Page 108 of Praising Haru

“I haven’t thought about it,” Haru replies.

“You are young. How young are you?”

“Twenty-three.”

The vein at my temple throbs. “I haven’t thought about kids yet either.” My voice sounds strained and borderline pissed off.

“You could adopt or hire a surrogate,” Mum says.

I roll my eyes.

“If I decide to have children in the future, I’d adopt.” Haru’s voice is calmer than I can manage. “I know how much joy and fulfilment my parents got from adopting me.”

Mum straightens.

“And there are lots of kids who need to be welcomed into a stable, loving home.”

“You’re adopted?” Mum asks.

“Yes.”

I lean across and kiss Haru’s cheek.

“Your parents live in London?” Mum asks.

“No. In Leeds. This is where I was raised. They don’t want me to live so far away either, but they know London is where I need to be to follow my dreams. All they’ve ever wanted is for me to be happy, even if that means they see a little less of me.”

Even though Haru’s voice was soft, Mum looks like a toddler who has been told off.

“London isn’t far,” Dad reiterates. “You’d have my blessing if you decided to move.”

“Thanks, Dad. We’ve already agreed it’s not a decision we’re going to rush into.” I meet Haru’s warm gaze. “We’re going to see how things go over the next six months, and if we’re still crazy about each other, we’ll discuss living together.”

“Very sensible,” Dad says.

“At least you’re not rushing into anything,” Mum says. “But long-distance relationships are hard.”

“We know. But I’m confident we can make it work,” I say.

“How can you be? You’ve never done it before and barely know each other.”

“Mum, stop.” I glare at her. “I get it. You don’t want me to leave Leeds. But that’s no reason to be rude to Haru.”

“I’m not—”

“You are.”

Mum jerks her head back.

“You are being a little unreasonable, dear,” Dad says, patting her hand.

She looks away.

“It’s okay,” Haru says.

“No, it’s not. Mum, I love you, but if you can’t be polite, we’ll leave.”

Haru’s chin quivers. He rests his head on my shoulder. “Love you,” he whispers.