My son had surgery on his leg and after six days in hospital he is now back home.
He now needs to use crutches and is still unable to go to school on his own, so this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I drove him to and from school in the morning and evening.
It was just over 30 minutes each way. Unexpectedly, it became a chance for the 46-year-old father and his 16-year-old son to spend some time alone together for the first time in a long while.
We don't usually have much conversation because we live in different time zones. At best, we can answer a question with just one word. Serve, receive, that's it.
However, during these three days, we spent a total of nearly two hours behind closed doors.
It may have been a hassle for the son, but it was a very valuable conversation for his father.
Whenever my family rides in the car, my wife sits in the passenger seat and the kids sit in the back seat. But this time, I had my son sit in the passenger seat.
When I did that, the view was completely different, and my son even started serving the ball.
"Oh, this is called 'Chikaramachi'."
Apparently you can also clearly see the sign for "Chukaramachi," one of the most difficult place names in Nagoya to read.
This led to
"So, do you know what that arrow sign means?"
"Hmm, I wonder. Is it a one-way street?"
"correct answer!"
The first day was a blast, and we talked about a variety of things, including school and cram school.
On the second day, I talked about my work.
"Right now, there's a Black Friday sale going on at a wine mail order store, but is Black Friday something that high school students can relate to?"
"No, not at all. I just kind of see what they're doing."
"I know it exists."
"I don't know, but our generation is Black Friday natives."
???
native?
Apparently, in this case, "native" is the native usage of "digital native" or "smartphone native," referring to something that has been a part of our lives since birth.
Really?
To me, I thought Black Friday was something that had only become popular in recent years, but it seemed like it had been around for as long as he could remember.
"I see, it's pretty well ingrained now."
"You have. You've had black pandas for a long time now."
Ah! I see!
The Black Friday campaign that Aeon is running, the black panda character. I see, that's why it had such a strong impact.
When you think about it, catchy characters are important.
The kiwi fruit made by Zespri, the most famous New Zealand company in Japan, is also remembered for that character.
We talked about how, in order for New Zealand wine to become more mainstream, it might need to have some kind of eye-catching character.
And then Wednesday, the last day of transportation.
I parked my car near the school and waited for my son to come out of the school gate.
When the time came, I saw my son on crutches in the rearview mirror, and next to him was his friend carrying his bag.
I got out of the car, said "Thank you for helping me," to my friend, and picked up my bag.
After that friend said to me, "No."
I was stunned by the words he spoke to my son.
"Well, see you tomorrow! Farewell!"
He raised his right hand, smiled, said this, and walked off towards the station.
...So cute.
According to my son, he loves manga and novels. He especially likes historical stories, and is obsessed with the Shinsengumi. I see, that's why it's called "Goodbye!"
But, that cheerful "Goodbye!" was great. Thanks to that cheerfulness, I think the conversation in the car on the way back was the most lively of the three days.
I'm so glad I'm blessed to have such good friends. And I'm glad Dad knows he has such a cheerful friend.
I say as I take the wheel.
"The tough rehabilitation is about to begin."
My son in the passenger seat answered while fiddling with his smartphone.
"That's right. But once I'm fully recovered, I'm going to USJ with that friend from before."
I see. That's a good goal. That will help me work hard on my rehabilitation.
We had such conversations on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
I think it was an unforgettable three days for me.
