Tengukuri...Copyrighted in the US 2023 Page #3

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MASON:

Arigato gozaimas. I’m sorry, is there a Reeni, that works here?

SERVER 1

Oh yes sir. (Accent) Reine?

MASON:

Sumimasen. Reine. Is she available, could I speak with her?

SERVER 1

I will see sir.

MASON:

Domo arigato gozaimas.

The server leaves while Mason begins to pour his sake. He seems to know quite well how to formally dine as Japanese. He is visibly tired. He rolls his head and shifts in his seat like his body is stiff. After watching Mason watch everyone in the restaurant, as if totally detached from humanity, a long haired Japanese woman in her late 20s walks toward his table.

REINE:

Konnichiwa.

MASON:

Reine, thank you for taking the time to meet with me.

REINE:

I’m sorry sir, is everything satisfactory for you here at Sakura?

MASON:

Oh yes, yes, ma’am. Everything is wonderful, I love it here. Would you like to sit for a moment?

She is puzzled by the request, as she is clearly working. She says nothing, but the look on her face speaks for her. Mason puts his hands up in defense.

MASON:

I’m sorry, you’re working, I just had a couple of quick questions.

She becomes apprehensive.

MASON:

I believe I met your father last night, but quite honestly I had a lot to drink and I don’t remember his name. (Uneasy laugh) I just wanted to talk with him again.

REINE:

My father drinks too much, Mr?

MASON:

Neely, Mason Neely.

She c*cks her head as if she knows that name.

REINE:

Mr. Neely, has my father done something wrong? His name is Sando.

MASON:

Sando. No ma’am. This may seem silly, but he told me a story. And I just want to hear more.

Reine becomes visibly embarrassed. She corrects her posture, very aware of how she has slumped into shame.

REINE:

Mr. Neely, my father speaks of what he should not. The myths he grew up with as a child are myths. He told them to me too. You mean Tengukuri Village, yes?

Mason nods, his mouth moves as if words are coming out but they do not.

REINE:

Tengukuri is real. It is a farming village that lives in the past. But it is not what you think. I have not spoken to my father in weeks, as he has been drinking.

MASON:

For weeks?

REINE:

I said, my father drinks too much. I’m sure you understand.

She looks down at his sake tray and raises her eyes back to him. Mason’s jaw drops slightly.

MASON:

Ok, well, uh, I’m a writer, and I just have a…

REINE:

I know who you are Mr. Neely. Your father train my sister Judo in Ballard, and I remember your article in Black Belt about fake martial artists and the damage they do. I never read article, only read about your work. I must return to my work, is there anything else I can do for you?

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