I Know You Didn’t Ask Me, But…
Originally posted on January 24, 2007, exclusively on Realm of Resin
I Know You Didn’t Ask Me, But…
Kohana: How does your hand feel today?
Kenzo: Yikes, you did it again! Are you like “stealth sister” or something?
Kohana: (smiling) Maybe! It’s a good way to stay informed. Sorry to startle you, Kenzo. So, how is your hand? Improved any?
Kenzo: Yeah, it’s a lot better. I should be able to go back to regular practicing tomorrow.
Kohana: That’s good. I’m sure it’s important for you not to miss too much practice. And I am just as sure “air-violin” is not at all like the real thing.
Kenzo: Air-violin - *snerk* …….Hey, uh…. thanks for insisting on having my hand checked out. I guess I should have thought about permanent injuries and all.
Kohana: It never pays to be negligent about such things, but I am happy in this case there wasn’t anything really wrong. And I realize you were thinking of Kaida first, and didn’t want to upset her.
Kenzo: Yeah, as it was she was pretty upset. But it really was just an accident.
Kohana: She tends to be a little impulsive sometimes, but when she knows something is her responsibility, she owns up to it and feels very strongly about it.
Kenzo: I saw that. That was one reason I wanted to keep it from her. I didn’t like upsetting her.
Kohana: Well, it’s inevitable sometimes, with someone as reactive as Kaida. I think it’s commendable that you care that much about her feelings.
Kenzo: Well, yeah, I do. Care, I mean.
Kohana: Kenzo, I really need to say this to you. I think you’re really good for Kaida. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and I’m impressed by you overall. Not many young men your age would be so thoughtful of others or dedicated to their future. Kaida’s a lucky girl.
Kenzo: Well…. Thanks. I feel lucky too. I just wish vacation wasn’t over soon, you know?
Kohana: Oh yes, I understand that perfectly. I have to go back for spring semester in a little over a week myself. I usually look forward to classes starting up again, but this time…. (sigh)
Kenzo: Asher?
Kohana: Yes. I am not looking forward to telling him what my schedule will be like. I am so very busy with school in session, I won’t have much time to spare. And the time I will have is the time he’s busiest. It’s…….going to be a problem.
Kenzo: I know you didn’t ask me …and don’t think I’m butting in or anything, but …. maybe…you could spare more time than you think.
Kohana: What do you mean?
Kenzo: Kaida tells me you always take on more than you need to, at school. Taking extra classes and stuff. Maybe you could cut back, save some more time for…other things.
Kohana: I probably could, if I wanted to badly enough. But I promised myself I would not change for anybody ever again after… I shouldn’t be bothering you with this……I don’t know you well enough to say such personal things.
Kenzo: Hey, no problem. Sometimes it’s easier to talk about stuff with someone you don’t know well. Or it might be easier because I’m just a kid, and you don’t really have to take me seriously… so you can tell me if you want… But …wait a minute – has Asher ever asked you to change anything for him?
Kohana: No, never. I almost wish he’d say something, tell me what he expects. I can’t guess, but there’s got to be something he wants, and… Oh! I don’t mean that the way it sounded! I just meant… well, doesn’t everyone have something they are looking for in a relationship with someone else?
Kenzo: Probably. But sometimes all they want is what’s best for the other person.
Kohana: Are there really people like that, do you think? That unselfish?
Kenzo: Yeah, I think so. It’s finding that person that can be the tricky part.
Kohana: Well, you’ve given me something to think about. Maybe I should do things just a little differently this time…
Kenzo: I know you’re not really asking me, but maybe you should.
Kohana: Whatever I decide, I’m glad Kaida has met someone as responsible and mature as you are. Now, I’ve kept you long enough, their rehearsal has gone way over, and it’s nearly lunchtime – would you like something from the concession?
Kenzo: Sure, can you grab me a beer?
Kohana: What? Oh! I didn’t mean that kind of mature!
Kenzo: Snerk.