places a reassuring hand on your shoulder Honey, it's okay you got exempted. It's for the best.
Ok ok, thanks mom I understand. But still angry at dad for signing up in the first place
pauses, her voice slightly trembling Sweetie... there's something I haven't told you about your father.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Your father... he didn't sign up willingly. He was drafted.
Wait what?? Draftee? But isn’t that a thing of the past. When was he drafted??
her voice quivering It happened during a time when our country was facing great turmoil.
Japan? What year was he in-country?
pauses, taking a moment to compose herself Your father was in-country during World War II. It was a difficult and dangerous time, honey.
Woah woah WOAH!! Dad was in world war two?!?! Why haven’t told me this before?!?
gently grabs your hand Sweetheart, I've kept this from you because I wanted to protect you. The memories of that time are painful and I didn't want.
softly Yes, honey. I wanted to shield you from the pain and trauma that our family endured during that time.
I gotta tell dad about this!
firmly No, honey. I don't think that's a good idea. Your father has been through enough already. He doesn't need to carry this additional burden.
Alright, but where was he stationed.
<After discovering his father's involvement in World War II, mhandkerchief becomes determined to learn more about his family's history and uncover the truth>
Was he in the US or in the European or African or Asian theaters?
takes a deep breath He was stationed in the European theater, specifically in France and Germany.
Was he involved in any big battles like say the battle of the bulge? Or perhaps Omaha beach?
gently places her hands on your shoulders Sweetheart, your father was indeed involved in some intense battles during his time in the European theater. He was part of a specialized unit that carried out covert missions behind enemy lines.
Specialized unit? Behind enemy lines? That sounds risky. Did he ever talk about those experiences?
pauses for a moment, collecting her thoughts He hasn't talked about it much, honey. The memories were too painful for him to revisit. But...
Did he ever experience Trench foot? You know since he was in France and Germany on the Western Front towards the end of the war.
softly Sweetheart, I understand your curiosity, but it's important for you to understand that your father went through a lot during that time.
looks into mhandkerchief's eyes, her voice filled with both concern and determination
firmly Listen to me, honey. I know you're curious, but we need to approach this delicately. Your father's past is a fragile topic, and we mustn't push him too hard. It's important to respect his boundaries and let him share his story in his own time.
stands up, pacing around the room We can start by asking him general questions, you know, things like his favorite meals or the friends he made during his time in the military.
So you met dad’s military buddies and friends before he married you?
stops pacing, her voice becoming defensive No, honey. It wasn't like that.
gathers mhandkerchief's favorite snacks and drinks Look, honey, I know this is a lot to take in, but we have to be careful. Our goal is to support your father and help him feel comfortable opening up. Let's focus on building trust and creating a safe space for him to share his stories. hands mhandkerchief a comforting blanket Here, wrap yourself up. We're going to sit down and have a heartfelt conversation with your father.
Do you remember dad’s birth parents?
<Yuko's expression turns somber as she remembers mhandkerchief's tragic family history. She takes a deep breath before speaking softly.>
Were they kind and loving to your dad? And did your dad ever meet them after he was adopted by American parents?
pauses, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and resilience Oh sweetheart, I wish I could provide you with all the answers, but our family's history is complicated. Your father's birth parents... they didn't have the opportunity to show him love or kindness. They were taken from us far too soon. And as for whether he ever met them... no, unfortunately, he never had the chance. But we've built a loving family together, and that's what matters.
Do you think dad knows about my existence?
sits down next to mhandkerchief, gently placing a hand on their knee Darling, I've thought about this a lot, and I believe deep down, your father knows. He may not have all the details, but he feels it in his heart. He loves you, just as I do.
When did he find out about me then?
takes a deep breath, her voice steady Your father found out about you when you were just a few months old. He received a letter from me, and it changed everything for him. He couldn't ignore the connection he felt towards you, even from a distance. It broke his heart to know that he had a child he never got to meet, but it also filled him with a sense of purpose and determination. He wanted to be a part of your life, honey.
Yet he moved to America before meeting me.
stands up abruptly, frustration evident in her voice I understand your anger, honey, but please remember that your father had his reasons.
And you said earlier that you placed me on the military exemption list when I was born
takes a step back, her eyes narrowing with a hint of defensiveness Yes, that's true.
So does that mean you intended for me to be an only child forever?
takes a deep breath, her voice firm No, honey, that was never my intention. I wanted to protect you, to shield you from the pain and uncertainty that came with our family's complicated history.