The next day, just as the afternoon sun painted golden streaks across the sky, Miko returned—this time, with her father.
He was a tired-looking man in his mid-thirties, dressed in a plain button-up shirt, his eyes carrying the weight of sleepless nights. He gave Ichika a small, hesitant bow. "I'm Fujimoto. Miko told me you helped her yesterday."
Ichika smiled. "She told me about her mother's special udon. I'd be happy to show you how to make it."
Fujimoto hesitated, then nodded. "I've tried, but it never turns out right."
"Cooking isn't just about following a recipe," Ichika said gently. "It's about understanding the feeling behind it."
She led him to the kitchen, with Miko watching eagerly from the counter. As Ichika prepared the ingredients, she explained each step—how to simmer the broth just long enough for the flavors to meld, how to knead the noodles with care, how to season by instinct rather than exact measurements.
Fujimoto copied her movements carefully, his hands slightly clumsy at first. But with each step, he grew more confident. As the aroma of the broth filled the air, a nostalgic smile flickered across his face.
"It smells… like home," he murmured.
Miko beamed. "Papa, you did it!"
Ichika served the udon in two steaming bowls, one for Miko and one for her father. They tasted it together.
Fujimoto exhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing. "It's not exactly the same… but it's close." He looked at Ichika, gratitude shining in his tired eyes. "Thank you. I… I haven't cooked properly for a while. I was afraid I'd never get it right."
Ichika placed a reassuring hand on the counter. "Food isn't just about the taste. It's about the love you put into it. Your wife's recipe is in your hands now."
Miko giggled, slurping her noodles. "That means Papa has to cook more now!"
For the first time since he entered, Fujimoto laughed—a quiet, relieved sound.
As they finished their meal, Ichika watched them, a warmth settling in her heart.
Some things couldn't be healed with words. But maybe, they could be mended with a bowl of homemade udon.