Chapter 24Toeing off his shoes in the genkan, Hiroshi called out, “Tadaima.” He hoped Ayana would still be awake. Her shoes were there and the light was on, but there was no answer. The living room was dark and the kitchen lights set low. Usually, Ayana left them on high, even if she went to bed.
Hiroshi went to the refrigerator and pulled out the water jug and drank straight from the top.
“Hiroshi?” Ayana mumbled from the sofa.
He spluttered water over himself. “Didn’t you hear me come in?”
“I dreamed you came home.”Ayana wiggled up, brushed her hair back and pulled the blanket onto her lap.
Hiroshi walked over and sat down next to her.
Ayana sniffed. “You’re not drunk.”
“I was working.”
“That’s what you say when you come home drunk.”
“Why didn’t you go to bed?”
“I didn’t shower
