There was no money. Due to a payroll error, Hiroyuki's paycheck had been incorrectly deducted. After paying all the necessary bills, he only had enough to buy a few packs of instant noodles, and they weren't even the good kind.
The payroll clerk had been very apologetic when Hiroyuki pointed out the error. She apologized over and over, but was unable to give him his refund until the next paycheck.
Putting the three packets of instant noodles on the table, he wondered how he could make them last for seven days. The nice thing was that his company provided morning snacks, beverages and lunch. This was their way of encouraging employees to work at their desk, during lunch, rather than leave company premises.
Hiroyuki didn't mind not eating dinner, but when he thought of Jiro. That child wouldn't be able to last without one meal. He's already so pitifully skinny, if he skipped a meal, he wouldn't grow up well.
As Hiroyuki was lost in his fatherly thoughts, Soma, the apartment complex keeper knocked on his front door. Hiroyuki opened the door. Soma apologetically notified Hiroyuki about an upcoming maintenance schedule. "The plumbers will be here to fix the pipes in the apartment complex downstairs next week. I'm sorry, but there may be a noise disturbance."
"It's quite alright," Hiroyuki said. "Thank you for letting me know."
"Oh, by the way," Soma mentioned, "I saw the young boy living with you. Is he a relative of yours?"
"Yes, he is a distant relative," Hiroyuki lied.
"If he's not working, the apartment complex is in need of someone to help with the landscaping. The pay isn't too high, but I provide a free home cooked meal." She smiled, her eyes turned into crescents.
"Thank you for the offer. I will ask him later and then tell you his answer." Although Hiroyuki said this, he in fact, did not intend to ask Jiro.
"Alright, just tell him to come directly to the first floor maintenance room if he agrees," Soma cheerfully answered.