The cubes of tofu in the donburi bowl
were deep-fried, golden brown,
and they sat in this
pool of
scalding hot dashi.
I only had one
when Dad said,
“Don’t have them all,
they’re not good for you – share!”
So I put down my chopsticks
and took another
sip of tea.

Kasumi Oneah-chan would make
green tea just like this
for guests in the living room…

“Hey, we’re running low
on tea – can you ask the lady
for refills? Or a teapot
for the table?” Mum said,
even though it’s not our
first time here,
and they don’t like
self-service…

The last sip
brought me back
to the living room.
I can hear
the sound of
wind chimes
and the clack
of Shogi pieces
on wood…

Sigh Wan
20/11/2025