: Uwaah.
Takuya: What's wrong? Jun: Err, Nothing. (thoughts) I see. So this child was a girl. SFX: Kya kya; (playful shrieks)
Hey, Don't move.
Didn't I tell you not to move? Ah, Why you little... I messed up.
SFX: Haaaaaa; siiiiiiiigh. I'm suddenly exhausted. Takuya: You should buy a lot of diapers in advance.
Also, if you have wet wipes for when you wipe her bottom, that's handy. Jun: W... Wait a second.
p.024
Jun: Wet wipes... Ah, hey!
Don't do that, I just got it written down!
SFX: Ururu; whimper. SFX: Ehhhhhh; waaaaaah. I'll Call you back later.
SFX: Pi; beep. Geez. You're crying again.
Sumire: Papa. Up.
p.025
Jun: I see. You want some attention.
Mama.
Where are you going? Mother: Mama has work, so look after the house.
Sumire: Uhhhhh.
Uuuuuup! Jun: No choice, I guess. Until we find your mom, I'll look after you.
But let me say this. It's not like I've acknowledged that you're my child. Don't misunderstand. Okay? You understand?
p.026
Sumire: Ukya! Kya!
Jun: This is bad, this is bad. It seems like I'm starting to think she's cute. Sumire: Uuuuuup. Uuuuuup. SFX: Pin pooooon; ding dooooong.
Takuya: Hey. It seemed like you were having a rough time, so we brought some gifts to your jail cell. Guy2: I brought the stroller And the baby carrier my sister used.
Jun: How do you use this? Guy2: Waah! Cute!
p.027
Guy2: What's her name? Jun: It said “Sumire.”
Guy2: She looks just like you, Jun! Takuya: It's true. SFX: Geho; cough.
Guy2: Ah, that cigarette!! Don't do that, it's so bad for a baby's body! Takuya: He has no awareness as a father, doesh he? Jun: Don't talk in that weird voice!
Do you really think she looks like me? Guy2: Just like you. Sumire: Pappa.
Jun: (thoughts) Dammit. I thought so myself, but... Guy2: Hey, ummm...
For someone who decided to give birth to and raise a child alone, It's extreme to just leave it at someone's house. I wonder if it means she has no one else to rely on.
p.028
Guy2: And also, She was probably showing the baby Jun's picture, saying, “This is your papa.” Takuya: Yeah, yeah. “As a man, he was the worst, but maybe he would change if he knew about this child.” Jun: Don't make up stories!!
Sumire: Papa. Jun: Stop saying “Papa, papa”!
SFX: Uwaaaaan; uwaaaaah! SFX: Soso kusa; quickly. Takuya: Well, Shall we go home?
Guy2: No matter how you look at it, it is Jun's child, huh? Her features are just the same. Takuya: 20 years old, with a child.
p.029
Takuya: I don't want that. I like kids, but... Guy2: It's nice that you don't have those kinds of worries, Taku-chan. Takuya: Yeah.
Guy2: But unexpectedly, maybe it kind of suits Jun-kun. Being a “young papa.”
Since he acts cool, But he's actually very prone to loneliness.
Takuya: Should we help him if he comes to us in tears?
Jun: (thoughts) Even so... I know, I know. Milk, right?
p.030
Jun: (thoughts) There are lots of people who talk about how hard it is to raise kids, but I underestimated it, thinking it must be an exaggeration.
Jun: (thoughts) Tired... But this reality... ← Three hours of sleep.
Oh, is she going to sleep?
SFX: Utsura utsura; nod nod.
SFX: Gon; thunk.
SFX: Ugyaaaaa; uwaaaaaah! Sorry, Sorry. Excuse me. I made a mistake.
p.031
Jun: Ah! Hey, Sumire! My important manga! TITLE: Weather Detective Megu
Hey, don't pull that! Ahhhhh, scissors!! Didn't I tell you not to do that?
SFX: Zee haa; wheeze pant.
I can' take this anymore. It's only been two days and already I'm at my limit. ← The things he moved up so they wouldn't be touched. Sumire: Mochi mochi. TL NOTE: Japanese answer the phone “moshi moshi.” I don't have a single minute or second for myself.
ON TV: Yeah! It was a shotgun wedding at age 16.
Soooo cute! Jun: (thoughts) Before, if I saw these people I could only think they were idiots. Now I respect them.
Because they've been doing this kind of thing, every day. Cigarette, cigarette.
p.032
SFX: Supiiiiii; soft breathing.
Jun: (thoughts) Just for a bit should be fine, right? I'll go buy some cigarettes. SFX: Osoru osoru; timidly.
Ohhhhh. My first time outside in two days.
The joy of being able to smoke freely. SFX: Puhaaaaa; puff.
Oh yeah, while I'm out I should stop by the convenience store. Kaname: Oh, Nagai?
p.033
Kaname: Wow! It's been soooo long!
Jun: (thoughts) Wait, who is this? Kaname: No way, you don't remember me? It's me, your classmate from high school, Kaname!
SFX: Sagi; rustle (?). I'm not wearing any makeup right now, though. You can't tell? Back then I even wore makeup when doing “H” things.
Jun: (thoughts) I see. I've done it with this person, too. The time frame matches, could it be this person?
Jun: Umm, Could it be that you... Girl: Mama! Look, look, a leaf!
p.034
Jun: That child... Kaname: Hehe. Isn't she cute? My daughter. Come on, say hello. Girl: Hello.
Jun: Isn't... She kind of big? Kaname: The truth is, I was pregnant when I graduated high school. Whose child do you think she is?
Juuuuuust kidding! When I was dating you, Nagai, the other person I was dating, my current husband. It's his child. Girl: Up! SFX: Bushuuuuu; melt.
Kaname: When I conceived this child, I was very worried, and not sure what I should do, but Now I'm glad I had her. Here we go.
There's wasn't anything that I Wanted to do, but Once this child was born, I became able to think about the world.
p.035
Jun: The world? Kaname: For example, the problems with the environment. I never had aaaaany interest in the news, but now I read the newspaper every day.
And smoking, too. Just now, you were smoking, but if you walk around while smoking it's right at the level of a child's face. Be careful, okay? Jun: (thoughts) That's what that woman from before said.
Kaname: See you later! Girl: Bye bye! Jun: (thoughts) Incredible. Becoming a mother.
Even though she was a flashy girl who only had fun... (bubble) And that Mother of mine was the same way.
Well, Right now I'm in the same situation... Huh? I'm forgetting something...
Jun: (thoughts) I didn't know. No choice, I guess. I'll acknowledge you. (thoughts) That babies were this warm.
Takuya: Well? Did you find her? The mother.
p.039
Jun: Not at all. Or rather, I haven't had any time to look.
This is seriously bad. I can't go to class. My money's running out, and I can't work.
SFX: Haaa; sigh. What should I do? Takuya: I have good news for you. Jun: Hm?
Takuya: It seems we're starting up a daycare for babies as young as infants. And, This is just temporary, but I was able to get them to look after the baby by saying you were a relative.
Jun: You're god!! Takuya: Show me respect.
p.040
Jun: I did it! I can be free! ON SIGN: Tatsumaki Daycare.
Woman: It's Naptime right now.
SFX: Biku biku; surprise. SIGN: Duck class
This will be the daycare room for the 0-2 years age group. Jun: (thoughts) The toilets are so little.
Woman: Over here is one of the head day care workers, Miyauchi. Miyauchi-sensei, this is Nagai Sumire-chan, a new entry.
p.041
Miyauchi: Pleased to meet you. I'm Miyauchi.
Jun: (thoughts) The one from that time... Miyauchi: Sumire-chan? Come here.
Jun: (thoughts) So she was a daycare worker. Miyauchi: Come on. Your big brother is busy. Come have fun with big sis.
Jun: Oh, I'm not her brother. I'm her father. Miyauchi: Is that so? You're a young father.
Jun: (thoughts) Doesn't she remember me? Come on, Sumire. SFX: Nnnnn; grrrrr. Miyauchi: Hmmm. This is tough. She won't let go.
p.042
Miyauchi: Wait just a second, okay? SFX: Nnnnn; grrrr. Jun: (thoughts) Why won't she let go?
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan.
Play with me!
SFX: Ho; oop. Sumire: Nyaaa Nyaaa! TL NOTE: “Nyaa” is the sound a cat makes, so this would be roughly equivalent to “meow-meow.” SFX: Totata; step step.
Nyaa-nya! Nyaa-nya!
Woman: Go, While you have the chance. SFX: Hiso hiso; whisper whisper. Jun: O... Okay. Woman: Today's only a half-day of daycare, so please come get her before noon. Jun: (thoughts) What, that's all?
p.043
SFX: Chira; glance.
Miyauchi: See, there's a Mr. Rabbit, too! Sumire: Kya! Jun: (thoughts) Sorry, Sumire.
I've got things I need to do. SFX: Ha; ah!
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan, Shall we go to where your friends are?
SFX: Uwaaaaaaan; uwaaaah!
Jun: (thoughts) I wonder why.
p.044
Jun: (thoughts) I should be full of happiness, since I'm finally free. But her crying voice is resounding in my head. Guy2: Jun-chan.
I heard you've got daycare starting today? Jun: Yeah. Guy2: And it's until noon? How is it, your first time back at school in a while?
Jun: (thoughts) An hour, huh? I wonder what she's doing now. Is she still crying, Or is she thinking she was tricked by me?
p.045
Jun: I think I'm going to go pick her up. Guy2: Huh? But it's not noon yet. You don't have to worry that much.
Jun: I'm not worried! Guy2: Of course you're worried.
Jun: (thoughts) Geez. For me to run around this much over a woman...
She's just gotten used to us daycare workers. You were worried, weren't you?
Jun: I wasn't particularly... SFX: Gara; rattle. Miyauchi: Sumire-chan, Papa's here to get you.
Jun: (thoughts) She called me a “papa.” Jun: Sumire. Come here.
P... Papa's here. SFX: Tere; shy.
p.047
SFX: Uwaaaaan; uwaaaaah!
SFX: Eeeeeeen; whiny crying. Jun: W... What the heck, she was just laughing a second ago. Miyauchi: She was just putting up with it.
I'm sure she was relieved to see her papa's face.
SFX: Tokun; thump. “To see her papa's face”
p.048
Woman: These are the things we'd like you to have ready for tomorrow. ON PAGE: Things > • [Right column] Hand towel Please put a string on it ( Length about 15cm) • [Left column] Crayons [Bottom right box] Name On each crayon, write the name at the bottom. • Socks. * Underwear.
Also, every morning the parents are supposed to put sheets on the bedding. And every week, you take them with you and wash them at home. Also...
Jun: (thoughts) Why are there so many things to do? I thought things would be easier once she was in daycare. Miyauchi: Well then, Sumire-chan,
Jun: (thoughts) So she did remember... SFX: Kusu; chuckle.
Why aren't you crying? Completely full of pee.
Dammit. Pain in the butt. Writing the name on everything he's supposed to bring to daycare.
SFX: Kue; bleh.
And so, the days passed by in a flurry.
Woman: Oh, my! What a young father! Jun: Dammit, this is so uncool... I'll never use this again.
A week went by in a flash. Guy2: Jun-chaaaaan. Are you serious about quitting school?
p.050
Jun: I'm not quitting, it's just a temporary absence. Guy2: But don't you have more time now that you've gotten her into daycare? Jun: The daycare fees, To pay them I need to have a job.
Guy2: That's kind of weird. Jun: Isn't it? I was talking to the other mothers, and The monthly rate for the daycare is based on your income, so if the money you make by working increases, it gets more expensive, and you have to work more. It's like a backwards deflationary spiral. Guy2: Jun-chan, it's kinda different.
Jun: Well, it's fine. Anyway, I was only in school to appear respectable to my parents. I was made to enter.
For me now, Raising Sumire is the more important thing.
Guy2: Jun-chan, You're so cool!
p.051
Jun: Also, The truth is the daycare is totally a harem.
Guy2: (thoughts) Harem? Like this?
Jun: Hello! I've come to get Sumire.
Harem Part 1 – The daycare workers Woman: Sumire-chan's papa!
Harem Part 2 – The mothers * There aren't many fathers who come to get their children, so he's very popular.
Harem Part 3 – The kids Jun: Take this! He plays rough, so he's very popular.
p.052
And the angry wife. Himawari: Hey! He's my papa, everyone! Don't go touching him!
Jun: Himawari-chan, can you stop doing those weird dub voices? Himawari: But She looked like that was what she wanted to say! Right, Sumire? Sumire: Ahhhh. Mother: Come on, Himawari.
Himawari: She's cute, Sumire. Sumire: Ugh.
Himawari: Hey, mama, I want a baby too. Make me a little sister.
Jun: (thoughts) Himawari-chan is a little girl from the middle age group, and it seems she's at the age where she wants to take care of others. She treasures Sumire. Himawari: Here, Your bag. Jun: (thoughts) It seems like it's kind of a nuisance to Sumire. Sumire: Ohhhh.
p.053
Mother: Sorry! She likes to act like an adult. Himawari: Bye Bye!
Jun: (thoughts) I wonder if Sumire will be like that too? Close your eyes. Today I got a job at a convenience store. When I get paid, I'll buy you something you like. (thoughts) I can't think about that now, though.
Sumire: Wike? Jun: Yeah! A Prada bag, or a rattle from Tiffany's.
Jun: W... What is this “throb”? Yes, yes. SFX: Pururu pururu; ring ring.
p.054
SFX: Pururu pururu; ring ring. Jun: Gah, It's the phone! Sumire, here, stay wrapped for a second.
SFX: Bata bata; running footsteps.
SFX: Pururu; ring. Jun: Yes, Hello? Father: Jun?
Jun: It's my father... Father: I was contacted by your college today. They said you were taking a leave of absence? What are you planning?
Jun: “What” you say... Nothing, really... There are things I want to do, so... Father: What kind of soft thing are you saying? Anyway, you're just going to goof off, aren't you? You're just like your mother.
Anyway, return to school. Okay? Jun: You're so noisy. I'll do what I want. I don't need your help.
p.055
Father: Jun, Don't say such stupid things- SFX: Gacha; clack.
SFX: Hekuchi hekuchi; drag drag.
Jun: Sorry, Sumire. Let's get your clothes on.
Sumire: Papa.
Jun: He shouldn't start acting like a father at this late time.
p.056
Woman: 37.4 degrees.
Sorry. We don't look after children who have a fever of more than 37 degrees. Jun: Huh? But I have work... Woman: It's a rule, so... I'm very sorry.
Child: Sumire-chaaan. Jun: I've got to Call work ahead.
Boss: We asked for you starting today, so it's hard for us if you take a day off suddenly. This is how young people are... Jun: But I have circumstances... That is... My child has a fever.
p.057
Boss: Child, you say? Aren't you a student? Jun: That's right. Boss: That's not good, you should've told us something like that ahead of time.
Kids, you know... Was it an accident? Young people just don't think things through. SFX: Ka; blush.
Jun: ...understand. Boss: Hm? What?
Jun: I'll just quit. It's fine if I just quit, right? Boss: Wait, you, don't hang... SFX: Bu; beep.
SFX: Uwaaaa. Jun: Sumire, sorry, sorry.
Whoa, SFX: Hahyuu; sigh. Incredible fever!
I'll take you to the hospital, okay? (thoughts) I gotta find another job.
p.058
Doctor: It's her tonsils. SIGN: (can't read) Doctor's Office Pediatric Internal Medicine
I think her fever will rise again tonight. I'll give you an anti-fever medicine.
Jun: This is bad... Will this really do it? Mother: Sumire-chan?
Jun: Oh, Himawari's... Mother: Hello. Does Sumire-chan have a fever or something?
Jun: Yeah, suddenly... Mother: That's rough. Kids' fevers can get so high so fast. Jun: What about Himawari-chan?
p.059
Mother: Since yesterday she's been saying that her stomach hurts. Himawari, are you okay? They'll examine you soon.
Himawari: I... I'm fine. Mama... You go to work.
Jun: (thoughts) Wow, She really looks like she's suffering. Mother: It's okay. I called and said I was taking the day off.
They're making the insurance arrangements, but It's hard to get vacation time for a sick child. Right now, I can't be sure when I'll be fired.
Jun: (thoughts) I see... That's right, all the people who leave their children at the daycare are working parents. Nurse: Natsuno-san. This way. Mother: Yes.
Jun: Himawari. When you come back to daycare, please look after Sumire.
p.060
Himawari: See you later, Sumire.
Sumire: Ima-chan, Bye-bye.
Jun: (thoughts) How admirable. She's so little, but she knows that her parents are having a rough time. Insurance card?!
SIGN: Admissions... Nurse: Yes. If you don't have it, you'll have to pay up-front. Jun: (thoughts) Oh. (thoughts) Sumire doesn't have insurance or anything... Umm, I don't have it with me...
Nurse: Well, It's 15,600 yen.
p.061
Jun: This is bad. I'm almost out of money.
Huh? It's increased?
Oh, I see. It's lucky it's the day Dad makes his deposit. And isn't this more than usual? SIGN: ... Cash... ... Lobby
Sumire: Paapa. ← Tired. SFX: Ha; ah!
“I don't need your help.” Jun: (thoughts) Am I an idiot? Being so defiant... And being so happy about the money my parents sent. In the end, I can't do anything without my parents. At best, I'm a brat.
p.062
SFX: Gacha gacha; clack clack.
Jun: (thoughts) I feel someone watching me... Miyauchi: Sumire-chan.
I'm so glad I got to see you! I was worried, so I came by. BAG: Hana Mart.
In here, There are ice packs and such. SFX: Gasa gasa; rustle rustle. You probably can't go shopping, right? I put in some 100% juice drinks, too.
p.063
Jun: Uh, Umm... Why are you Doing this for us?
(thoughts) She turned red... Could it be that she's interested in me...? I knew it. Miyauchi: I heard About Sumire-chan's situation From the principal.
At first, There was the cigarette incident, and I thought you had it coming to you, but You've been so caring to Sumire-chan, and I thought maybe it was a misunderstanding. And so this is also to apologize. Jun: Even though I put it out right away...
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan, Come back soon, okay?
SFX: Dokin; thump.
p.064
Miyauchi: Well then, Sumire-chan's-papa, too. See you at daycare.
SFX: Dokin dokin; thump thump. Jun: (thoughts) What Is this?
SFX: Dokun; thump. Miyauchi: See you later! Bye bye! Jun: (thoughts) I'm Acting weird.
Heeeere. Good job! You even ate the ones you don't like.
Sumire: Tehe!
p.065
Jun: (thoughts) It looked Incredibly sparkly to me.
If... If I had gotten married, and had a child, And saw my wife and child together,
Would it feel like this?
The ones I love.
SFX: Buuuu; poooout.
What, I'm thinking of the wrong person? Sorry, but I don't know who your mother is.
p.066
Sumire: Daaa. Ukya!
Jun: Hurry (thoughts) What kind of girl was she? Sumire's mother. (thoughts) With what... And get better soon.
(thoughts) Kind of emotion did I make love to her? 36.2 degrees.
You're back to normal, huh? You have too much energy. Sumire: Kyahahaha! Jun: Shall we go to daycare? SFX: Dadada; patter patter.
p.067
Jun: I hope Himawari is better, too.
Sumire: Ima-chan, Okee?
Jun: I thought you don't like Himawari. But I guess there's no one who takes better care of you.
Someone: In the middle of the night, her condition worsened. Apparently it was an intestinal obstruction. At the hospital where she was examined that afternoon, they told her it was just a stomachache. For it to turn out like this...
In the ambulance, they were just passing her around... If they'd only admitted her sooner. Such a small child, too. Mother: ... For coming... Someone: That's total malpractice. They should sue. This kind of this has been happening a lot lately.
Jun: Excuse me...
Mother: Ah, Sumire-chan's... Thank you for coming...
Jun: Umm, I'm not sure what to say. I was really surprised.
Mother: Well, Please join in The visitation. TL NOTE: Loose translation; what she actually says is “No, please look at her for a moment one last time.” But I thought that sounds not only awkward but creepy.
p.070
Mother: She really Looks like she's still alive, doesn't she?
“See you later, Sumire!”
SFX: Toko toko; step step. Jun: Ah, Sumire...
Sumire: Ima-chan...
Nap-nap?
p.071
Jun: That's right. Himawari is taking a nap-nap. Sumire: Okee?
Jun: She can't play anymore.
Mother: Agggggh!! Sorry, I'm sorry, Himawari!
It hurt, didn't it? You were suffering, weren't you? Me... It should have been me!
I'm sorry, Himawari...
p.072
Mother: Himawariiii... Sumire: Ima-chan, Not wake up.
SFX: Gyu; squeeze.
p.073
SFX: Gasa; rustle. Miyauchi: Sumire-chan?
I was right, It's you, Sumire-chan's-papa.
Jun: Miyauchi-sensei... Miyauchi: Are you on your way home from Himawari-chan's wake? Jun: Yeah. You too, sensei? Miyauchi: All us daycare workers went together.
p.074
Miyauchi: It was... SFX: Boro; tears welling up. So sudden...
Oh no... And I cried an awful lot over there, already... SFX: Gusu; sniff.
SFX: Kii; creak. Jun: I saw Himawari yesterday at the hospital. She said “See you later,” And smiled.
You know about the circumstances with Sumire, don't you? Miyauchi: Yes. Jun: At first, I really hated having such a thing forced on me. All I could think of was finding her mother and becoming free. Lately I've started to think that she's cute, but really I've always wanted to return her.
p.075
Jun: But, If she... Tomorrow, suddenly... Like Himawari... Passed away... If I think about that...
I get scared.
She calls me “papa.” No matter how angry I am with her, she still clings to me.
Until recently, I didn't even know that she existed. I...
p.076
Miyauchi: I said this the other day, too, but...
I... I thought you were a very bad person, Nagai-san. I thought I would never have anything to do with you again.
But After I saw you again at the daycare, my impression of you has changed little by little. Your attitude toward Sumire-chan was strained at first, but... You're become more and more fatherly.
“Child-rearing”... We act like we're raising our children, but... The truth is they're raising their parents.
I often think this when I interact with the children. They're very perceptive.
p.077
Miyauchi: So if you feel that way about Sumire-chan, Maybe it's because she's raising you as a father.
Jun: (thoughts) That was... The first time I'd seen her with her hair down.
I thought that she was pretty And I wanted to kiss her.
p.078
Jun: But I didn't.
Because tonight is the night of Himawari's wake. God, I've never prayed for anything before.
But please, Somehow, Let Himawari rest in peace.
p.079
SFX: Pin pooon; ding doooong.
Father: Yes? Jun: It's me...
Father: Jun? What's going on? This is rare. Did you come to get more money or something? Sumire: Auu! Father: Whose child is that?
Jun: This Is my daughter, Sumire.
Father: W... What did you say?! Jun: I don't know who the mother is. She was left in front of my door and now I'm caring for her.
Father: W... What the hell are you doing?! You're disinherited!! Jun: I Will return to school.
p.080
Jun: There's a job I want to do, for this child's sake. To do that, I need to go to college. I'll pay for her daycare with a part-time job.
This is my own selfishness, so I really do plan on paying my tuition myself, but It will be by working hard, graduating, and paying you back. It would really help me if you could continue helping as you have been.
Please.
Father: Such a stupid thing...
p.081
Father: So in the end, you're saying it should be just the way it has been. Why would you come and announce it like this? Jun: Becaaaaause I wanted to be prepared, I mean, I told you I didn't need your help...
And I'm just going to be relying on you forever... Father: Well, I'm your father, so it's to be expected. Don't you even understand that?
That's why I always say you're no good. Jun: (thoughts) I wonder why...
Those are words That would normally make me very angry.
Hey, Sumire. This is your grandpa.
Sumire: Gampa! Jun: Ah, she's fixated on it.
p.082
Sumire: Bye bye! Gampa!
Jun: Sumire, Today it's curry.
Sumire: Curry? Jun: For you, it's curry-flavored mashed potatoes.
Sumire. Sumire: Ah?
Jun: I want to become a doctor. So that there won't be any more children like Himawari. To do that, I have to go to medical school, but...
p.083
← Sumire
SFX: Pin pon; ding dong.
Jun: (thoughts) H... Huh? Who is that? A girl I know?
Sumire: Mama!!
Mother: Sumire!! Sumire: Maamaa!
p.084
Jun: You couldn't be... Sumire's...?
Mother: I'm sorry. Sumire is not your child, Nagai-kun.
I did have that kind of relationship with you, but Her father is someone else. I broke up with him... And gave birth to Sumire alone. Jun: (thoughts) Eh? Mother: I... I always thought you would make a good father. I showed Sumire photos of you and told her you were her papa...
p.085
Mother: I'm sorry... At that time, I... I had kind of a breakdown... Since then, I've come Over her many times, but I couldn't say anything.
Jun: (thoughts) I Don't understand. Mother: I'm sorry.
Jun: (thoughts) Sumire... Isn't my child...?
SFX: Pin pon pin pon; ding dong ding dong.
p.086
Jun: Sensei. SFX: Gacha; clack.
Miyauchi: Umm, About Sumire-chan...
Jun: You probably heard about it from Takuya. What a joke.
Miyauchi: Are... You drunk? Jun: Nah, not from this much! I used to drink way more.
Oh, yeah, Sensei, SFX: Batan; slam.
Wanna make a baby with me? Miyauchi: Eh... Wai...
Stop... Jun: Come on, You came because you like me, didn't you?
p.087
SFX: Pan; slap.
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan would be sad.
Even though you're not related by blood, You and Sumire-chan Were a family!
Sumire: Abuuu. Mother: Umm, Jun: (thoughts) That was Sumire's voice. Mother: I know it isn't appropriate for me to be asking you for advice.
Jun: Sorry, but I don't want to get involved anymore. Mother: Wait! Don't hang up!!
Sumire may die!!
Her fever's past 40 degrees! Just now she convulsed and her eyes rolled up in her head! I'm... Scared...
p.090
Jun: The ambulance? Mother: I called them, but They said they're all busy, and it'll take more than 30 minutes!
Jun: Gimme your address.
This'll be faster than waiting for the ambulance. We'll go to the hospital In my neighborhood. Mother: O... Okay.
SFX: Fuuu fuuu; sigh sigh.
SFX: Gyu; squeeze.
Jun: (thoughts) Hang on, Sumire.
p.091
Jun: (thoughts) Papa's Gonna save you!
SIGN: Pediatric clinic. Woman: We're done examining patients for the day. You should go to the emergency room.
The doctor's not here, so...
Jun: Open up! Someone's gotta be in there! SIGN: ... Hospital SFX: Don don; thud thud.
Dammit! SFX: Ga; bang.
p.092
Sumire: Uahh... *Cough* Mother: S... Sumire!!
Jun: What should we do? Is there a hospital in this area...? “In the ambulance, they were just passing her around”...
Oh yeah! The pediatrician I used to go to is just over there. “If they'd only examined her sooner”... It should be open if that old geezer is still alive.
SFX: Don don; thud thud. SIGN: Pediatric Internal Medicine, Surgery Itakura Clinic Jun: Hey, Damn old man!!
If you're alive, open up! My child, my baby may die!
SFX: Pa; plink. (Sound of light coming on)
p.093
Doctor: What is it? Are you trying to break down the door? SFX: Gara; rattle. Jun: My child has a fever. Please.
SFX: Chira; glance. Doctor: Hmm...
The patient is this child, huh? Mother: Yes, And she suddenly had a seizure, too...
Doctor: Well, she'll calm down now. Please take her home and see how she does. SFX: Suuu; zzzzz. Jun: T... Thank you.
Doctor: A year old, huh? It'll be rough from here on out. She won't be getting any more of the mother's antibodies. She'll be getting sick a lot. Jun: (thoughts) Is that so? Mother: I... I see.
Doctor: You must have been surprised. You did well.
p.094
Jun: Thank you very much. Doctor: Take care. Please be a little more quiet the next time you visit.
Boy. Jun: “Boy”? Doctor: You're the Nagai boy, aren't you?
You know, when you were about this child's age, Your parents brought you here in the middle of the night, too.
Your mother was very pretty, but Her hair was all disheveled. And your father was crying. I remember it well.
Jun: (thoughts) Is that so? That father, and my mother... Doctor: You're gotten big. The boy is a father already. Jun: (thoughts) Well, that's not quite true...
“I'm your father, so it's to be expected.”
p.095
Jun: (thoughts) Yeah. That may just be true. Even for those two. Mother: She's okay now. Sorry about this.
Really, We inconvenienced you. Jun: Hey, umm... I don't... Remember very well, but With me... You said we had that kind of relationship...?
Was I... Was I a bad person?
Mother: You were incredibly kind. If you were really her father, Nagai-kun...
p.096
Jun: I see. (thoughts) Good. So there's a girl who thinks of me like this.
Sumire: Hrm...
Pappa!
Papa! Paapaa!
p.097
Mother: Sumire, you know... This person is... Sumire: Paapa. Jun: It's okay. Come here, Sumire.
You've gotten heavy, haven't you? It was hard making your baby food. Don't forget it.
Sumire: Pappa. Kiss.
SFX: Kyahahaha.
p.098
Jun: (thoughts) Goodbye.
For a kiss to move me to tears... You're the first, Sumire.
p.099
Jun: (thoughts) My baby.
And so, My days returned to the way they were before. Guy2: Jun-kuuuuuuun.
Jun: (thoughts) But there were a few things that changed... Guy2: Long time no see. Jun: (thoughts) I decided to enroll in medical school.
Mother: Oh, this is rare.
You're studying, of all things. Jun: Shut up. Don't come in here, old lady. (thoughts) And...
p.100
Mother: Didn't I tell you not to call me “old lady”? You'll turn me into a real old lady, calling me that. Jun: (thoughts) Even these parents... Well, you really are an old lady, so there's no helping it. (thoughts) I've become grateful to them for raising me, and never turning their backs on me. Mother: What did you say?!
SFX: Gatan gatan; clatter clatter.
SFX: Gatan; clatter. Baby: Wahhhhh! Uwahhhh! Mother: Be a good boy, okay? We're almost there, so be good. Baby: Uaaaaaa!
Jun: You can sit here. Mother: Huh? Oh, thank you.
*sigh* Hey, say thank you to this man. Baby: Thank you! Jun: (thoughts) Before, I...
Definitely wouldn't have done something like this. They're the ones who had the children, after all.
p.101
Jun: (thoughts) I used to think, if it was so rough, they shouldn't bother to come outside. But now I understand. They want to live normal lives, and bring their babies along. And just how hard that is...
Miyauchi: Didn't you quit?
Jun: (thoughts) I also started smoking again. Yeah, I'll put it out.
p.102
Jun: (thoughts) But I never walk around when I'm smoking. Miyauchi: I saw Himawari-chan's mother the other day. Jun: Oh?
Child: Papa!
Papa, up!
Jun: (thoughts) Someday...
p.103
Jun: (thoughts) If I really have a child someday, I'll tell them about her.
ON SIDE: First published 2003 – The Dessert September Issue.
About little Sumire. Oh yeah, the other day I came home and found that my father had bought a ton of kid's toys. Miyauchi: No way! (Laugh)
p.105
* About raising children.
I also have a daughter. When I was trying to remember things from long ago to write about them, I realized how much I've forgotten. “How big is a one-year-old?” and such. For the first time in a long time, I bought parenting magazines. I brought out my old maternity register, and I was very surprised by the vagueness of my own entries.
First parenting magazine in a long time. Various interesting things. Riku: Cuuuute. I start to want to buy things by mail order. (In bubble: Hey.)
A set of three tote bags, large, medium, and small, A pouch, Bento boxes, I'm weak for these on-the-go item sets.
Because I was working while raising my child, I think I was living on the brink of tears (because I had no time), but it's a good memory now. (Only now, though.) So, among those of you who picked up this book, if there are people who are currently raising children, I wanted to say: “Just a little longer.”
The things a mother worries about... No time, no one to talk to, and so on; there are a lot, aren't there? Personally, I didn't have any friends who were mothers. I don't have any now, either (except maybe some I can talk to just a little).
First of all, I don't have very many friends who have children, and it was embarrassing to call out 00-chan's mama to talk. But now I think I would've been happy if I'd made some friends like that.
And I didn't really bring my daughter to the park, either... (Bubble: Please) Mothers who have babies. If there is some interesting episode, please tell me about it. Even if it's just ordinary talk. Thank you very much.