Published: July 25, 2025
A few days had passed since the day I stayed by the gate, and just before noon, the formal kimono that my mother had been diligently making for Tulli was finally finished.
The basic design was a simple, straight-cut off-white dress. It was modest, with decorative embroidery only along the collar, sleeves, and hem. A wide sash in blue added a cool splash of color.
It was cute, sure, but somehow felt a little plain. Perhaps it was the influence of seeing advertisements for Japan’s Shichi-Go-San celebrations, where children wear colorful kimonos or dresses that look spectacular in studio photos.
“How is it, Myne? Cute?”
If it were me, I’d have added some frills or more decorations to make it even cuter...
Though I thought that inside, my mother looked so confident and Tulli seemed happy, so this was probably good enough.
Unlike a photo shoot done out of self-satisfaction, this outfit was for going to the temple, so maybe being too flashy wasn’t appropriate. Since I didn’t understand the local customs, I thought I shouldn’t interfere with the clothing.
But I found an area where it would be okay to speak up.
That was the hair.
Though Tulli’s hair was shiny from care, her hairstyle was always a single braid down her back. If she was going to change her hairstyle for the baptism ceremony, perhaps she could wear something more elaborate as a hair ornament.
However, without knowing the local standards, I couldn’t act. My young self had no memory of any baptism ceremony customs.
“Tulli, you look cute! But what about your hair? Is there a rule for hairstyles at the baptism?”
“I’m planning to leave it as is.”
...Tulli, that won’t do. Since it’s a special occasion, shouldn’t you dress up a bit more?
I couldn’t help but slump my shoulders, but I pulled myself together and continued asking. Even if the hairstyle didn’t change, maybe there was some meaning behind the ornament.
“So, what about a hair ornament? Will you wear something?”
“Well, since it’s summer, maybe I’ll just pick some flowers somewhere.”
“That won’t do! You’re wearing such a cute outfit already!”
That tone clearly meant she planned to just grab whatever flowers she found lying around!
Don’t you know about total coordination!? ...Ah, of course not.
Apparently, updos were frowned upon for children here, but some braiding should be fine, and if there wasn’t a hair ornament, I could make one.
I can crochet lace. There’s still time before summer.
“I’ll do it! Let me, Tulli. I promise I’ll make it really cute.”
Right after I said that, I realized I didn’t have a crochet hook for lace. My mother had a thick one for wool, but that wouldn’t work for lace.
W-what should I do!?
The only family member who could make tools like that was my father. He was the one who had smoothed and oiled the hairpin he made for Tulli to make it easier to use.
I glanced sideways to check my father’s mood.
Even though a few days had passed since Otto started teaching me letters at the gate, my father was still in a bad mood. He didn’t look like someone who would easily grant favors, but I thought maybe he was just sulking because it was me who upset him.
Honestly, my father was childish, but I decided I’d be the adult this time. If I sensed he wanted attention and asked him sweetly, his mood would improve, I’d get a crochet hook, and it’d be a win-win.
“Dad, dad.”
“What is it?”
“You’re pretty handy, right? You made Tulli’s doll, didn’t you?”
“Well, yes. Ahem! So... Myne, do you want a doll too?”
He looked stern like he was angry but had a spark of expectation in his eyes as he glanced at me.
“No, I want a crochet hook.”
“A crochet hook? The one Mom uses for knitting? You could just borrow hers.”
The moment I answered, my father’s face fell completely. It was so pitiful it almost made me want to cover it up for him.
He waved me away as if to say “go away,” which isn’t a good attitude from a parent. At least hear me out.
“I want a much thinner crochet hook than that wool one. It’s for threading yarn, not thick wool. Dad, I know it’s hard, but can you make one?”