The Quirks Of Curse Breaking

Numbly I followed Fidget into the Taisho's house. Part of me didn't want to believe the book dealer's story, but I knew he had no reason to lie about such a thing. The emotion in his eyes when he spoke had been genuine, I had no doubt about that. For better or worse, Harrison Fidget had deeply loved my father.

A memory from my early childhood came unbidden to me as I approached the library.

FLASHBACK

I toddled around the house, looking for my Daddy. Where was Daddy? In the big food room? Nope. Taking a nap? Nope, not taking a nap. Humph. Time to do what Obasan would do: Find him myself! I smiled happily, thinking what I would need for my quest. My yellow blanket was already in hand, Yuki Tanuki was around my shoulders...I was ready for takeoff!

Bounding outside, I was about to start checking underneath all the trees in the garden when I saw Daddy's shadow in a window upstairs. I giggled. He was with his books again, the boring ones with no pictures and all those funny squiggle-things he says I'll learn soon.

The door was open when I trundled up the stairs, and Daddy was looking at something in his hand. Something little, but I can tell it's special to him by the way he's touching it with his fingers . “My Fidget,” whispered Daddy, smiling at the thing in his hand.

“What'cha got, Papa?” I asked, walking towards him.

He turned quickly. “Miro-chan! You startled me, my little imp!”

I hung my head. “I'm sorry, Papa.”

Kneeling down, Daddy opened his arms in a big hug. “It's alright, little one. I just wasn't expecting you, that's all,” he said, ruffling my hair fondly.

“Can I see what's in your hand?” I asked. Daddy gave me a look, so I tried again. “Can I please see what's in your hand?”

“Well, since you asked so nicely, then yes Miro-chan, you may.” He sat on the floor and pulled me into his lap. In his hand was a...kitty? A little green stone kitty? But why?

“Do you know what that is, my son?” asked Daddy.

I nodded proudly. “It's a cat.”

He chuckled. “Right you are my smart boy, but it's a very special cat. This is a Maneki Neko, a Lucky Cat. See how it's raising one paw to say hello to us? That means we will be blessed with good fortune and wealth. This one is made of green jade, so it's even more special,” he said, touching it again.

“But why do you have it?”

Daddy sighed. “A dear friend gave this to me once, so I would never forget him. As if I could...” he laughed. “Ah well. Enough of that. Let's go get a snack, shall we?” he said, putting me on my feet and standing up.

END FLASHBACK

“'My Fidget,'” I echoed, coming back to the present.