Interacting with a Loved One Once Again

As the emotional scene unfolded with Kumiko and Ruki visibly moved by the virtual presence of Sazama, Shin watched on with a mix of pride and bittersweet feelings. Moisture gathered in his eyes as he fought back tears, stepping in to guide Kumiko through the interaction. "Grandma, you can actually talk to Grandpa. Just use the controller to select conversation options that have appeared just below him," he explained gently, indicating how to navigate the interface. "There's a pointer. Move your hand, and it'll follow; you can use it to select any of the options." The VR headset's controller, incorporating technology akin to that of the Wii, allowed for intuitive interaction.

Kumiko, following Shin's instructions, browsed through the array of conversation starters presented below the image of Sazama. The options ranged from identifying herself as various family members until she found the one that said, [I am your wife, Kumiko!]. Her heart clenched at the sight, emotions overwhelming her as she made her selection.

With a trembling hand, Kumiko selected the option that declared her identity as Sazama's wife. Tears streamed down her face as she braced herself for his response.

"Wife? Kumiko! Hoho! I'm glad you visited me here in heaven!" the virtual Sazama exclaimed with joyous laughter, continuing in a teasing tone, "But I hoped you would have a long life and not join me here anytime soon!"

The remark, so characteristic of Sazama's humor in life, brought a mixture of laughter and tears to Kumiko. She was overjoyed to hear his voice again, to witness his humor unfold as if he were still by her side. Yet, the realization that these were recordings from the past, that her husband was no longer physically present, stirred a profound sadness intermingled with the joy.

Ruki, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but be touched by the scene. Tears welled in her eyes as she listened to her grandpa's familiar jokes, softly laughing through her own sorrow.

"Husband..." Kumiko whispered, her voice filled with longing. She scrolled through the variety of responses, her heart settling on one that echoed her feelings: [I already miss you, my husband.]

The avatar of Sazama responded with his characteristic laughter. "You missed me? But aren't I right here?" he teased, striking a pose to show off, a humorous attempt to demonstrate his well-being. "See? I'm doing just fine!" he continued, his virtual presence attempting to lighten the mood. "I'm always here. Whenever you miss me, you can come and find me here, my dear wife..."

Kumiko chuckled through her tears at his antics, the laughter and sorrow mingling in a bittersweet symphony. She then selected another response from the options, each designed to continue the conversation in a way that felt natural to their relationship.

[I just wanted to see your face again, and hear your voice...] Kumiko chose, her fingers hesitating for a moment before confirming her selection.

Sazama's avatar smiled warmly. "Well, here I am! And my voice, as handsome as ever, right?" he joked, his voice emanating from the headset and filling the room with a familiar comfort. "I'm glad we can still talk like this. It feels like old times, doesn't it?"

Kumiko laughed softly, her eyes glistening with renewed tears. "Yes, it does... it really does," she managed to say, her voice a whisper of gratitude and love.

On the side, Ruki watched the exchange, deeply moved by the interaction between her grandmother and the virtual representation of her grandfather. Witnessing the tangible impact of Shin's creation on her grandmother, seeing the laughter and tears it evoked, Ruki felt a profound sense of admiration for the technology that could bring such comfort and connection.

As Kumiko found a semblance of peace through the VR headset's nostalgic embrace, Shin's attention shifted to his niece. "Ruki, please look after Grandma. I have to go now," Shin softly said, preparing to leave.

Ruki, with a nod of understanding, quickly added, "Wait! Could I also have one of those KiShin VR Headsets?"

Shin, touched by her interest, promised with a smile, "Of course. I'll prepare one for you later."

"And can it include the same program as Grandma's? With Grandpa's avatar?" Ruki asked, her eyes hopeful as she gestured towards the TV where Sazama's figure continued to interact.

"Sure, I can do that," Shin assured her. "The headset has a few prototype programs, but they aren't fully developed yet. I'll make sure yours has what you asked for."

After their conversation, Shin bid farewell and left the Suzuki household, leaving behind a moment of heartfelt connection facilitated by his innovative creation.

---

Meanwhile, in Shito Suzuki's residence, news had reached him that his mother, Kumiko, was staying with his elder brother Shiro's family. Concerned about potential influences over Kumiko, particularly regarding the shares she held in the Suzuki Group, Shito felt compelled to visit her. He harbored suspicions that Shiro or Shiro's children might sway Kumiko's decisions, potentially leading her to transfer her shares within the family.

Determined to intervene, Shito concocted a plan to persuade his mother to move into his home instead. The recent transfer of Sazama's shares directly to Shinro, Shiro's youngest son and Shito's nephew, had exacerbated Shito's anxieties. This shift in share ownership had stirred a mix of resentment and strategic calculation within Shito, who now saw the necessity to act swiftly to protect what he viewed as his rightful influence within the Suzuki Group.