Chapter Three: Debate:

“Absolutely not,” Tsuzuki said. Anna’s face dropped.

“You can’t be serious,” she said.

“Not after that nurse’s death!” he said. He shoved more rice into his mouth. Anna threw back her head and groaned.

“Really?” she asked. “You’re still going to hold that over me? I’ll be more careful this time!”

“It’s not just me,” Tsuzuki said. “The higher-ups don’t forget something like this.” Anna sighed and rolled her eyes.

“I know, I know,” she said. “But I’m going crazy here! I don’t know what to do with myself. Please! I need this!” Tsuzuki lowered his chopsticks.

“And I understand,” he said. “I really do. But they won’t.” Anna frowned as she puffed up her cheeks.

“Can’t they let it go already?” she asked under her breath.

“Are you going to eat that?” her husband asked. He inched towards her salted salmon. She blocked him with her chopsticks.

“Yes,” Anna hissed. She shoved the whole salmon into her mouth. She chewed hard before swallowing. Anna grinned in a forced way.

“Okay…” he said. “Geez.” He shoved more rice into his mouth. The shinigami glanced at his wife.

“Can’t you get a job?” Tsuzuki asked.

“Oh…” he said.

“Yeah,” she said. Both sat awkward at the table. Kirika-chan watched from her highchair. Tsuzuki bought it from a yard sale. Anna ate more rice. Tsuzuki rubbed his forehead.

“You really want to do this?” he asked.

“Yes,” Anna said. “Please?” He lowered his chopsticks.

“Fine,” he said. “I’ll talk to them.”

“Thank you,” Anna said, bowing. She finished the bowl.

“Thanks for breakfast,” she said. Tsuzuki finished his bowl as well.

“I can’t promise you anything,” he said.

“Yes, yes,” Anna said. She cut a smile at him.

“Thank you,” she said again. The woman got up and walked over to the red wooden highchair. She picked up Kirika-chan. The baby cooed in her arms.

“Have a good day, dear,” Anna said. Tsuzuki sat confused at first.

“Huh?” he asked. “Oh! I do have to work, don’t I?” The shinigami wiped his face. He kissed Anna on the lips.

“See you tonight,” Tsuzuki said.

“Love you,” Anna said.

“Love you too,” he said. The shinigami turned and walked out of the kitchen. Anna kissed Kirika-chan on the head.

“I’ll be back in business soon,” she whispered. Anna couldn’t help but smile.