"Hey, you two are back," I greeted and moved Tatsuya and Riku into my space. "I made some snacks. Let's have tea while we talk," I said. The three of us then made our way to the dining area. "Thanks An chan. The room feels warm," Riku said as he smiled at me.

"This is my first time making Dorayaki so don't laught at me," I warned them before starting my usual gossip session. "Last week's convoy has returned. They found some frozen meat but they were all expired. Speaking of meat, can you two slaughter and process a few rabbits and chickens later? We're running out of fresh meat. I'll make some Dry-stewed Rabbit Meat for tomorrow's lunch if you can get at least four ready," I offered. As if injected with chicken blood, the two rushed out to complete my request.

I stayed outside of my space after dinner time to wait for Keith to come back. He might not look like it but before he was a visiting lecturer, he was a product development scientist. His recent team work with Tatsuya around the farm has sparked some new ideas that he wanted to implement at the base.

While waiting, I prepared a to do list for the four of us before sewing Tatsuya's clothes. Once Keith entered our room, I grabbed his arm hurriedly and moved us into my space and informed, "Your dinner is on the dining table. I also left you some Dorayakis. Goodnight and see you in the morning."

I then rushed to my bedroom hoping Tatsuya would still be awake. Happy that he still is I sat next to him and mentioned this morning's incident, "While at the canteen, I saw a woman who made a ruckus about being served only two types of dishes. She was with what looked like a teenage boy. They looked similar to ..." "Probably my mother and half brother," he interrupted with a flat tone. He did not seem to be interested in continuing the conversation.

I lie down on the bed and as I was about to fall asleep, Tatsuya softly said, "She abandoned us when we needed her the most." Sigh. Poor father in law and Tatsuya. I can imagine what kind of a person she is with how she carried herself. Her other son is no better. He looked like some of the people I used to have business cooperation with. Someone who looks down on other people. I decided not to make any comment on his revelation.

I woke up early to prepare breakfast for everyone. I found out that both Tatsuya and Riku can cook but Riku is best at ramens which he learned when he worked at a ramen shop. Keith on the other hand is a hopeless case who once survived on fast food. Despite having to do heavier jobs than mine, Riku would usually help set the dining table while the other two wash the dishes.

Upon seeing them arriving at the dining area, I yelled from the kitchen, "Come and see me at 12.30 pm later. As I promised yesterday, we'll be having dry-stewed rabbits. Everyone gets one each." "I've some news. There are reports that the river near the southern base is contaminated. A platoon of soldiers sent to investigate the destroyed base drank from the river and six of them have fever. As a result, everyone in the platoon has been quarantined. They've sent some of the water samples to the laboratory but I suggest refraining from having our meals at the canteen or use the communal washroom," Keith interjected. We all agreed to his suggestion.

We then exited the space and went to our respective destinations. I headed towards the canteen to start my shift. While I was thinking whether I should apply for a job change; any job that do not involve water when I heard a loud argument. It was that woman again minus the teenager. "Why are we having only natto and seaweed over rice? No eggs or meat?" she asked loudly. When two soldiers appeared after learning about the commotion, she repeated her questions and added, "Do you know who I am? I'm your mayor's wife. Is this how you treat your superior's family members?" "I'm sorry Saito sama but we only serve what the base have," one of them answered politely. "Show me to your leader's office. Having such food served to us is inexcusable," she demanded. Some people shook their heads after listening to her complaints.

I turned to my left and asked my new friend, "Who was that?" Her eyes twinkled in excitement and replied, "That's Saito Hikaru. She married our mayor, Tanaka Ryo a long time ago. I heard she was a divorcee and that Tanaka sama's mother was at first against the marriage. No one knows what made her changed her mind." We continued gossiping about other people including those at the base while cutting vegetables. Luckily we left for the day with all 10 fingers intact. I understood her need for gossip as a form of entertainment as we had no access to television or radio. Even electricity was provided for only 12 hours a day.

After dinner, I asked Tatsuya's opinion about having my job changed and reason for wanting to do so. He suggested I ask Keith if I can be his assistant. It was not only convenient but also safer. I nearly fell from my chair when Tatsuya suddenly said, "I heard she made a scene again today." "We don't have to talk about her, if you don't want to," I spoke. He carelessly said, "Father got sick. We had no money so she divorced him and hooked up with a rich man. She then got herself pregnant and the man made her his wife." "I'm sorry," I said to comfort him. He gave me a small smile. I decided to serve him some umeshu tomorrow for opening up about his past.