Laurels Literary Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 43

TADASHI: Well, I brought a surprise for you. KEIKO: A Surprise? TADASHI: Yes! I know you haven’t seen your father, so . . . (calling to outside) Otoya-san! KEIKO : (Under her breath) It cannot be. (Enter OTOYA) KEIKO: Father! (She bows lower than she did before TADASHI.) OTOYA: Keiko, it’s so good to see you! I’ve missed you so much! KEIKO: (Nervously) Uhh! Yes. Me too, Father. TADASHI: Ahh! You’ve prepared tea! Wonderful! You are a master of ceremonies in the Way of Tea! OTOYA: She learned from the best, you know—her mother! KEIKO: Yes . . . uhh . . . green tea with a hint of lavender. OTOYA: Still trying to change tradition, I see. KEIKO: Well, you know me, Father. I wish you would have sent a note that you were coming. OTOYA: There was no time. What’s the matter, Keiko? Aren’t you happy to see me? KEIKO: On the contrary, I’m so excited that I’m famished. Why don’t we skip the tea. I’ll go and prepare dinner. If I knew you were coming I wouldn’t have let Mitsu go home for the night. OTOYA: Patience, Keiko. We’ll eat soon enough. First, let’s not let this presentation go unregarded. 41