"Quick, hide! Emi's home!" Meiko shouted, pushing me towards her closet.
 
"What? Why? Can't I just tell her about us, finally?" I replied. She was still pushing me, but I'm stronger than she is.
 
"Come on, you know she'd be hurt. I don't think she's ready to accept that people move on. You know you were the first guy she truly came to love after... well, you know."
 
"And I love her too! I just need a real woman in my life."
 
"Not now! Hide!" She pushed me one more time, then pouted. Like mother, like daughter, I guess. I can't possibly say no to that adorable face. Sighing audibly, I went into the closet, slipping between a pair of dresses as Emi stomped loudly up the stairs.
 
"Mom! Why didn't you answer when I called? What, were you napping or something? I'm hungry~! Let's eat!"
 
Meiko sighed, knowing how right her daughter was. It's her duty to keep her well fed, of course. "Yes, Emi. I'm sorry. I'll be right down, dinner will be ready soon." As Emi ran back out of her room, Meiko came over to the closet to let me out. She planted a soft, warm kiss on my lips, and embraced me tightly. It's a wonder Emi didn't notice how sweaty she still is from our earlier activities. "Emi's probably going to go to the bathroom really quick, before we eat. You should be able to sneak out the back door, then circle around and come in the front so you can join us for dinner. Come on, you don't have much time. Make her think you just got here."
 
I step out, kissing her back quickly, but hesitate to move. "And what about what we were talking about before? I love Emi, but I really love you too, Meiko. I don't want to live a lie anymore. I have to see Emi every day, it's hard enough trying to keep a smile on my face knowing she's in the dark about this."
 
"It's just... you filled a hole in her life. And you filled the hole in mine, too. But she's never been great at sharing, you know that. I think we just need to give her some more time before she can accept you into her life as a father figure, not just a friend. Okay?" She gave me a pained smile, and I knew exactly what it meant. She's always been the selfless one, everything she does is for Emi's well being. I sighed again.
 
"Fine, you win. Make sure Emi opens the door so she knows for sure I'm just coming now. See you soon." I kissed her again before heading out the door, and this time her smile was wider and happier.
 
The trek outside was easier than usual. I've finally gotten the hang of the layout of this place. Down the stairs, through the den instead of the kitchen, out the back door, wait a few minutes, then come around and knock on the door. As expected, Emi answered. She beamed and gave me a hug.
 
"Nurse, you made it! Come on in, mom's in the kitchen finishing up. Been a while since you two have gotten to see each other, hasn't it?"