Sachiko didn't say anything for a moment.
"I don't mind, but doesn't it make more sense to do it on Christmas evening?"
I answered, "Yes, but I don't want other people to see it, it's a bit embarrassing."
Sachiko's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"I understand. Do you mind if I give you yours as well? Not because of embarrassment, but because it'll be strange if we disappear in the middle of gift-giving."
"What does that mean?"
"You'll understand when I show it to you. Please give me yours first."
"Okay. Follow me."
I stood up and walked upstairs to the door of my room.
"Wait here," I said.
I stepped inside and pulled the canvas out from behind the boxes I used to hide it. My heart raced as I returned to Sachiko.
She glanced down at it and then back at me. The sooner I got it over with, the better. So, I turned it around to let her see it.
