On lucky days, she could see Julian's face after he returned from work, and on days when that wasn't possible, she would just clean, do laundry, and wash dishes before trudging back home.
Today was a lucky day, as Julian happened to be off work. Thanks to this, Mary was able to watch Julian napping contentedly for quite a while.
Julian, who had just woken up, came out rubbing his eyes and startled.
"Oh, Mom, what do you mean? I'm not seeing anyone!"
Mary stared at Julian intently.
"Really, no one?"
"Ah, really, there's no one."
Mary looked down at her hands, wrinkled with fine lines, then looked back at Julian and said in a subdued voice.
"I see. How could our son have time to date when he's so busy?"
"Th-that's right, Mom. I'm really busy these days. But why are you suddenly asking about this?"
"You've been rejecting all the blind dates lately, saying you're always busy. I asked because it seemed so strange."
Mary said, looking at Julian with suspicious eyes.
