Effulgence.

As if everything wore a coat of effulgence, the entrance of Kanako’s home was brighter than ever. Sparkling and warm, the aroma of sweet butter escaped the house as he waited outside. His heart palpated.

“You look awfully happy, aren’t chya?”

His mother answered the door carrying an indulgent smile.

“Am I? Well, thats all good, isn't it?”

He flashed a smile ear to ear though his heart tried to conceal it. The thoughts were too savory and was slowly soaking in. Her mother, holding a spatula, sidestepped.

“Get inside, I know my son would be arriving late. Its no point cooking early and it all getting cold.”

“Love you mom!”

He buoyantly swept inside the house, racing towards his room upstairs. Behind, his mother watched with a sly grin.

‘Something must have happened. Now I wonder what that is…’

Smiles are contagious. How could she not smile when seeing such a big one on her son’s face?

‘Maybe I should give him something special for dinner.’

Fastening her hair tie, she went inside the kitchen, feeling extra motivated. Her mind flashed back the memories of the distant past. His dad also wore that smile when they first met, and then, it became something she looked forward to her entire life. Seeing such a smile on Kanako was a surprise.

She broke into a giggle.

‘He thinks he is hiding it from me, my silly little son. But genetics don’t lie.’

The sound of sizzling diluted in her ears, ringing the familiar bells that she always used to love. Cold air peeked inside from the dining room corridors, and with it came the invitation of winter.

She denied her thoughts. Wiping off the tears that formed beside her eyes, she called out to Kanako.

“Dear, Dinner is ready, come down to eat!”

“I’m coming, ma! Just a second!”

She reminisced over the family picture frame that hung on the dining room walls, holding the food on her hands.

‘Your smile is as beautiful as always…’

It played in her mind that spring had come to her son’s life, singing the chorus of euphoria.

“Sorry I’m late!”

With rushed steps and a face flushed red, Kanako jolted down the stairs with punchy breaths.

“You know, Ayane-chan would understand if you had texted her that you mother is telling you to come eat.”

Seeing how her son reacted to her tease, she hypothesized landing right on the mark.

Her smile, for some reason, was wider than ever before.