90 THE CEDARVILLE REVIEW Grandpa Sato roared with laughter and squeezed her again. Mio and her mother joined him. For a moment, the foyer was filled with the laughter of three generations. When the ruckus finally settled, Grandpa Sato sniffed the air and turned to Mio’s mother. “Is that hojicha I smell?” he asked. Mio’s mother did a slight bow in response and flushed. Grandpa sighed happily. “Must you always be so formal, my dear Emiko-chan? You make your old father proud by being so thoughtful.” In response, Mio’s mother shrugged shyly and escorted him to their table. Mio obediently followed. They were greeted by the dining room, which had its windows cracked open to the crisp autumn air. A mound of hot rice, bowls of miso, and broiled fish filled the table. Their steam danced in the sunbeams. Mio’s mother had also managed to snag a basket of foreign pastries, which were placed as far away from Mio and her grandpa as possible. “I know both of you have an insatiable sweet tooth,” Emiko scolded. “Eat your rice and then you might get a pastry.” Once Mio and Grandpa Sato were properly settled, Mio’s mother set out three small teacups and poured the hojicha tea into each of them. Grandpa Sato immediately picked his up and took a tentative sip. “Perfect, as always!” he exclaimed. Mio’s mother returned the compliment with a quick kiss. She brought the teapot to the kitchen for a refill and then sat down near the
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