Episode 54 - Visiting My Mother in Germany, Part 5: Farewell and a Promise

【Morning at Tegernsee Station】

A crisp, cool air hung in the morning sky as the breathtaking scenery of the lake unfolded around them. Ryoko and Shota stood on the platform, their suitcases in hand, as the train quietly waited with its doors open.

Masako and Hans stood nearby, gazing at them with a touch of reluctance in their eyes. Hans wore a slightly wistful smile and gave Shota a big wave.

“Sho-ta! You go back to Japan? SA-BI-SHI-I-YO(I’m saaad!)”

“Hans-san, your Japanese is getting too good…” Shota replied with a wry smile.

Just then, Masako gently reached out and touched Shota’s arm. She didn’t hold his hand—just brushed it lightly, as if imprinting her lingering feelings onto his skin. She touched his shoulder as well, then smiled as she peered into his face.

“…I still can’t get over your hormone scent. It’s addictive.”

“Uh, what?”

Before he could say more, Ryoko suddenly pulled Shota toward her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

“Mom, no.”

Her tone was light and playful, but her expression was entirely serious. Masako gave a small chuckle and shrugged.

“Stingy as ever, Ryoko. It’s not like your man’s going to wear out from a little touch.”

“That’s not the point.”

Masako shrugged again, sensing once more the depth of Ryoko’s possessiveness.

“So, when’s the wedding? Where’s it going to be?”

“We haven’t decided yet, but we’re planning to do it in Tokyo. Will you and Hans come?”

At Ryoko’s question, Hans’s eyes sparkled, and he nodded vigorously.

“Sushi! Sukiyaki! Geisha!”

“Got it. Let me know once it’s decided,” Masako replied.

Then, glancing sideways at Hans, she added sharply, “But no geisha.”

※ Ryoko clearly inherited her possessiveness from her mother.

The train departure bell rang. Ryoko and Shota boarded and leaned out the window for a final goodbye.

“Bye, Mom! Hans!”

“See you again!”

The train slowly began to move. Masako and Hans standing on the platform grew smaller in the distance. Just then, Masako looked straight at Ryoko and, in a clear voice, called out:

“Meiji Shrine. Under a clear autumn sky. See you there!”

Note: Meiji Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine in Tokyo, often chosen for traditional Japanese weddings.

Ryoko’s eyes widened in surprise.

“…Yeah!”

The train picked up speed. They kept waving until the two figures disappeared from view.

And so, Ryoko and Shota set off for their next destination—home, back to Japan.