After the laughter died down, Tomiko turned to me with a slightly guilty expression. She looked nervous, as if worried she had crossed a line with her earlier teasing.
"Jack… I am sorry. I didn't mean to… You know, imply anything bad about you," Tomiko said softly, her voice carrying genuine concern. "I was only joking around with Haruna. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings."
I reached across the table and gently held Tomiko's nervous hand, my fingers wrapping around her softer, elegant ones. I gave it a reassuring squeeze, looking straight into her eyes.
"I know, Oba-san. Don't worry at all. I'm not even slightly angry. Actually, I feel really happy when you tease Haruna and me like that. It makes me feel like I'm truly part of this family."
"We're all comfortable enough to joke around… that's what family does. And Oba-san, you have every right to tease me. I like it when you do."
