For the first time in a while, all three of us had our day off together.
Today is Hinato’s 15th birthday.
I wonder what kind of reward would be best, and I hesitate over various things.
However, Hinato places importance on spending time together as a family.
At a time like this, what should I do?
“Hmm? What is this?”
There was an item called “Wild Vegetable Gathering” in the Pigeon God Newspaper event list.
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~Would you like to experience the nature of Mount NM?~
Why not take this opportunity, such as a holiday, to deepen family bonds?
Since we have just left autumn and entered spring, please feel free to apply.
If we gather lots of wild vegetables, let’s take a commemorative photo with your family.
Also, we would be happy if there are people who keep pigeons.
In this place, there is a legend that pigeons that came to find food formed a bond and found a good match.
We would appreciate it if you could bring your pigeon along without hesitation.
Participation details are as follows:
Location: Hinagami Jukei-ku, Mount NM Marumaru 90-21
Items to bring: Towel, drinks (no alcohol), bento box, plastic bag
Parking available nearby.
Participation: 20 groups (pigeons allowed)
Fee: 1,200 yen (parking fee included)
Tel: ●tcb-78●s-rkl●
Organizer: Tetsuyo Namiki
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Pigeons also inhabit places where wild vegetables grow.
Hinato has also gotten used to pigeons and has gradually opened her heart.
She tends to be diligent, going to volunteer work and studying with Popporo in the same room.
Let’s go together, all three of us, to gather materials to make a delicious dinner that can become a sanctuary of peace for you and us!
“Kanade~”
I immediately consult with Kanade. Since it is 6:00 AM now, we should make it in time for the 10:00 AM wild vegetable gathering. The morning hours for gathering wild vegetables get quite crowded. So, if we start preparing now—…
“Zzz… zzz”
Are they sleeping? Even Hinato…
It is heartwarming and soothing when they sleep, but if we finish eating by 7:00, there won’t be much traffic. Since I am an athletic person, I am an early riser. Arriving at the company by 8:00 is fine too. We must wake them up diligently—… and Popporo. You are the one starring in today’s grand finale.
If you absolutely won’t wake up, I will prepare sweet rolled omelet for this morning’s menu.
Jiggle-jiggle
“Come on, flap-flap”
“Hmm… huh…?”
The aroma fills the air even through the paper sliding doors.
Waked by that sweet scent, Kanade and Hinato also open their eyes.
Both of them say, “It smells so good~” and get up wearing lace underwear.
Let’s also hint at the frozen hamburger steak.
It’s morning for Popporo too, and we can bring her even while she’s sleeping, so it’ll be fine.
While I am thinking that, preparation time gets short, but Hinato comes close to my side.
Kanade approaches the kitchen, following behind.
“Mmm… work from the morning~?”
No. I purposely cooked this to wake you guys up.
We are going wild vegetable gathering today, so Kanade, please pull the car out after eating.
“Karen Mom, today is my birthday, right? Why wild vegetable gathering?”
You were the one who said you wanted to stay with your family, weren’t you? I feel the same way. Please wash that sleepy face and get right to eating.
–Inside the car
Vroooom
We brought Popporo inside the car as well.
The car windows are opened just a little bit, letting our hair flutter in the highway wind.
Since the season is still on the cooler side, the wind feels good against our skin.
By the way, Hinato, what is that stick in your hand?
“Chocolate. I’ll give some to you moms too.”
Ah… thank you.
The chocolate melts sweetly and smoothly in my mouth.
It also plays a part in replenishing energy.
Besides, Hinato holding Popporo is cute as always.
Since this child is turning 15 already, she will surely help us gather wild vegetables.
By the way, Kanade has been quiet the whole time—is something troubling you? Or are you worried because I might be flirting with other people?
“Not at all. More than that, I feel like I might get to see a pigeon give birth, so I’m looking forward to it.”
I see. It’s a bit lacking in excitement, but… it’s a day to celebrate Hinato.
Let’s try not to flirt as much as possible.
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–Mountain trail in Hinagami Jukei-ku, Mount NM Marumaru
“We can finally see our destination.”
When Kanade says that, Hinato clearly shows her joy, bathing in the negative ion air while holding Popporo.
You are just like a fluttering little girl.
I take out my smartphone and say, “Stay just like that,” and take a commemorative photo.
The little girl, Hinato, smiles like an angel.
An angel talks with a pigeon—
The figure remains the same.
From now on too…
Click
“Well, we’ve arrived.”
–Wild Vegetable Harvesting Plaza
Ah, what a cool and green-filled scenery.
The valleys of the mountains cover even the distant cityscape.
I take a deep breath of oxygen together with Hinato.
“Uu…~~~nn, it’s so delicious—!”
The sweet, cold, and soft air.
And with my skin moistened and struck by negative ions…
Nature is so nice—…
While we were fully enjoying the natural air, Kanade went to look for the organizer, Ms. Namiki.
During that time, Hinato warms my heart with her usual smile.
She acts spoiled, calling me “Mom,” and I am truly happy.
My angel, can I have a kiss while we’re at it?
“Ah, I’m Harui.”
(Hau!?!)
As if switching gears, Kanade brought Ms. Namiki over.
She is a slightly plump and refreshed lady, and her mountaineering gear fits her snugly.
Before I knew it, several people were around.
“I am Namiki. Nice to meet you. And the cute young lady over there too?”
Hinato, holding Popporo, shows a surprised expression and says to Ms. Namiki, “Nice to meet you too!”
She had been enjoying nature so she bowed in response to the sudden address.
And Ms. Namiki calls out to the participants, “Everyone gather around.”
She also calls out to Hinato, “Happy birthday.”
She is a person good at being considerate. Let’s learn from her.
“For wild vegetables, plants like bracken, ostrich fern, butterbur scape, and angelica tree shoots grow in this place, but please pluck them with your hands.”
“Ms. Namiki, how do you prepare these wild vegetables?”
“You can eat them just by blanching them quickly. Please be sure to wash away the harshness at the sink.”
“What should we do with our pet pigeon?”
“Yes. Caring for the pigeon is fine as long as you keep a close eye on it.”
Ms. Namiki is reliable.
She says she is 42 years old, but she is very youthful.
Even though it’s Hinato’s birthday, valuing encounters like this is—
Besides, that parent-child daughter looks to be about the same age as Hinato.
They look happy.
If my younger sister had been alive, would she have enjoyed things like this too…
Serika, I have lived on for your share too.
Now, gathering wild vegetables is a struggle, Kanade is a technician. As expected of someone with surgical experience. Hinato——that’s right——pluck it out with your right hand. Do your best!
“Everyone, two hours have passed.”
Now all we have to do is wait for the pigeons to gather.
They are said to lay eggs in spring, around the time wild vegetables are gathered.
Coming to witness that beautiful scenery is the real thrill of this event.
Hinato. We are cheering for the ultimate moment when she can converse with pigeons.
Flap-flap-flap…
Pigeons flying in from between the mountains.
And after resting for a while, they lay eggs on the uneven soil, covering them with dead leaves using their beaks.
Popporo must have felt the urge too, as she laid an egg.
Let’s wrap it in a styrofoam sheet so it doesn’t break.
And, congratulations, Hinato.
Your maternal and child health handbook recorded that you were born at 1:58 PM on this day.
I brought a bento too, so let’s celebrate with that.
–2:30 PM
“Happy birthday, Hinato-chan!”
“Happy 15th birthday, Hinato!”
“Hehe, thank you very much♪”
I want her to leave the cake for tonight and savor the happiness of being celebrated by other people together with her family. Another reason I made her participate in this event was because I wanted her to keep in mind that Hinato is never alone.
She has stopped occasionally throwing tantrums and whining to me, “Hold my hand,” and has grown into a fine young girl. Next, to leave a record of growth for you, who was born in April and will enter high school—
Click