I Planned My Escape Because I Knew Her Secret - Episode 43

It has been two years since I got married to Madoka.

I’ve been in Okayama for seven years, and it’s been two and a half years since Madoka came.

We had turned 34 years old.

Work is going smoothly without any major changes.

I’m still going through my training days, and Madoka is not only learning cooking and customer service but also studying management aspects (financial and labor management) under the landlady. Now, customers even call her “young landlady,” and she’s become quite popular.

By the way, I’m not called “Young Master” or “Young Lord,” but rather “Bald Guy.” Narita-an has many long-time regulars, and since there are many who have known me since I started my training, I guess it’s unavoidable, but I’ve been working here longer than Madoka. It just doesn’t sit right with me.

In private, I think the couple’s relationship is very harmonious.

We are always together at home and outside, and even after two years of being married, I still feel like we are a newlywed couple.

At home, we’re still inseparable, and even on days off, we go out together all the time.

Going shopping, going for a drive, or going a bit far to eat delicious food—what we do hasn’t changed much from before. But unlike when we were just dating, now that we’re married, we don’t bother to plan dates. Instead, we decide how to spend our weekends based on spontaneous ideas like, “I feel like eating some delicious fish today.” I think this is something we can do because we have a good relationship as a couple.

Moreover, even though we spend so much time together, I don’t particularly feel stifled. When we were doing separate jobs, we had to be considerate of each other’s schedules and various things, but since we’re doing the same job now, that kind of thing has disappeared. Instead, we have started to think about both work and private matters as a pair.

Well, once we open our own shop, this is probably the norm, and since we’re training together as a couple for our future, it might be natural for things to turn out this way.

Also, there are times when we argue, or rather, when I get scolded unilaterally, but it’s always been like that since high school, and we usually make up within the same day without holding any grudges. So, I never felt any anxiety or problems regarding our marriage.

And then, although we’ve slowed down a bit in the evening, we’re still enjoying ourselves without it affecting our work.

I’ve heard that women’s s3x drive increases after their 30s, but when it comes to Madoka, that might actually be true. I was away in her late 20s, so I don’t know how her s3x drive was then, and I can’t compare, but compared to her student days, she’s definitely more proactive now.

I haven’t felt any decline in my vitality so far, so maybe this is when we’re both at our healthiest.

The problem that the two of us are currently facing is about having children.

Madoka says, “It’s a gift, so we just have to leave it to nature until it happens,” but I think she really wants one soon, even though she doesn’t say it out loud because of her age.

As for me, I was quite carefree at first, thinking, “I want it, but it’ll turn out the way it does.”

In that sense, I’ve been off birth control for about a year now.

But for now, I’m not pregnant.

Gradually, I started to think, “If we’ve been having unprotected s3x for a year and she still isn’t pregnant, maybe there’s a problem with one of us.” But I didn’t want to create tension with Madoka over this, and I didn’t want to cause her unnecessary stress. I even started to think, “I would be fine without kids as long as I have Madoka.”

At that time, Yuko-san got pregnant.

So, since the morning sickness seems to be quite severe and she’s been feeling unwell, the shop will be closed for a while. However, compared to before, the number of employees has increased, and Madoka has become a valuable asset, so there are no particular problems with the shop. Additionally, the landlady and Madoka frequently check on Yuko and seem to be taking care of her daily needs.

As it turns out, naturally, the topic of Yuko’s baby becomes the center of attention.

Madoka herself has also started to bring up Yuko-san more often.

When I saw Madoka like that, I became even more worried.

It’s not just about not being able to have children, but even now, I keep thinking negatively about things like whether we would have been able to have children properly if we had gotten married at 27, and I wonder if Madoka is feeling the same way.

However, noticing my troubled state, Madoka seemed to be worried that I was getting anxious about wanting a child soon. One day, after dinner, we decided to talk about it.

“Masakun, you’ve been acting differently since Yuuko-chan got pregnant. Are you worried about the baby?”

“Hmm, just a little bit.”

“There’s absolutely no need to rush.”

“But I’ve been working hard for about a year and haven’t made any progress, and given my age, I don’t have much time left, right?”

“Listen, even in your 30s, getting pregnant and giving birth is a normal thing. And I absolutely don’t want our relationship to become strained just because you can’t get pregnant.”

“I have exactly the same thoughts. To be honest, I want kids, but not ‘at all costs’ or anything like that. I think it would be fine if we couldn’t have kids as long as Madoka and I can stay close together. But it seems like that kind of thinking isn’t very proactive about trying to conceive, and it feels like a bad way of thinking, so I’ve been a bit troubled by it lately.”

“You don’t have to stress so much. I think exactly the same way. Sure, I feel a bit envious when I see Yuko-chan, but I think of my own situation as my own, so I don’t feel jealous at all. You don’t have to worry about me. By the way, I thought Masakun was the one who wanted kids and was feeling anxious?”

“Really? I thought Madoka was feeling pressured and having a hard time.”

“Then, just like before, it’s fine to leave it to nature, right?”

“Yeah, of course.”

And so, with this kind of resolution of our mutual grievances, we were more affectionate than usual that day, and the night was lively.

And then, two months later.

“Masakun, I have something to discuss with you.”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Recently, I haven’t been feeling well, have I?”

“Yeah. I was worried that you might need to take it a bit easier with work.”

“So, after work today, I went to the hospital.”

“Huh? The hospital?”

I hadn’t been told in advance that I was going to the hospital, and when I heard “hospital,” the first thing that came to mind was, “Did something serious happen?” I was extremely anxious.

“Are you okay? Is your condition quite serious?”

“No. When I got diagnosed, they said I was pregnant. They said I’m in my ninth week.”

“Huh? Wait a minute, the hospital is a gynecology clinic? Were you pregnant?”

“Yeah, I was pregnant.”

“Seriously!? Huh? Madoka is pregnant? No way!”

“Yeah”

“Uh, for now, congratulations?”

“Hehe, thank you.”

“But, did Madoka notice?”

“Yeah, the morning sickness isn’t that bad yet, but I just have a feeling. But since I’m not sure, I thought it might be better not to say anything until I go to the hospital and get a clear result.”

“Oh, you were trying to make sure I didn’t get my hopes up, weren’t you?”

“Yeah”

“I see, I’m sorry about that. But from today on, please prioritize your own health over me.”

“Yeah, got it. Hehe.”

“However, I see, so I’m finally going to be a dad.”

“But I’m glad. Masa-kun was happy about the pregnancy too.”

“Of course! I’m definitely happy! Madoka, you’re happy too, right?”

“Of course”

By the way, according to Madoka, if you work backwards, it seems that it hit the night of the day they discussed it together.

That day, even though we confirmed together, “Let’s leave it to fate, and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out,” ironically, it became a hit that very day, and we both laughed, thinking, “Life is surprisingly like this.”

At the store, the next day, I immediately reported and consulted with the landlady, and instead of Madoka, who wasn’t feeling well, they arranged for Yuko, who is in her stable period, to take her shift. That said, since we all have important bodies, I asked the part-timers and the part-time workers for their cooperation, and everyone actively helped out, which was extremely appreciated.

Yuko gave birth to a baby boy the following April.

About three months later.

Madoka’s belly had grown so large that it was very noticeable, but she worked at the store until a month before her due date, saying, “I can still handle the register.”

Of course, since it was only for a short time unlike before pregnancy, we made sure to keep her working quietly, to the point where those around her became a bit nervous to ensure she didn’t overdo it.

During this time, I think the burden and mental strain on the landlady, having to care for both Yuko, who had just given birth, and Madoka, who was about to give birth, was quite significant.

But, as expected, women are strong. The proprietress not only managed the store but also took care of both her daughter Yuko and Madoka in various ways, which was truly appreciated.

As the due date approached and I had less than a month left, and as I was about to take a break from work, Madoka finally started to calm down. I took care of all the meal preparations and laundry after finishing my work. I also went grocery shopping by myself on my days off, making sure Madoka stayed absolutely at rest. It was now two days before the due date.

On this day, I was scheduled to be admitted to my regular obstetrics and gynecology hospital.

After finishing the early morning store opening preparations, I plan to leave the store to take Madoka to the hospital and then return to the store to work in the afternoon.

By the way, two days after the due date, I planned to only work at the store in the morning and then wait at the hospital for the rest of the time until the delivery.

However, that morning, Madoka woke me up earlier than usual.

“What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

“Maybe, but it seems like it will be born today.”

“Whoa!? Seriously!? The due date is the day after tomorrow, right?”

“Yeah, but it’s more like a tightness in my stomach or a pain that feels like contractions.”

“Is it really tough? Are you about to come out soon?”

“No, not really. It’s not that painful yet, and I think it will take a little more time before it comes out.”

“Okay. I wonder if it’s alright to call the hospital at this hour?”

“I heard there’s someone on duty, but I think they’ll just tell you to come to the hospital.”

“Understood. Can you still make the call yourself now?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.”

“Then can you call right away and explain your symptoms yourself? I’ll go to the shop, explain the situation to the landlady and the owner, and take a break from the opening preparations.”

“Yeah, got it.”

“I’ll be back soon, so take it easy and don’t push yourself.”

“Yeah, sorry for bothering you in the morning.”

“It’s not something to apologize for. Anyway, don’t push yourself too hard.”

After finishing the explanation at the store, I immediately returned to Madoka and decided to hurry to the hospital.

Since I had finished preparing for the hospitalization the day before, I loaded the luggage into the car, parked the car right in front of the room’s entrance, and helped Madoka sit in the back seat of the car.

Just before departure, the landlady came out of the shop and said to Madoka, “You’ll be fine, Madoka-chan! Do your best!” Madoka replied firmly, “I’ll do my best!”

When we arrived at the hospital, it was still before opening hours, so I left Madoka in the car and went to the reception alone. After telling them my name, thanks to the prior phone call, I was able to get examined right away.

Move the car to the rotary in front of the hospital entrance, with the help of the nurse, get Madoka out, and immediately lay her on a stretcher and have her taken away.

As for me, I returned the car to the parking lot and then took the luggage for the hospital stay inside, but since I didn’t know where Madoka was and it felt inappropriate to wander around the obstetrics and gynecology clinic where there should be many pregnant women, I decided to wait quietly in the reception waiting area before the clinic opened.

After about an hour, the nurse finally came to call me, guided me to a waiting room-like area, and I was able to meet with Madoka.

In that room, Madoka was lying down on the bed, looking calm and not pale, and there seemed to be no particular problem with her speaking.

How was it? Did they say you might give birth soon?

“It seems like the baby will be born today after all. But it might take a little more time.”

“I see. For now, it seems to be going well, so I guess I can relax a bit?”

“Yeah. It seems like it will still take some time, so it’s okay for you to go back to the store, Masa-kun.”

“Well, I’ll consult with the hospital staff a bit.”

In addition, when I contacted Madoka and my family, it was decided that only Madoka’s mother-in-law would come to Okayama today, and we arranged for her hotel accommodations on the spot.

After spending about 30 minutes checking and consulting with Madoka, I left my hospital admission bag in that room and went to consult with the nurse.

According to the nurse, “It will probably be around the evening. I think it will still take some time, so it would be good if you come back after lunch in the afternoon.” So, I went back to Madoka and said, “I’m going back to the shop for now. I’ll come back around 3 o’clock,” and returned to the shop.

Since I was able to return to the shop before noon, I went straight to the kitchen and got to work.

Usually, I don’t wear my smartphone in the kitchen because it gets in the way, so I just leave it lying around. But on this day, just in case, I turned up the ringer volume and stuffed it in the pocket of my work clothes, and then I busily went about my usual tasks.

During the peak, I was busy moving around, but I still couldn’t settle down and was fidgeting while working. However, after about an hour, the fidgeting calmed down, and I was chatting leisurely with the boss, wondering, “Is it going to be a boy or a girl? I hope it’s a girl.”

At that moment when I was feeling a bit relaxed, my rarely ringing smartphone suddenly blared with a loud ringtone.

When I hurriedly checked the screen, it was Madoka.

They said the baby would be born around the evening, so I wondered what the call from them was about. Are they bored? I thought it was strange as I answered.

“It’s already been born. Can you come right away?”

“Huh? Didn’t the nurse say around the evening or something?”

“Well, you know, after Masa-kun left, I started having contractions pretty soon and was moved to the delivery room right away. I think it was around 12:15.”

“Seriously?! I should have just stayed as I was!”

“Can you come to the hospital for now?”

“Of course, I’ll go right away! By the way, which way was it?”

“It was a girl.”

“Oh! You did it! I’ll be there right away!”

I mean, the hospital staff could have contacted me too!

Why isn’t the hospital contacting me about such an important matter? I was slightly irritated, but the boss, who was listening to my conversation from the side, said, “Masaki, go right away!” So I quickly switched gears and said, “Sorry! I’m on my way!” I dashed out of the store in my work clothes, grabbed my car keys at home, and hurriedly drove over.

When I arrived at the hospital and told the receptionist my name, I was informed that Madoka and the baby were in the waiting room, so I hurried to the waiting room.

Suppressing the urge to run, I walk down the hallway with my heart racing, stand in front of the door, and take a deep breath before opening it.

When I knocked, Madoka replied with “Come in,” so I quietly opened the door and peeked my face in.

In the room, Madoka was sitting up in bed and looking this way, and next to her was an incubator that hadn’t been there when I came in the morning, with a baby sleeping inside.

“Madoka, how are you doing?”

With a sense of trepidation, I speak to Madoka in a hushed voice.

“Yeah, we’re fine. The baby and I are both safe and healthy.”

“I see, that’s good to hear.”

“By the way, why are you talking to me from the entrance? Come on in.”

“Ah, I’m scared that I might wake the baby.”

“Geez, what’s with that? You should at least look at your daughter’s face properly.”

“Yeah”

Finally entering the room, I went to Madoka before the baby and gently hugged her.

“Thank you for your hard work. I’m sorry for not being by your side when it was tough.”

“No, it’s okay. It was sudden, so there’s no helping it. Take care of the baby more than me.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

After separating from Madoka, I moved closer to the incubator and carefully looked at the sleeping baby’s face.

On this day, just after birth, only the mother was allowed to touch the baby, so I couldn’t observe the baby’s condition.

“Nice to meet you, you did well. I’m your dad.”

“Hehehe”

Maybe it’s just a preconceived notion or an assumption, but the baby with the red, wrinkled face somehow reminded me of Madoka.

“She’s cute, just like Madoka. This girl is definitely going to be a beauty. I’m already worried about whether she’ll attract bad influences in the future.”

“Geez, what are you even saying? Hehehe.”

“So, what should we name it?”

We had discussed names together beforehand, but in the end, we decided to think about it after the baby was born and we could see their face.

“Hmm, I’ve thought about it a lot, but I’ll leave it to you, Masa-kun.”

“Is it okay?”

“Yeah. Masa-kun, please.”

“Well then…”

Staring intently at the baby’s face, I ponder.

The baby was sleeping soundly, with its lips puckered.

“I want this child to live an honest life without lies.”

“Yeah”

“Seika. It’s ‘Sei’ from ‘Makoto’ and ‘Ka’ from ‘Madoka,’ so how about Seika?”

“Yeah, let’s go with Seika.”

“Huh? Is it okay to decide so easily?”

“Yeah. It’s a bit of an unusual pronunciation, but I think it’s a simple and beautiful name.”

“I see. If Madoka agrees too, then it’s settled for Seika.”

Thus, my daughter with Madoka was born.

Madoka and I are 35 years old, and it has been 8 years since I came to Okayama and started training at Narita-an, and it has been exactly 3 years since I married Madoka.