[Izumo, Japan]
(???)

Katsuo follows along quietly, and observes the meditation room with a bit of awe as he seats himself, wondering where this is all going to go!

[Okinawa, Japan]
(Umeko's Apartment)

Umeko takes a page from Naomi's playbook considering the thin surgical gown she's wearing, and switches into a simple white tank-top and sweatpants. Almost immediately after seeing Naomi out, she locks the door and collapses into bed, clearing her head so she can just fall into a restful sleep. There was simply too much to process at that moment, and trying to do so alone would be foolhardy, even for her.

The last thing that is on her mind, oddly enough, were those pictures Naomi drew of what she imagined as their growing family, and how happy she seemed while making each stroke of the pencil.

Spoiler: Dreams!
Show
Umeko was making a cake. Wait, why was she making a cake? Oh, right, birthdays. By this point the vibrant Asahi household had birthdays all year round, so really, it was most convenient to just condense them by season.

Out of the kitchen windows, a vibrant japanese countryside can be seen, with woods near the horizon, and a crowd of children playing happily. All girls, with varying shades of black to red hair. Her children, Nao's children. It was a hectic life, but a happy one. She didn't even really mind putting on a bit of weight, it was still well within healthy range.

Or was she pregnant again? Yeah, she was. The bulge under her apron couldn't be anything else. She could be mad. But she wasn't. Nao was out there playing with the girls, and she couldn't really think of it any other way.

"Is the cake almost ready, momma?" A tug on her apron prompts Umeko to look down at the little blonde-haired girl. But why would she be blonde? Well, Alex was a little weird. But she was still her daughter. Umeko offers a smile, looking down to the suddenly-readied pan.

"Just has to go in the oven, Alex. There's even a little left in the bowl, want to lick it?"

Alex smiles widely and partakes of the delicious chocolate batter while Umeko puts the pan in the oven, and sets the timer. She wipes her forehead and looks back to Alex, who is giving her an oddly thoughtful frown. Umeko responds with a quizzical look.

"...what's wrong?"

"...oh, nothing, um..." She pauses, trying to phrase it. "...is it hard? With all the new sisters in your tummy."

Umeko sighs slightly, kneeling down with a grunt to stroke Alex's hair. She's still smiling, but it's less bemused, and more... well, it just radiated motherly warmth. "...it's a little hard. But it's worth it."

Alex giggles and runs from the kitchen. Oh, right, Umeko has to bring the cake out, it was party time. Presents, chocolate cake... it's always fun. She walks out into the dining room. So many faces! And... the group grows, every time she looks around. And everyone's a little older every turn around. Was it a little absurd, how many kids they had? Maybe. Umeko even started to show a few signs of age, but it wasn't too bad, but Naomi was always as bright as ever. Excitable, loving.

Eventually, more faces were added to the group, but they weren't hers. Little Alex and the oldest of her sisters had gone to grow up, and found their own loves. Umeko was a grandma! And that was a whole new warm sensation.

Would she have ever realized this part of her soul if not for the involvement of Von Geister and his people? Maybe not. But she couldn't think of it any other way.


The first few knocks rouse Umeko slightly, but something in her almost didn't want to be woken up... but eventually she realizes Naomi is just standing out there being polite and waiting and she just can't help but rush out frantically, swinging the door open with a furious blush. She blurts something groggy and nonsensical a few times before rubbing her eyes, composing herself, and thinking up an actual, proper...

"...hey. Um. Cool, noodles." Oh, never mind. She steps back, letting Naomi in while she goes to sit on the couch, bringing her legs up and staring into the surface of the coffee table as she pieces over the dream she had.