Tengukuri...Copyrighted in the US 2023 Page #5

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Don looks at him to see if anything is getting through. His words only seem to make Mason more tense and anxious. Mason says nothing. Don turns his attention to Mikki.

DON:

Mikki may thrive in Japan. You will be a good protector. But she will not be able to protect you, Mason. She is little girl, not teddy bear. What does Meghan say?

MASON:

I haven’t asked her yet.

Mason makes a grimacing face while they chuckle together.

DON:

It will be what it will be, with or without her.

Mason shakes his head.

DON:

Can I say one thing, and Mason-san, with all due respect and honor to you and your family?

Mason fixes his posture and looks to have a new resolve.

MASON:

You can always say anything to me and my family.

Don shakes his head, cautious to say what he is about to say.

DON:

Leave the scotch here.

He looks at Mason, as pointedly as one can look another person in the eyes. Mason stares back, then slowly begins to shake his head.

MASON:

Did Meg call you?

DON:

No, I told you, you have that same look as him. Maybe Japan is not a “mess for you to make,” maybe the mess in you goes away. Maybe you are the goblin.

Mason smiles.

MASON:

Did you just call me a friggin goblin?

The two laugh together. Don shakes his head, this time as if to encourage Mason. They watch Mikki aggressively work on the mat with the young man.

DON:

Mason, you cannot fight without an opponent. But if you do not have an opponent, you fight you. I hope life stops feeling like a fight for you. Just enjoy Japan, my friend. Much to see. Much to learn. Last time you were a viper, this time you be a fox.

The two return their attention to Mikki one final time before the the scene slowly moves out behind them and out the front door onto the street. Our attention is fixed on the outside of the building, one can notice, standing out in the upstairs window a human form in all black, perfectly still, wearing a traditional red Tengu mask. Fade out to next scene.

12 - INT. MASON’S APARTMENT, KITCHEN - NIGHT

Mason and Mikki are frantically running around the kitchen finishing a big Italian dinner. Music is playing “CAN’T FIND MY WAY HOME - N.E.” Delilah is sitting peacefully outside the kitchen, panting and smiling. They are laughing and talking, just trying to make it all work. There is a knock at the door.

MIKKI:

Mom’s here!

Mason throws a towel over his shoulder and heads to the door. He cracks it open and jokingly pushes his nose, chin and mouth through. He whispers loudly:

MASON:

What’s the password?

MEGHAN:

Do you think my boot will fit through that opening?

MASON:

You have guessed correctly.

Meghan is not amused. Mason opens the door and tries to hug his sister, but she keeps her arms crossed and tries to walk past. Mason will have his hug. She finally laughs and does her best to push him away. Mikki is smiling big now.

MEGHAN:

Stop it loser!

Everyone is smiling, Delilah barks and heads to Meghan.

MEGHAN:

Thank you for taking her back here, I didn’t expect to have to stay this late. It smells friggin amazing.

MASON:

Chicken parm, baked spaghetti, and salad. Can I get you something to drink?

MEGHAN:

Aww, kissing a little ass maybe?

MASON:

Aww sissy, your ass really ain’t that little.

She makes a mock laugh and stupid face.

MEGHAN:

I’m good, just water is fine. I’m extra tired tonight. I am starving though. I’m gonna use the bathroom, I’ll be right back. Come here girly and give me a hug first though.

Mikki runs to her mom and nearly knocks her over with her hug.

MIKKI:

Today was awesome!

Mason stands behind them smiling. He seems more at peace than we have seen him.

MEGHAN:

Oh, I can’t wait to hear all about it. I gotta pee first! I’ll be right back. Love you my sweets.

MASON:

C’mon loser, we gotta finish the table. Let’s go, let’s go!

MIKKI:

Ok, ok!

They finish the table as the scene fades to the dinner table.

13 - INT - DINNER TABLE - NIGHT

They finished with their meal, moving food around their plates and Mikki is telling her mom about her day. Meghan seems to have changed her mind about a drink, she is now sipping a glass of dark red wine and is intently focused on Mikki.

MIKKI:

After that Uncle Donny showed me the uke-goshi. It was hard but he said I was a natural. They tried to get Uncle Mase on the mat, but he was being a loser.

Meghan laughs.

MASON:

Hey…

Mikki laughs loudly, everyone is at total peace. Mason drinks a diet coke and shakes his head, faux embarrassed.

MEGHAN:

Mmm, uke-goshi can be a challenge to learn because it’s so simple. But if you get it wrong, you end up with the other guy flat on top of you.

MIKKI:

Yeah we fell a couple times until I figured out where to put my feet and hips. Then I had him.

Meghan gives Mason a sweet look, she has clearly forgiven him, and it is also clear in this moment how much she trusts him with Mikki.

MASON:

She dropped him good a couple times.

MEGHAN:

Well, Uncle Donny is very tough, I’m sure he was very proud of you beating him up.

MIKKI:

Ya. After the dojo we took Delilah to the dog park, went to the store and got stuff for dinner then came back here and listened to music.

Everyone is happy. They all return to eating and the table goes comfortably quiet. Mason looks at both of the girls, they are not aware. He has something to say, but is waiting for the right moment. Meghan looks at Mason, he puts his head down, convinced this is not the moment. She swallows and takes a sip of her wine.

MEGHAN:

Mase, have you thought any more about Japan?

MASON:

Ya, ya, I’ll probably get tickets in the next couple days. I gotta figure out Delilah, I can’t take her with this time. I just think it’s gonna be a very different type of deal.

MEGHAN:

Hmm. Well, let me know if we can help. I’m sure Mikki would love to help however she can. I actually don’t know what in God’s name you plan to do with her for the majority of the time. I suppose we can stay here some nights.

Mason shifts in his seat. Now is the time.

MASON:

Meg, I have something to say. Dammit, this has been such a good night, and I don’t want to ruin that, but it’s just an ask, ok?

MEGHAN:

We can’t stay here the whole time Mase, Lee would flip. Who knows how long you’ll be gone.

MASON:

I want to bring Mikki with me.

Meghan sighs and gives Mason a look of severe apprehension. She shakes her head, and says nothing. She takes another drink of wine.

MEGHAN:

Mason this meal was fantastic. I’m pretty sure we do need to get going soon.

MIKKI:

Mom?! Can I go? Please?

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