2019年6月6日
A Dosage of Medicine(2) by Akihisa Ogino, translated by J.Kageyama
"I need a dosage of medicine," he said in a spurt. He brought
a cigarette to his lips.
"What kind of medicine?"
"Something’s wrong with my son! So I want to ask you, Doctor, for some medicine---and to keep it all a secret! “Genzo, wearing a dark kimono, said eagerly. Then he went on to spitefully criticize his newly wed son.
"You want medicine--- you mean, to kill your son?" I was taken back. My voice could not hide my nervousness.
"Not really." He shook his head. "Don't have to kill him. His bride ran home. And it's got to be because something's wrong with my son. I feel sorry for the poor bride."
"But, even for a single dosage, I can’t give out medicine carelessly. I have to examine him first. Well, what seems to be the problem?"
“In short, can't sleep.”
“I see. Your son has difficulty in sleeping.”
“Nope. The bride. She can’t sleep.”
“What? I don’t understand what you’re saying.” I realized I was pressuring him like a bad tempered petty civil servant at a window. I tried to calm myself. “Okay--- I see. The girl perhaps has insomnia. Since she is new at your home, she may be having trouble getting used to things."
