But her eyes betrayed her. They flickered to Tomiko, then to Yuko and Haruna, who had followed us into the room, their expressions a mix of relief and lingering anxiety.
Kasumi's gaze lingered on them, drinking in the sight of her daughters as if she feared they might vanish again. Then, with a suddenness that surprised me, she turned to Tomiko, her voice taking on a note of quiet authority.
"Tomiko," she said, "today, I will cook for my daughters myself. Tell the maids to buy fresh ingredients—the best they can find. But don't let them touch anything. I want to prepare the meal with my own hands."
Tomiko's eyebrows lifted slightly, her lips parting as if to protest, but Kasumi's look brooked no argument. After a moment, Tomiko nodded, though her jaw tightened. "Fine. But only if you rest first."
Kasumi's smile deepened, her hand reaching out to squeeze Tomiko's. "I will. I promise."
