The Christmas Phoenix (7 page)

During her first career,
Patricia Kiyono
taught elementary music, computer classes, junior high social studies, elementary classrooms, and junior high social studies. She now teaches part time at Grand Valley State University.

She lives in southwest Michigan with her husband, not far from her children and grandchildren. Current interests, aside from writing, include sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking, and music. A love of travel and an interest in faraway people inspires her to create stories about different cultures. She has written elementary school plays and educational materials.
The Christmas Phoenix
is her second work of fiction to be published.

 

“Are you reading those ridiculous comic books again? Honestly, you're a college graduate. Aren't you a little old for those?”

“Dad, they're called
manga
. They're different. They're illustrated Japanese stories.” Leigh Becker closed her book and stood. Even as the words left her mouth, she knew correcting her stepfather was useless.

“I don't care what they're called. They're not exactly serious literature. You spend half your free time reading those silly things when you should be helping out around the house. Come over here and help me get dinner ready. Your mother will be home soon.”

However, as soon as Leigh stepped into the kitchen, Frank Becker left for his study.

“You do a better job of cooking than I do. I'd just get in the way,” he muttered.

Leigh didn't mind having the kitchen to herself. Life was more peaceful when her stepfather wasn't around. He hadn't been the same since his company folded. The man who was once larger than life had shrunk physically and spiritually. He spent hours in his home office, staring idly at his computer. He had sent hundreds of letters out, but no one wanted to hire a fifty-year-old former businessman. Lately, he'd been drinking a lot more. Leigh sympathized, but didn't know how to comfort him.

The family wasn't struggling financially. Leigh's mother was a well-known attorney, and Leigh had just started to work for the local newspaper. They hadn't lived lavishly or spent foolishly, so the adjustments they had had to make were relatively minor. Still, it had been difficult for Frank to accept the fact his wife was now the breadwinner. For a short time, he had tried to help around the house, but now he left more and more of it to his stepdaughter.

As Leigh pulled vegetables from the refrigerator, a buzz sounded from her pocket. She pulled out her phone and checked. It was a message from her best friend, Andy Tanaka.

“Found something cool. Can you come?” Andy wasn't one for extra words.

“After supper,” she typed back.

“OK,” came the quick reply.

She smiled as she prepared the meal. At least she had something more interesting to look forward to this evening. She always enjoyed spending time with Andy and his family.

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