Their faces say it all

Abirit's parents showed faces that conveyed no clearer answer than day.

Not that you claimed to understand Jewish culture, but you do know that they raised Abirit to be a very responsible and hardworking woman - traits that are greatly valued and encouragingly practiced in Japanese culture - and perhaps expected that she build her own work career, just like how your father Shusaku hoped for you to be successful at work.

Ahel once had a deeply entrenched career as a real estate agent, making a killing from all the commissions she earned from handling transactions with high-value properties whose prices were measured in millions. Even though she could not do site visits or work like before due to household duties, she still handled consultations online through her computer, and she still earned commissions to supplement the family income.

All that money she earned, she saved into her personal account and frugally spent save for celebratory occasions - her life's work earned with blood, sweat and tears.

Jehoichin similarly had to work just as hard to provide for their eighteen children, and upon becoming the sole breadwinner, had to establish his own career out of necessity as Ahel handled the battle of housewives at home, juggling time between nursing and educating.

It would not be remiss to say they hoped for Abirit to be successful in the workforce first, so she may have the means to survive.

And it was Jehoichin who answered first.

"I admit that I prefer Abirit to decide for herself," He said, "But I do hope she finds a work vocation of her own. Not to frown, but... being a housewife..."

You see pensive expressions on the faces of Abirit's parents, and you sigh.

"Have you talked to her about this?" You asked.

"We have, a few times," Said Ahel, "She always replied that she hasn't decided yet, and she's never shown any real interest in a work vocation. I was of the mind to ask her to take up my line of work, so she can be successful and reasonably comfortable, so I had her work part-time for me."

"And her reaction?" You asked.

Ahel merely sighed.

"She excelled in her work," Said Ahel, "Granted, she never did actually meet with clients save when absolutely necessary, but I was able to conclude a substantial number of consultations thanks to her handling paperwork. Even then..."

"No interest?" You said.

"Not in the slightest," Said Ahel, "Like with countless jobs she took."

You sighed at this.

"I don't think this is something you can rush, actually," You said, "Abirit isn't the kind of person to commit to something half-heartedly; once she finds something she truly wants, she'll commit her whole self to it."

"Like how she pushed for us to bless her marriage to Shusaku..." Said Jehoichin, lips curled into the smallest of smiles, "That's our girl."

You smile as well, saying, "I... can't claim to know what you truly want for her, given how she rarely talks about such personal stuff, but give her time. That's really all I can say."

"Yes, you're right," Said Ahel, "Thank you."

Abirit returned to the living room, saying, "Pardon how long I took; Chasidah was a little rowdier than usual."

"No worries, Abirit," Said Jehoichin, "How about we talk about your life in Japan since your marriage?"

"Actually, husband, I'd like to talk with Takeru about something else," Said Ahel, "We'll catch up with you later."

Jehoichin raised an eyebrow, but merely said, "If you say so."

As Jehoichin and Abirit went to another room to discuss, you sat down in front of Ahel with much confusion as to her motive. Why discuss this out of earshot of her own husband and daughter?

"How long?" She asked.

"What?"

Oh no, I don't like where this is going... You thought, seeing the look on Ahel's face.

"How long have you been doing it with Abirit?"