Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Naruto was alone. He hadn’t anyone to rely on so he had to provide for himself. Growing up in this habitat Naruto had to find ways to make money. With his parents out of the picture, and no other family members to take him in, Naruto turned to the streets.

It wasn’t his first choice, upon hearing of his lack of relatives the child service agents were supposed to take him to an orphanage, but instead he wound up on the city streets of Konoha with nothing more than a backpack with a few days' worth of clothes. In order to make money Naruto did jobs for people around town.

The older citizens favored Naruto as they weren’t able to do strenuous tasks due to their old age.

The younger ones looked at him with pity, disdain or both.

It was annoying to him. Him being on the streets had nothing to do with his capability to work. Besides that, he also took up the hobby of singing. The rhythms and melodies of a song never failed to bring the good memories of his parents. When he was young Naruto and his mother would always sing together and his dad would create silly dances to get him to smile. Whenever Naruto sang it was as if his parents were beside him once again. It was while he was singing that Naruto got an idea that would change his life forever.

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The day started off as any other, helping Mrs. Rei with her groceries, sweeping the leaves from Mr. Tanaka’s porch, and catching Tora for Mrs. Shijimi, the usual. It was as I was cleaning Mr. Suzuki’s home when something changed.

While I was doing my standard procedure for cleaning and humming along to the tweeting birds outside Mr. Suzuki muttered something that changed my life. “A nice voice that boy has. If I had a voice so good I’d be making money off of it. Maybe Darline would have taken me back.” I let out a small gasp as I considered his words. One word in particular stands out to me. Money. It was the one thing I needed most to stay afloat in this town.

Once I had finished cleaning, I went to Mr. Suzuki to collect my pay and was shocked when he gave me a few dollars more than what I charged. As I was going to decline the extra, he interrupted me. “This place is shining how it was when I first got it. I’m not sure what you did differently this time, but you deserve the extra money. Buy yourself something good.” With a ruffle of the hair the old man sent me off.

Walking down the streets of the city was something I’d grown accustomed to. The bright lights and noise of the cars was his home. Although this time when he was walking a distinct item caught my eye. It was a hat. The look was somewhat of a cross between a baseball cap and a beret.

For some reason I was drawn to this hat. Maybe it was the leathery texture or the earthy brown tone it carried or maybe it was the bright red sale sign showcasing the price. Twenty dollars. That's all it would take for it to be mine. The money I’d received that day weighed deep in my pockets as I considered it. I had enough to buy it as well as purchase food for the next day thanks to Mr. Suzuki, yet I still couldn’t bring myself to walk through the doors of the shop. It was after I remembered Mr. Suzuki’s words from before I walked into the store. Buy yourself something good.

Three years after I started to sing on the streets, I had raised enough money to rent a small and cheap apartment. In reality it is an old garage that my landlord, Ms. Yamaguchi, renovated into a living space to rent out in order to earn money for her son’s school tuition. Although, she does give me a discounted rate for helping her with chores in the main house.

The layout of the garage is simple with enough space to fit a bathroom, living space/bedroom, and a mini kitchen that consists of a mini fridge, sink, and portable stovetop. My new home is not much, but it supplies my needs.

When I’m not singing or doing odd jobs around town, I help Ms. Yamaguchi with things like cooking or cleaning. Ms. Yamaguchi says she only asks because she’s getting old, but to me she just misses the company of her son. She told me once that I reminded her of him with my shiny blue eyes and energetic personality, and although I’ve never met her son it doesn’t seem like a bad thing to be compared to him.

After dinner I went to my apartment to settle down for the night. Just as I was laying my head on my pillow, I remembered that I needed to put my money away. I jump to my feet with the grace of a newborn fawn and run to my coat pocket. That day had gone extra well. With the holiday season bringing the feeling of goodwill many people stopped and listened and tipped as well. Paired with the money I’ve been saving I realized that I could buy something that I’ve wanted for a while now. With that thought I quickly stored my money away and went to bed with a smile on my face.

On the computers that the library has I had searched many different ways to earn money as a singer and a common result was to put myself out there. Although I didn’t have a phone, I created a social media profile on the library computer and used it to list where I’d be singing. For the two or three weeks there was little to no traction on my account.

I was tempted to give up, but as I was walking out of the library a poster caught my eye. It was a poster for an upcoming talent show and the winner would get a prize of five-hundred dollars. My eyes scanned the paper for the requirements: You must have a talent and be 18 years or older, all minors must have parent/guardian agreement to participate. The deadline for talent submissions is Friday, December 9 at 7:30pm. Seriously! I was this close, but I don’t have any parents or guardians. All I have is my landlord!

My eyes bulge as I come up with an idea. I grab a sign-up sheet and do a double take as I read the submission date. December 9? That’s today! I better hurry, I have an hour and a half until 7:30. I race down the streets filled with people, swerving and dodging the oncoming crowd.

When I got home, I skipped up the steps of Ms. Yamaguchi’s porch and knocked on her door with a hurried pace. When she opened the door, her head tilted in confusion. “Oh, Naruto! It's just you, you gave me quite the fright with your knocking, dear” She beacons me in and we take a seat in the living room. “Sorry about that I’m just super excited about something but I need your help.”

I take out the folded sign-up paper from my pocket and place it on the coffee table in front of her. “While I was at the library, I saw this poster for a talent show with a $500 prize,” I pause and look up at Ms. Yamaguchi who nodded along to my words. “The only problem is that since I’m a minor I would need the signature of a parent or guardian. I know that technically you aren’t my guardian, but I really look up to you and you act as though I am one of your own. I hope I’m not overstepping by asking you, but would you be able to register me for the show?” I keep my head down, avoiding the older lady’s gaze. I can’t help but be afraid of her reaction.

What if she says no? What if she decides to throw me out? What if- My internal rambling is cut off by the warm hand lifting my chin upwards. The soft smile of Ms. Yamaguchi’s face instantly soothes my worries.

“It's okay Naruto. I’ll sign the paper for you.” Her hand gently pats my cheek before moving away to grab a pen. As I watch the ink dry on the paper it all becomes more real. I’m actually doing this. I can’t believe it; this could be it for me!

I quickly realize the time crunch I’m on and jump up in a hurry. “Thank you so much! I need to hurry and turn this in, so I’ll be a bit late to dinner!” Without waiting I leave the house shutting the door with a soft slam. I’ll have to apologize for that later, but now I need to turn this in!

It feels like hours have passed before I finally reach the library when in reality it has only been about 15 minutes. The steps to the entrance seem like they’ve multiplied, and the already grand doors feel even larger than before. I take a deep breath to calm myself down and with one last reassurance I walk into the library. “Umm…excuse me? I wanted to turn in my submission for the talent show. Am I too late?” My voice is unsteady when I speak but the librarian looks at me with kind eyes. “You’re right on time, sweetheart! I was just about to close up and take them down to Mr. Nara. He’s the one running the talent show.” She takes the paper from my hands and adds it to the small stack on the table beside her. “I wish you luck for auditions. They are tomorrow at 11:30 if you get an email!” With that she turns back to her desk leaving me to process the conversation.

I’ll have to make it to the library early enough to check my email tomorrow morning and also have the time to make it to the center. I take one last look at the flyer, memorizing the address, before taking my leave. In order to prepare for the possibility of being called back I decide to find the closest route from the library, and if I am remembering correctly the center is right across from the grocery story Mrs. Rei likes.

I wake up with an extra pep in my step as I get ready for the day ahead of me. I brush my teeth, floss, and if I take an extra few minutes in the shower, it's nobody’s business but my own. When I open the door to head out, I see a small box on the ground. It has a deep red color, and a shiny white bow placed on top of it, along with that there is a notecard on the side. It read:

Break a leg today, I know you will do well! Don’t worry about me spending money, this was my son’s, and he never used it. I hope it will be of use to you, enjoy!

The top lifted to reveal a sleek black watch with silver accents. If Ms. Yamaguchi hadn’t already said it, I would be a bit upset at her for spending so much money on what looks to be an expensive watch. I carefully slip the watch onto my wrist, and it fits almost perfectly. A small smile blossoms on my face as I appreciate the gift. It wasn’t until I took a moment to look at the time that I realized it was already 10:45. I secure the box in my pocket before taking off in the direction of the library.

The cold winter air brushing my face wakes me up and by the time I arrive at the library a light blush dusts my nose and cheeks. I nervously sign into my mailbox and my eyes dart around the screen searching for any sign of a new email. The small red circle by my inbox tells me that there is a new message waiting for me. With shaky hands I move the cursor to hover over the inbox and close my eyes before clicking on it. On the count of three I’ll look. 1.. 2..3! Congratulations! In big bold letters greet me when I open my eyes. I swipe at my eyes to see if I misread the email and when the letters don’t change, I have to stop myself from screaming in joy and surprise. “I did it! I really did it!” My eyes drift to read the rest of the email that lists where the next part of the audition is held and what time to be there. The Nara Entertainment Bar at 11:45am. Oh it looks like I have a few extra minutes. After one last look over the email I sign out of my account and make my way to the location. The newfound excitement makes it feel as if the cold is nonexistent and with that thought I walk into the welcoming chill brought on by winter.

Chapter Text

The large door of the entertainment bar intimidated me but with only five minutes until my audition I had no other choice but to enter them. The interior looked much different than I expected with a lobby separating the entrance from the bar area. Straight ahead of the doors was a small desk with a boy sitting behind it. To my left was a sitting area, the walls covered in a mix of posters and records as well as photos of who I believe is Mr. Nara with a multitude of different music and entertainment artists. Plush velvet couches are pushed against the wall in a small cluster and are separated by industrial end tables or potted plants. On my right there are doors that lead to bathrooms and farther down there is an entrance to the bar area. Taking a deep breath, I walk up to the desk where the young man is working. “Hello. My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I’m here for the talent show audition.” I lift my chin to make it seem as if I have more confidence. The boy nods and gestures to the bar entrance in the back. “Just go through those doors to your right. There might be another audition going on so enter quietly and have a seat next to the stage.” The boy looks to be my age and bears a resemblance to the man in the photos. Maybe it's his dad? I shake the thought from my head and focus on why I’m here.

With each step that I take to get to the doors the more worry that I feel. It's as if it’s bubbling lava just waiting to erupt. I toy with the watch on my wrist, and it gives me a sense of relief to know that someone is cheering me on. When I push through the doors of the bar I’m taken back by the open space of the bar. Ahead of me is a lavish bar top with more alcohol than I could think of and from there the area opens to a dance floor with seating on the sides. On the far-left wall there is a staircase that could only lead up to a more private area, most likely used as a V.I.P section. At the back of the bar is the stage where a performer is currently doing some kind of dance routine. The stage was every performer's dream. The extravagant lighting followed the movements of the dancer and highlighted them in a way that showcased them flawlessly. The backdrop was a simple white screen, but it looked as if there could be images projected upon it. The doors close with a soft thud as I walk towards the side of the stage where a few other people are waiting for their turn. As I wait for my turn, I sit in awe at all the people that are auditioning and wonder how I’ll have a chance competing with them. So far, I’ve seen a graceful dancer, a clumsy juggler, and a boy doing Shodo or Japanese calligraphy. The line continued to get shorter and shorter and in no time, it was my turn.

I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants as I prepare my small introduction that I’ve been practicing. When I get to the center stage I manage to pull my face into a smile. “Hello there! My name is Shikaku Nara, I’m the owner of this place! This is my wife Yoshino. She is the entertainment scout here and will be helping with the audition process.” The man, Mr. Nara has a tan complexion, black hair pulled back into a ponytail, and a couple of scars on the right side of his face. His wife had long brown hair and wore a stern expression. “Hello, thank you for having me! My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I’ll be singing and playing the piano.” I bend in a small bow before walking towards the piano place a bit off center. I tap the microphone to test if it’s on. “I’ll be singing a song called Rise up.” This song in particular is one that I’ve sung over and over again. I have a vivid memory of playing it while my mom sang along. Now, years later, I hope to bring it justice just like my mom did.

The cold titles of the piano welcomed me as I stretched my fingers over the keys. It’s been a while since I last played but the measures weave together in my mind as if I just played it yesterday. As I begin to play the intro the world seems to fade away and it is only me, the piano, and my memories. Memories of my mother giving her all into singing this song, my father being her cheerleader, and me playing along. It’s these emotions that I perform the song with pouring my everything into each and every note, each and every cord. By the time I’ve finished I slowly come down from the high that my feelings have taken me on. I open my eyes, not realizing that I closed them, to take in the quiet bar surrounding me. The Nara couple looked at me with shock and awe, as if they just witnessed a miracle, but that couldn’t be true. Afterall I’m just a fourteen-year-old orphan. I stand from the piano bench and walk towards the center stage. “Thank you for seeing me.” With a bow I made my way off stage to where the other participants were also sitting. As I walked past them a few nodded in acknowledgment and one even high-fived me on my way. A few moments later Mr. Nara stood up and turned towards us auditioners. “Thank you all for coming! My wife and I have taken all the auditions into consideration and are pleased to announce that we have found our talent acts.” I can feel my pulse quicken from where I’m grabbing my wrist. The drawn-out commentary made my nerves worsen. “Now, if your name isn’t called, don't think that you have no talent. It is just that your talent is not the one we are looking to showcase at this time. Without further ado, let's get started! First up we have…” Names are called out one by one and although there are only fifteen finalists the chances of being one in fifteen are slim. “Last, but definitely not least, the fifteenth contestant is…. Naruto Uzumaki!” The sudden calling of my name makes me feel as if my heart has stopped. “I can’t believe it! I did it, I truly did it!” The person seated next to me congratulates me on making it through and waves goodbye as they sadly didn’t make it. I look around me to see the similar scene playing out for many others. Wow, I feel bad that they didn’t get the chance to showcase their talents. Everyone tried their hardest and did really well! It’s a sad truth that I’ll have to overcome. Not everyone gets the chances that they might deserve. “If I can get all the contestants to make their way up to the stage. I’d like to go over the nitty-gritty details of the talent show now that we’ve narrowed down who will be in it.”

It’s been a rush of a week with all the preparations and the little odd jobs I do here and there. Mr. Nara has scheduled rehearsals every morning in order to get the talent show into tip-top shape. In the rehearsal the tasks we do may vary. Mrs. Nara helps to condition us for our talents so one day I might be working on piano and the next I spend doing vocal lessons or stamina exercises. While it is a bit unusual for a talent show, I believe that everything that they’ve done has helped improve my skills exponentially. Instead, as I get ready backstage on the day of the talent show I don’t worry if I will do bad because with all the hard work, I’ve put into this I know that would be impossible. Instead, I focus on the growth and publicity this event has allowed me to achieve. The reflection staring back at me in the mirror reminds me that not only have I grown as an artist, but I’ve also grown as a person. This opportunity has taught me numerous different things that I can apply to just about everything. With one last deep breath I secure the gifted watch on my wrist and leave the dressing room.

“Alright ladies and gentlemen the final talent that we have for you tonight is in the form of singing and playing the piano please welcome Mr. Naruto Uzumaki to the stage!” The loud rumble of applause paired with the chatter of inhabitants of the bar makes it almost impossible to make out what people are saying about me when I walk onto stage, but as the lights dim and fade into a blue hue around the piano the noise all dies down. My eyes search the crowd in hopes to find a familiar face and when I met eyes with Ms. Yamaguchi, I am instantly relieved. I close my eyes as I let the sound of my playing lead me. I get lost in the music as I picture myself telling the audience my story.

“And I’ll rise up

I’ll rise like the day

I’ll rise up I’ll rise unafraid

I’ll rise up

And I’ll do it a thousand times again.”

Building some courage, I manage to peek my eyes open and stare into the crowd. These unknown faces look at me in astonishment and hold on to every word I sing. Their support gives me the strength to continue with my eyes open, taking the chance to connect with as many people as I can, to bring others the strength to rise up with me. As the final cord fades there is a pregnant pause before thunderous applause is heard. I can’t help but to smile in appreciation and gratitude at all these people who decided to stay and listen to me sing. I bow deeply to everyone before returning backstage as we rehearsed. “Can we give one last round of applause for Mr. Naruto Uzumaki!?! He is an amazing singer and pianist and if you want to see more of him feel free to follow his social media account projected here on the screen!” Once I exit the stage it finally occurs to me that I just performed my first official performance! It might only be a local talent show, but you have to start somewhere. Mrs. Nara smiles kindly at me and reminds me to gather with the other talents while we wait to count the votes. A new wave of worry washes about me as I remember that this is a competition. I make my way to the others who crowd around a small tv backstage showing the live footage of the bar and the people within. Right now, the last few people are placing their votes while the boy from the desk, who I now know is Mr. and Mrs. Nara’s son, Shikamaru, counts them. With a wave of the hand Shikamaru gestures to his father that he has finished the counting. The feeling of a hand on my shoulder prompts me to follow the others who have already started to walk back onstage. With the light on I can now see the audience more clearly and once again spot Ms. Yamaguchi who grins and holds up a sign that reads: Naruto’s #1 Fan! A chuckle leaves my mouth at the sweet sign of support. I begin to think of all the good things that this show has brought me and zone out whilst staring into the crowd. The booming voice of Mr. Nara shocked into the real world as well as the yelling from the audience. “There we have it folks, the votes have been counted, and the talent show winner this year is none other than… Naruto Uzumaki!”

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The sound of the bell on the door as I leave the shop tells me that I’m not dreaming. The smile on my face from the night before lies present and shows no signs of leaving. I just bought my first phone! The phone in question was an older model but it had all the necessary features. For months I had been saving for a phone in hopes of an opportunity to showcase my skill online. Now that I won the talent show I can use my money for other things! The man in the store walked me through the functions of the phone such as the camera, the search web, and the settings. It will take some getting used to but with time I’ll figure it out.

Although it is the middle of December, the sun shines like it would on an autumn day, making the snow shine in its rays. In an attempt to enjoy this rare opportunity, I decide to pick up a hot chocolate from a local cafe and take a stroll in the park. The cafe has a warm aroma of coffee that makes the space so inviting. The quiet chatter of the customers adds to the effect. When it’s my turn to order the barista looks at me in shock before asking for my order with a small stutter. I wonder what’s wrong. Do I have something on my face? Or maybe something in my hair?

I fidget with the watch on my wrist as I finish my order and wait for the drink to arrive. “Mr. Uzumaki!” The quiet voice of the barista calls my attention as she beckons me over, holding my drink up. “Here is your peppermint hot chocolate. If- If you wouldn’t mind, could I maybe get your number? I saw your performance and you’ve inspired me to rise up and shoot for my dreams. Oh- um my name is Hinata Hyuuga.”

My jaw drops in surprise over the words of the barista, now named Hinata. She looks at me with such emotion and the fact that I inspired me fills me with a sense of pride.”I don’t mind. Not at all. I’ll write it down on a napkin, give me one second!” I set down my drink and pull out a marker and piece of paper from my satchel bag. The ink bleeds through the paper with each number that I write. “Here you go,” I hold the paper out to her and she gently takes it from my hand. “I will text you once I get off of my shift. Thank you so much!” She nods her head in a short bow and returns back to the register.

“Ms. Yamaguchi! I’m back from the phone store! I stopped by a cafe to get a drink, and a fan asked for my number! Can you believe it? I have fans now!” I slip off my outerwear and shoes as I step into the house and am greeted with the warmth of the fire raging in the fireplace.

“That sounds lovely, Naruto. Maybe you and that fan can be friends. Come join me in the living room. I have a surprise for you.” I follow her request and meet her in the living room where I’m met with the sight of Ms. Yamaguchi standing in front of two clothed objects. With a curious tilt of my head, I walk closer to the older lady. “What are those? Did you get a new hobby?” she shakes her head with a small chuckle. “Not for me at least.” She gestures for me to unveil the objects, and I do as she says only to be met with the sight of a keyboard and guitar.

“Do you like them? A few of us in the community pitched together and you know Mr. Tanaka owns the pawn shop in town. He gave us a good price on the keyboard and threw in the guitar for a few extra dollars.” I shake my head in disbelief. What- why would they spend so much money on me? I can’t possibly accept this! I’m brought out of my thoughts by a gentle pat on the cheek. “I know what you’re thinking. ‘How can I possibly take these gifts!’ But that's what they are. Gifts. We got them to thank you for all the help you have given us throughout the year. We know that you’ll put them to good use so don’t prove us wrong by not accepting them.” And just like that tears flood down my face one after another as I’m overwhelmed with emotions.

The kindness of my little community never fails to amaze me. Not wasting any more time, I pick up the guitar and test out a few chords I remember learning all those years ago. When my dad first taught me how to play, I was ten years old. It had only been a year since he began teaching me when it happened, but now with this thoughtful gift I can continue learning. I set the guitar back on the stand to turn around and embrace the lovely lady I call my landlord. “Thank you! Thank you so much! I’ll forever be grateful for all that you’ve done for me.” Her arms wrap around me, squeezing me in her warm embrace. I take the moment to just relax in the motherly presence Ms. Yamaguchi carries. The feeling reminds me of my mother’s embrace.

Ms. Yamaguchi helps me make room in my apartment for the new instruments, rearranging some of the old furniture around to make everything fit. By the end of it we both were tuckered out and called it a day. It still was early but today has brought up so many emotions and we felt we deserved some rest. I used this time to tinker on the new phone that I purchased.

There was a built-in mail app, so after logging into it I was able to check my latest emails. There were only a handful, but one that stood out to me was from Mrs. Nara. My interest peaked as I read the title of the email: An Offer of Employment. Surely that can’t be what I think it is. I rub at my eyes and pinch my cheeks, yet the text remains the same. Without a reason not to, I opened the email. It reads:

Dear Naruto,
Your outstanding performance at the talent show and during the week leading up to the event has given us reason to believe that offering you a position as an entertainer at our establishment is a must. Not only would it be beneficial for you as a person it would also greatly impact us as a business. We await your thoughtful reply.

Sincerely, Yoshino Nara

The fact that they emailed me is surprising in itself, but they also offered me a job! Wow! This is everything I could have dreamed of. I bet Mom and Dad are proud of what I’ve become! My fingers move with an unknown speed as I conjure up a response and hit send. It was obvious that I would accept such an offer. Something like this doesn’t happen more than once. Twice if you’re lucky.

With all the built-up emotion I decide that there’s no better way to get them out than singing. This is also a good chance to try out my new keyboard. I rise from my spot on my bed to take my place at the keyboard bench. Although it’s not a grand piano like I’m used to, the keys are the same. The only major differences are the size, and this keyboard has features where you can change the sound that the keys produce. There is so much that this keyboard can do that a regular piano can’t. For example, I can make the sound of a pipe organ, a bagpipe or even record the notes I play.

Now that the inspection is out of the way I get to my main purpose for being here. By pressing the power switch the keyboard comes to life and notes ring out as I test different keys and chords. I feel inspired, maybe I should try writing my own song? It can’t be that hard. A determined expression makes its way across my face as I search my space for a notebook and pencil. Once I find it I get to work! The trial and error of creating music is difficult, but I enjoy the challenge.

The way I see it; by creating my own music I’m one step closer to my dream of becoming a star! With that thought in mind I continue working, not noticing the time passing by.

When I finally finished, a look out the window told me it was already well into the evening. A large stretch over my head loosens the muscles that have tensed whilst I was playing for who knows how long. But according to my phone it's been four. My eyes trail down the screen to see if I missed any notifications and sure enough, I have one unread text message. It’s from Ms. Yamaguchi and it appears to be a video of me singing my song. How? I don’t remember hearing anyone knock none-the-less come in. The timestamp on the message says that the video was sent around 6:30ish. That’s usually when Ms. Yamaguchi and I have dinner so it makes sense that she would come to get me. Although I’ve been singing the song for the past four hours, while listening to the video it's like I'm able to connect with it now that I’m hearing it from an outside perspective. As the song progressed, I couldn’t help but be proud of myself, especially with the lyrics.

“It’s not too late to build it back

'Cause a one in a million chance

Is still a chance, still a chance

And I would take those odds

Unbreak the broken

Unsay these spoken words

Find hope in the hopeless

Pull me out the train wreck…”

The raw emotion that can be felt through the screen is indescribable, all I can say is that it’s there. I want to share this with my fans. Maybe they will like this song as well. This thought fuels me to post the video on social media and title the song “Train Wreck.” I hope they like it!

The chime of an email notification brings me back to reality. The email is a reply to my earlier response. In the email Mr. Nara congratulates me on my decision and asks to set up a meeting tomorrow. I rapidly agree and smile with glee. As I was going to check up on the video I was interrupted by the gurgling of my stomach. A reminder that I have yet to eat dinner. Signing off of my device I instead decided to join Ms. Yamaguchi for dinner. The thought of a warm meal distracts me from any other thought, including my video stats.