[Ryou still finds this weird. None of their friends...really asked. Their friendship was maintained in their friend group. Parents needn't apply. That was for the best in some situations, but...it was hard to relate to people who took their parents for granted. Not Jounouchi of course, that was an opposite situation of what Ryou's thinking of.

But Atem had asked, and continued to seek more information. It's nice. It's...very heartening.]

Hayami. That was her name.

S-she was...she was a very kind person, my mother. I'm sure our home wouldn't have felt so welcoming if not for her touch. I-it's not that Papa--that my father...was a bad person. He just...traveled a lot for his job. And his work was very demanding, but before--

[Ryou suddenly stiffens, and the fur along his back and shoulders prickles up. Even his hair seems to fluff up a little.]

B-before...the accident, we still managed to make it all work out. [Yes. Keep talking. It's fine.] Father would travel, Mother would stay at home, with us. Mostly. During summers, um...w-we'd rotate who spent time traveling with Father. Me or Amane.

So that we could see different places...but I liked being home with her. It was nice reading books, or playing games...she never had a problem with any of our interests.

[And Ryou had some...rather interesting ones, after all. But his mother never cared. Her love was unconditional.]