Unanswered Questions

Izumi sat alone in his room, his mind filled with questions about his father, the mysterious figure who had never been a part of his life. He couldn't help but wonder why his mother, Mihuru, had never talked about him. 

  **Izumi (thoughtful):** Who could my father be? Why did he leave us? Whenever I try to ask Mom about him, she changes the topic. It's like he's some sort of secret.

  The absence of answers gnawed at Izumi's curiosity. He had his mother's love and support, but he yearned to understand his father's side of the story.

  Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Izumi decided to seek answers from his grandfather, Jake, who had always been a source of guidance and support.

  **Izumi (curious):** Grandpa, can I ask you something?

  Jake, caught off guard by the seriousness in Izumi's voice, nodded in response.

  **Jake (curious):** Of course, Izumi. What's on your mind?

  Izumi hesitated for a moment before asking the questions that had been weighing on him.

  **Izumi (inquiring):** Who is my father, Grandpa? And why did he leave us?

  Jake's expression shifted from surprise to a somber understanding. He knew this moment would come eventually.

  **Jake (gentle):** It's not like you think, Izumi. Your father was a wonderful person. You have his black hair, just like he did, and you share his kindness.

  Izumi was taken aback. He had always assumed his kindness came from his mother's side.

  **Izumi (surprised):** I do?

  Jake nodded and placed a comforting hand on Izumi's shoulder.

  **Jake (reassuring):** We'll talk more about this later, Izumi. I promise. But for now, I have some meetings to attend.

  As Jake left the house, a heavy burden rested on his heart. He knew that someday, he would have to explain to Izumi what had happened fifteen years ago, and it weighed on him.

  **Jake (reflecting):** How can I explain to him the truth about his father? We can't hide it forever.

  With tears in his eyes, Jake walked away, the weight of unanswered questions and untold secrets heavy on his shoulders, knowing that one day, the truth would have to be revealed.

  Izumi made his way to his mother's study, determined to seek answers about his father. As he entered the room, he saw Mihuru sitting at her desk, buried in a mountain of paperwork, her expression weary and stressed.

  **Izumi (concerned):** Mother?

  Mihuru looked up, her eyes tired, but her determination unwavering.

  **Mihuru (apologetic):** I know I'm overworking again, Izumi. I'm sorry for this, but it's a very important meeting.

Izumi couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and was about to ask the question that had been haunting him. 

**Izumi (nervous):** Um... Mother?

  But Mihuru kept insisting that now wasn't the time.

  **Mihuru (persistent):** Not now, son.

  Izumi, however, was resolute. He took a deep breath and confronted her directly.

  **Izumi (firmly):** My father. Who is he?

  Mihuru was stunned by the straightforwardness of the question. She hesitated, looking for a way to avoid the inevitable.

  **Mihuru (evading):** Izumi, it's complicated, and there's a lot you don't understand.

  But Izumi wasn't about to back down. His curiosity and need for answers were too strong.

  **Izumi (persistent):** Who is he, and why did he leave?

  In his frustration, Izumi let slip some harsh words about his father, unaware of the impact they would have.

  **Izumi (angry):** Maybe he didn't care about us at all!

  Mihuru couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. She slapped Izumi, and tears welled up in her eyes.

  **Mihuru (teary-eyed):** He is dead, Izumi. Your father, Amane, is dead. Don't say anything bad about him; he was a wonderful person!

  It was the first time Mihuru had ever slapped her son, and for Izumi, it was the first time he had seen his mother in tears. He was left in shock, his guilt weighing heavily on him, as Mihuru left the room with tears streaming down her face, her heart heavy with the painful memories of the past.

  Mihuru left her study, tears still glistening in her eyes, as the weight of her emotions and the painful memories of the past accompanied her to the important meeting. Izumi remained in her study, his heart heavy with guilt and a flood of mixed emotions, knowing that he had made his mother cry and had uncovered a truth he might not have been ready to face.