I am Hinato Harui, formerly Hinato Nanatsuno.
Starting today, I am officially the daughter of Mom Kanade Harui and Mom Karen Harui (formerly Minakawa).
Yes, it has been three years since then. At 14, I am now taking care of my two moms.
Until now, I had to deal with the child welfare facility, child consultation centers, the ward office, the court… it took so much effort to handle all the paperwork, but I finally made it.
I help out at a welfare center once a week. Specifically, I am in charge of caring for pigeons at the “Pigeon Center.”
These past three years were, in a sense, a trial period.
Mom Kanade continues to support us as an animal hospital director, and Mom Karen has gone from being a corporate employee to a full-time supervisor, steadily building her career.
What about Popporo?
She passed away on a journey, and Poppo, who was once a chick, has become a parent and is raising several chicks of her own.
However, since she is also female, it was Mom Karen who said we should call her Popporo the Second.
“Hey, Karen? Popporo has passed away, so we need to raise a second one.”
“No! No, no, no!!”
“Geez… Hinato, can you say something to her?”
When I suggested that since she is Popporo’s child, we could just call her Poppo, she stopped crying a little. But three seconds later, Mom Karen started acting spoiled again. Since I couldn’t help it, I told her that “Popporo” was fine.
“Then, Popporo it is!”
She suddenly changed her tune, hugged me, and welcomed me along with the second Popporo.
By the way, Mom Kanade and Mom Karen.
Do you remember how the pigeons have grown?
We are growing older too, but it isn’t just our minds that are growing.
Since this apartment is getting old, are we not going to move?
“It’s true that we are aging and our beauty may fade. But the experience and knowledge gained with age truly count for something, even in terms of beauty.”
“I am two years younger than Kanade. I’ll be 37 soon, but recently our marriage has been recognized, and since everyone welcomes Hinato as family, I don’t think we have any plans to move.”
What about you, Popporo?
“I’m sorry to follow the predecessor, but as pigeons grow, they tend to get closer to humans. Just as you are here, I am here too. But a big house is also appealing. We have plenty of money, and moving might be an option, but I will leave difficult decisions to both of your mothers.”
I see. I felt like being bold for once was a good idea, but the two of you and you, Popporo, prefer the status quo. Ah—perhaps it’s the growing pains, but I’m feeling a bit restless. I’m at an age where I want a lover, too.
With that in mind, I prepared a large bear plushie named “Button.”
There’s no problem kissing this one, right?
If you like, Popporo, you can come over too.
“You’ve had those kinds of hobbies even before you were adopted by these two. Why don’t you kiss me for a change?”
Since I got a scrape the other day, I’ll kiss your forehead.
Kiss.
—30 minutes later
Button, my friends have been so busy lately, we haven’t been able to play.
How can I get you to read books like you do?
Bup-bup, I am Hinato’s lover. Even if others are busy, I will keep you company.
Button, you are so kind! I’ll give you a big hug!
Waaaaah, a reward! It doesn’t hurt at all!
“Hinato, what are you doing all by yourself…”
Ah! Mom Karen, my secret hobby was found out. What should I do?
“Honestly, you’re doing whatever you want without even studying.”
Well, maybe it’s puberty, but I just wanted someone to be with…
“If that’s the case, I’ll keep you company.”
Please, don’t be too rough…
—20 minutes later
“Come on, come on! 15 more laps around the park!”
Hee, foo, hee, haa.
“You’re slacking off!”
Yes, I understand!
—One hour later
We took a break on a park bench. Mom Karen stares at me with a lustrous smile. She lets me rest my head on her toned thighs—hey, Mom, why did you decide to become my mom?
“Your mother was my senior and childhood friend…”
Were Mom and you that close?
“Yes. Even before she passed away in the fire, she said to me, ‘Karen, thank you.'”
Is that why you adopted me?
“No. There’s also the fact that my younger sister died when she was 10. You look exactly like her. It’s true that I was asked to take care of you, but that’s not the only reason.”
Hey, was your sister a kind person? Would she have been my big sister if she were alive?
“If she were alive, your mother and father would likely still be alive, too.”
That means—in other words—…
“When we were little, a pigeon became a substitute for my sister, and until then, your parents were very close. That pigeon was a pet named Popporo.”
Mom… you’re shedding tears, blaming yourself, aren’t you?
You cared about me that much.
“I’m sorry. I made you remember the past.”
It’s okay. I’m just happy if you let me lie here like this.
“Kiss.”
And so, we decided to maintain the status quo and not move. The three of us women, one pigeon, and several female pigeons continued living together in that small, lively, and crowded apartment.
But, let’s move someday, okay!