Norman had a lot to say. It was Heath's first time seeing him like this; in Heath's impression, Norman had always been a very serious man who spent most of his time silent and taciturn. He had never expected Norman to have so much to say. Even May beside him looked a little dazed by it all, while Mitsuko watched her husband with a smile. Her husband was good in every way except that he was too devoted to his career, so much so that he did not show their children enough concern. That would not do. Now, though, Norman seemed determined to say everything he had saved up over this period all at once. He talked for over an hour, and Heath even poured him two glasses of water.
Otherwise, Heath really would have worried that Norman might pass out from thirst right there. Norman downed both large glasses in one go, leaving Heath marveling. He had seen plenty of people who drank like water buffaloes, gulping down water with astonishing vigor, and Norman clearly had that potential too. Or did men generally just drink water that vigorously?
In any case, Norman went on at length before finally finishing. Then he pulled Heath aside and spoke to him for a little while as Mitsuko comforted May. Only then did Norman and Mitsuko leave, looking back repeatedly with every step. Heath did not know whether to laugh or cry.
"Good thing we live in an age of technology that makes things so much easier. Otherwise, I think your father would have kept talking to you for a while longer." Heath smiled at May, whose eyes were red. Although May would be going with him to the Kanto Region, it was not too big a problem. After all, this world had