The Replacement Helper: Part 3

Cont. from last post...


Mrs Dohmoto returns home after a visit to the family doctor. 'Mrs Dohmoto, rest good okay? Wear clothes more and don't anyhow go out okay? I got time I find you. Bye bye,' said Atchara as she struggles with what is comprehensible to Mrs Dohmoto in Japanese. After that, she takes her leave and closes the door behind her. Mrs Dohmoto returns to her bed and lies down to rest. 'Doctor Philip's medicine always makes me so drowsy...'


Evening has come to the Dohmoto household. The Dohmoto family includes Mr Dohmoto and his wife; their children are studying overseas in America. So both husband and wife are currently living by themselves. Mrs Dohmoto is sleeping soundly, covered by the thick, warm blankets. As the main door knob is turn and the door pushed open, Mr Dohmoto shouts, 'Honey, I'm home. Honey?' 'Yes, my dear. Im right here. No need to shout...' Replied Mrs Dohmoto, awakened by his shouting. 'Honey, are you well? You don't seem very well to me.'

'I have caught a mild flu. Went to see Doctor Philip in the afternoon before coming home. After taking the medicine he gave me, I fell asleep fast. Are you hungry? Do you want me to cook dinner for you?'

'No no... You are sick, you should rest more. I will settle dinner by myself. Go back to sleep if you want. If there is anything you need just let me know.' Nodding her head, she went back to her bed.


Mr Dohmoto is a man who takes things seriously. His job as a senior accountant in a huge company explains his personality, follow the rules and nothing will go wrong. Those junior staff under him seldom question him or defies his order. One look at him and all you have is fear for him. He is very strict on the rules set, never bending them or giving leeway. Most people do not see Mr Dohmoto smiling, that's why they always regard him as unfriendly, uptight and even, menacing. Even his wedding photos taken 20 years ago do not see him smiling. His physical appearance is appalling, with his dark skin, towering height, broad shoulders and large square shaped face. It was rumoured that he once was a bodybuilder. But the truth only lies in himself and his wife.


Mr Dohmoto changed into some loose clothing and went out again. He is out to purchase his dinner. While walking down to the convenience store, events from his workplace jolt back to his mind. Two weeks ago, the human resource department says that they are downsizing the entire company, including the accounting department. To those who worked more than 5 years in the company will be given compensation of their contribution to the company. Two weeks from then, Mr Dohmoto received the letter that he is retrenched. He is given three months of salary, six months of free medical consultation and a recommendation letter from the finance director. Mr Dohmoto was sad that he has to leave the company but he had to accept the retrenchment. It was time for him to move on...


Inside the convenience store, Mr Dohmoto grabs a cold bento and asked the counter staff to heat it up for him. As he pays for the bento, he ponders on how is he going to support the family? Who is going to pay for the bills? How about his children's expenses? Worse of all, how is he going to break the news to Mrs Dohmoto? As he strolls back to his home, he thought of a great idea. At least for the time being... He would break both the bad news and the good news to her. Hoping that she would support him for his idea... His crazy idea...