Yozakura-fu

Yozakura had to work late shift this week. Another challenge she regularly had to face in order to raise a family. When she finally arrived home she was dead tired. The bags of dinners supplies she bought on her way home slumped her shoulders down and she struggled to raise her arm to put the key into the front door. The door creaked open and as she rejoiced that the day was over at last. The heating was on and the warm air fought off the chill.

 

'I'm home!' She announced.

 

'Welcome home!' The kids shouted back. They swarmed over to Yozakura and enveloped her in hugs.

 

Yozakura could see some new toy in each of their hands. They looked like handheld gaming consoles 'Where did you get those?'

 

'Aunt Shiki sent these to us.' The middle-child said 'They arrived today.'

 

"Typical" Yozakura thought to herself. Ever since growing up together Yozakura's efforts to maintain discipline had been undermined by Shiki and Minori. Even after they all grew up and went their separate ways those two would interfere by spoiling Yozakura's children. Minori would send toys and candy and Shiki would send expensive gifts that she'd pick up while travelling the world with her husband. Even Murakumo joined in by sending comics.

 

Still, Yozakura couldn't appear ungrateful. 'You make sure to thank her' Yozakura reminded her children.

 

'Yes, mom!' They groaned in harmony.

 

There was an enticing scent from the kitchen. Yozakura let the kids run off and play and followed the smell of cooking. At the end of the trail was her husband. 'Oh you started dinner already?' She asked.

 

'Yeah, I made sure to have it ready for when you got home. You still have time for a shower before it's ready.' Anon smiled proudly.

 

'Oh I was going to make something' There was a hint of disappointment in Yozakura's voice 'I guess that means I can squeeze in some laundry.'

 

Anon jumped in 'Oh I took care of that too.'

 

'Well it probably needs to be ironed and folded.' Yozakura wondered.

 

'Did that too.' Anon boasted 'Even put it all away too.'

 

'What?' Yozakura was in shock 'Well, then I'll make sure the kids get their homework done.'

 

'Oh they did that when they got home. I even watched them do it.' Anon informed her.

 

'Well just make sure to take out the garbage.' Yozakura tried to remind Anon.

 

'Already sorted the recycling and wheeled the bins to the curb for pick-up.' Anon flexed.

 

'You did everything?' Yozakura was flabbergasted 'Where did you find time to do all of this?'

 

'Well I finished work early today and rather than lounge around I decided to take care of some things around here.' Anon reached over and took the shopping bags from Yozakura 'Here, let's pack these away.'

 

Yozakura was dumbstruck. She had a thousand yard stare and limply held her hands down to make Anon reach down and take the bags. 'Then what am I supposed to do this evening?' She asked meekly.

 

Anon shrugged his shoulders 'Oh you can sit back and relax I guess.'

 

"Relax?" Yozakura thought to herself. Somehow that word made Yozakura feel amazing. She was in ecstasy as she pictured herself slumped in a chair. She enjoyed the chaos of family life and loved to be in the thick of things yet the word "relax" felt so right. 'You know, honey.' Yozakura smiled 'It looks like I'm going to have some extra energy tonight.'

 

'Oh? You will?' Anon inquired.

 

'That's right.' Yozakura giggled like a school girl 'So don't work too hard. We're going to have some fun later.'