Tsubaki [CH1] – On the Brink

Keith Research & Laboratory Center – Main Building, January 2005

 

“Ryan Kevin! Little King, beautiful at birth…Ha ha” Adrian mocked me with his phony joke.

 

I sit still on my chair, not breaking any focus I have on my laptop screen even an inch, disgruntled to his manly greet.

 

“Mr. Keith wanted to see you” he spoke up when his laugh gradually fades into chuckles.

 

“Why wouldn’t he ask me directly? I’m his son!” I said being totally annoyed and I could see he raised his shoulders behind my back without even a glance.

 

“Oh wow… what’s this?” he gushed his excitement over my screen, snatched the computer a bit off from me and scrolling the page up and down thoroughly.

 

“Camellia. I found a new species. You know how much they serve human lives. Scientists love it… industries commercialize it” I know I exaggerated it and my lips betrayed me into a wild smile.

 

“Oh my goodness” he paused a breath to crease his forehead, as if the data indexed on the screen are the gruesome menaces, gnawing him.

 

“Ooshima Island? An inhabited island? Have you lost your mind?” he continued.

 

“I’m not!  Nearest village within few kilometers” I tried to calm him down, not giving up on my plan asking him to be my partner of this huge discovery.

 

“Oh yeah. But we are in the world’s second largest inhabited island, you pretty boy! Don’t you think what I think? Trapped, lost and assaulted by wild predators and…”

 

“Why don’t you tell me you’re not interested to know about this, Mr. McKenzie?” I cut his words off wryly and I knew my glower killing his next words. If he meant to infuriate me, he succeeded.

 

“Fine. I’ll go by myself!” I said gritting my teeth and shoved of the room but he tailed me.

 

“Ryan! I’m still talking to you!” I stopped, giving him a second to continue.

 

“I’m not telling I won’t go. You better hurry see Mr. Keith” he tapped my left shoulder twice before disappears himself and I crook my lips into a smile. I won this time, I always win.

 

Adrian was my workmate since years. We worked together under this building. I wished to be independent and work alone but always dragged by the power of my father, forced me back here working under him. I hate him. I hate his style. I hate his workers. I hate, everything related to him except this young man.

 

My father told me that I am just a kid, who requires thousand years of lessons, fields of experiences and rooms to improve in skills.  I am unsure in which aspect – as a human or a researcher, but no matter how immature I was I would never listen to bunch of craps were told by a man that I never feel the slightest respect ever! This discovery will prove him that I am no longer a kid.

 

***

 

May 2005

 

Adrian and I set up a team with the other two men – Colin, a scientist & a computer genius that will be our most reliable info resources and Nicolas the forest ranger to ensure our security & safety are protected during the leave.  We will be in Ooshima Island for a week, on my assumption.

 

Day 1st

 

We landed safely on this foreign island couple of hours ago. The 9.73 square kilometers land is unexpectedly less covered by plants. We move throughout the stratovolcano easily because there are almost tiny plants – mosses and herbs in green carpeting its earth. We continue our walks until we reach the area with dense moss colonies and taller trees can be seen. Adrian, who is side-walking to me wears the nonchalant face and spoke only few words in these hours. The high sense lens camera hung to his neck swinging to left & right whenever we encounter rough paths. I remember he vanished from my sight few times to shot any interesting and might be useful things captured on the film. I know his eyesight is more sensible than the lens! Meantime, the two other men at the back, who are the less friendly to me, seemed to enjoy their chats a lot.

 

Somehow we were in the darker place where the ray of lights is less penetrating through the branches & twigs. I miscalculated we’re welcoming the night but the weak spectrum reflected on the gleaming faces of wide green leaves proved I was wrong. And it’s not only with me. There is something wrong with the place too. The land was almost quiet but I can hear the long distance chirps or high pitched squeals earlier. And they were all gone now – the lights fading, the wind breeze dies en masse. I felt a twinge toward my own thoughts and started to cringe when I first realize we are alone. I am no longer in Illinois.

 

I persist to keep my legs move forward though my body gradually produces the tremors. I told myself again and again in my head that everything is fine and will be fine in spite of my chilling spine and sweaty palms. And then I hear a gunshot. I can’t remember what was happening in the previous seconds as my thoughts were all conquered by my fears. And I was almost forgotten our forest ranger presence at the back. The pale fading smokes from the mouth of his gun told me it was him who made the shot. I shifted my glance to where the sound echoed only to find the huge tree meters in front of me has its twigs swayed reluctantly in high incoherent frequencies. It’s like an impact of a sudden movement. Something has escaped from Nicolas gunshot. I squinted over the dark green leaves, looking for the subject. I concentrated on the swinging twigs and the branches but to find nothing. I waited. We stood freeze to where we were. And when I decided to make my move closing myself to the tree, a pair of bare feet landed below of the tree trunk.

 

It’s a human feet. I swallowed a big lump in my throat and it hurts my trachea. I switched my sight to Adrian, Colin and Nicolas. They are all shared the same expression – left their jaws dropped. I wondered if I do the same when my eyes reflected the figure of a girl was the owner of the feet. She has long black hair that loses to her waist while a few on her forehead were tied in tiny braids. She’s wearing a worn white sleeveless gown lengthen to her chubby calves. She looks like a human.

 

I scuttled toward her crushing the dead leaves and twigs scrunched underfoot. I tried to be brave to apologize of our misunderstood. We might have killed her for mistakenly thought it was the wild animal while she caused no harms to us, yet.

 

“We’re sorry” I made it short but clear. She stared at me expressionless with her rounded eyes and serene face.

 

“We… we’re just arrived here. We didn’t know any human’s presence… so” I added fervently, but listlessly. Her unruffled, or the still face she has had somehow produced a qualm on me. I am unsure about the rest – Adrian, Colin & Nicolas but they’re too out of earshot to hear our conversation.

 

“I… I’ll take it that you’ve forgave us then” I grinned awkwardly just to sweep away the guilty feeling that seemed to aggravate me. And to my surprise she curved her lips upside for seconds flashing a smile and the smile lingers for a while when the three approached us.

Tsubaki – Foreword

Tsubaki

 

 

 

The incident took place 17 years ago. A plane crashed into a deep forest of the inhabited island of Ooshima and killed all the passengers it loads. Within the thick gray clouds of smoke with the strong scent from hundreds of humans flesh burnt, there’s a cute little baby crawling away from the burning wreckage. The falling walls & roof of the dead plane scratches her fragile skin leaving the red lines and purple blue patches all over her bare skin surface. She must have been too frightened to wail, or the sobs might have stopped a while ago. Or she’s too young to interpret the fatal accident that just stole away her mother’s life – the woman is lying lifelessly beside the little herself now. She is tiny in the size but her will to live on is large. In spite of the excessive carbon monoxide she exhaled poisoning & weakening all her systems, she tried and tried but eventually fell, give in to her weariness.

 

Few days passed. There are still a few tiny smokes seen from the place. But the starving carnivore inhabitants out for the awaiting meals served by hundreds of dead bodies. Like an enormous feast held once in hundred years, the predators enjoyed their appetite satisfactions. In moments later they were disturbed by the unfamiliar sound. The cute little baby is playing with her mother’s bracelet. Tiny pendant on it rings a sound entertained her to a giggle, for she not know the danger is just within a meter radius. She is surounded by those predators that immersed in their meals, blinded to sense the fresh & alive flesh presence. The biggest & the oldest predator being the head of the region moves his paws approaching the baby. He roars to the every angle of the forest, as if he announcing a big news and no others dare to block his way, neither nor to appear as his opponent. The baby stop her giggles only to look intensely at him. No fears reflected in her eyeballs as if she is greeting a father to adopt her into the new family.

To be continued…

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Poster Credit : Phoebe aka aethia321

 

 

 

 

 

NEW FIC SNEAK PEEK

“Seeing her smiles and tears. She acts a human. Yes I know she appears a human figure yet she speaks non of our language. She speaks different way – only these creatures comprehend her. I somehow get used to it and we communicate well. Very well, to the point I can see her world is out there – human world. I have no idea why is she here, until now. But I swear to my mother earth & skies I’ll get her out one day. Out to where she belongs, back to her people and communities…. though I am unsure which is her true happiness” — Tsubaki – love beyond the earth & skies

 >=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<>=<

Ok.

That’s the sneak peek for my new short story.

No guarantee from me that it’ll be SHORT.

I might did it again – ended up writing a novel-length-short-story.

So let’s wait & see how it’d progress later.

I am searching for the POSTER DESIGNER if it’s possible to make one.

And here the info about the upcoming fiction :-

>>>>>>>||||||||<<<<<<<

TITLE : TSUBAKI – LOVE BEYOND THE EARTH & SKIES

GENRE : FICTION/HUMAN & NATURE/TEENS/THRILLER

TYPE : SHORT STORY

IDEA & ORIGINAL STORY : EVE EARL

AUTHOR : EVE EARL

MEMO : “TSUBAKI” (Japanese) means Camellia, a type of flower native to Eastern and Southern Asia from the Himalaya East to Japan and Indonesia. There are over 250 species described up to date, but the numbers maybe equal or more in exact.As they are too much in species, they vary from colors and shape.

>>>>>>>|||||||<<<<<<<

The one I’ll use in my story is the white in color yet has the general shape of a Camellia should be. But as the story going further, you’ll find more details why am I using white Tsubaki, a flower as the theme

Oh yeah. If you’re interested to see how white Tsubaki looks like, they’re some I’d manipulated to be my messy GIMP art (sorry for that) m(_ _)m

You can check them here : WHITE TSUBAKI

There are some more here, if you like (they aren’t WHITE though)  : PINK TSUBAKI 

That’s all for today. Will be right back!

Cataclysm after Xmas : SNOWSTORM

It’s all started when I switched on my heater, but it went off erratically after few seconds. I knew sth wrong with it but my dizziness from sleeping won’t let me identify it as the consequence from last night’s snowstorm. Being super curious I yanked my sliding door to one side to see the glass layer outside froze and stucked by the accumulated snow. Phew~ I yanked the glass then to find the snow is now about half way to your calves. My goodness! I tried & tried on my heater until it works. Thank goodness it still working as I hope, as usual.

And I haste to school after done washing up myself. I knew the journey will take longer than usual. Exactly it was. Not just because the thick snow on the ground everywhere, the rough winds like maelstrom blowing on them blocked our visions. I guess it’s within 5 meter, at most. Then the car started lining up like a heavy traffic jam. The winds, distracted me from realizing how chilling the weather was today.

It was a huge mistake to go out when the wind started to blow. But I’ve no choice. And another BIG mistake was, to choose the paths that few people went. The snow was like up to my knees, wetting my jeans. And I know my calves quivering under soaked pants.

When I entered Material Chemistry Building, cold liquids dripping from my face and jacket. I thought I won’t get sodden with snow? But they melt like crazy on my warm skin. And great disappointment awaiting as I found out we’ve no classes today.

So I went this adventurous journey to challenge myself? For nothing. Great! And as if I thought the wind stop blowing and snow stop powdering, the snow powders stung on my face on my way back home too.

Well, that’s today. A day after Christmas. It was a disaster, indeed. A cataclysm, to be better described.

from short stories to novels to fanfics…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are the 2 posters Farah dearie made for me. The J Dean’s was totally got me. It’s like the love at first sight. And the In A Blink was just to let her have another work Since she’s free and in mood for PSing. But I never expected it’ll turn out to be like this…so “evilish” look So yeah, I’m now on winglin.net too. Trying out new things again. I never expected to do this..but it feels like I’m giving in to the requests around me.

So if you’re interested, you may check these 2 out here:-

J Dean Sequel 1 [COMPLETED] (exists on this site too but if you want a fan-fiction mode)  simply click here http://www.winglin.net/fanfic/JDean/

J Dean Sequel 2 [COMPLETED]

http://www.winglin.net/fanfic/delymma/

In A Blink …. [IN PROGRESS]

http://www.winglin.net/fanfic/evearlmine/

[UNRELEASED] 誰かの願いが叶う頃 Dareka no negai ga kanau koro

Unreleased Chapter : The Coincidence

 

“Ara~ Doushita no sono kao?” as she could see a plaster sticked onto his cheek bone.

 

“Uhm? What’s up with your shoulder?” she caught up as she’s holding it since back then.

 

“You didn’t answer me” she pouted.

 

“Let me see it” rolling her sleeve up, he examined her shoulder. Blood coming out from the few line of scratches made on it as he pressed his fingers on its nearby surface.

 

“I fell from my bike” and Rin laughed to hear his blunt explanation.

 

“What’s so funny about that? And how about you?” getting some wet sterile tissue wiping her shoulder before sticking a plaster onto it.

 

“Me? … I… fell from my bed” she chuckled.

 

“Ahhh~ I don’t know if you’re teasing me or just lying or both. But I didn’t any of them, ok?”

 

“I thought it’s just a tiny cut, nothing to worry. But seeing you worried like that…”

 

“Fine my cute sister. TINY cut huh? And it’s on your shoulder. You think you can fool me then? If you really fell, there’s always more than what you can see as small cut, got me, uhm?”

 

“Hu~~~~ you scared me!”

 

“Uhm. To lie, to tease or to do both aren’t yours. You’re hiding something from me aren’t you?”

 

“You too” walking out of the room, snatching the files placed on his table and ready to start his work for the day.

 

“Fine. I fell from my bike while doing my baito – newspaper delivery”

 

“Newspaper delivery? Since when you started new baito? You didn’t…”

 

“Not even 2 weeks ago. I have to. Yumie still can’t find new job”

 

“My goodness. How are you now?” taking a look to his face.

 

“I’m fine. Lucky there’s…” his sentence was cut when Mrs. Hoshi interrupted.

 

“Azumi-san, keisatsu kara no denwa”

 

“Keisatsu?” both Azumi & Rin looking at each other.

 

* * *

 

At North Police Station…

 

“Sorry for asking both of you to come. But there is something… needs to be your acknowledgement, your concern, perhaps” uttering a sign to a police man standing beside her and he disappeared right after that.

 

“Please have a sit” she said, before letting herself to. The policeman returned after a few moments with few documents in his hands. He placed them on the desk right in front of her and disappeared again. She smiled a little before she continued,

 

“Rin Haruka-san (林 晴香) and Azumi Terutaka-san (安住 輝貴), please have a look on both of files here first” the files are the details on their biogenetic data set.

 

“And if you’re done, please take a look to this one too” she points at another file they have on the desk.

 

“Rin Takumi (林 巧) 47 years old, was the one who grabbed your handbag on the day before yesterday, at around 1.30 am on South 7 West 1 road, while you’re on your way back home…” she paused as she showed the picture of the suspect.

 

“Am I right?” as she hands the file to Rin. Azumi is stunned to the fact that his sister was robbed! And they’re stunned again to the facts written on the suspect file.

 

“I don’t know what to say when I first noticed it”

 

“Inspector, can we meet him personally?” Azumi requests alarmed the two. Kikuchi herself would never expect it.

 

* * *

 

Parking lot of North Police Station…

 

He walked slowly approaching the two. He’s wearing anxieties on his face. He must have been told about everything by Kikuchi…

 

He bowed to his waist once, while both of his hands still handcuffed. He raised his head for a moment, gasping a breath before he returned to his bow and said,

 

“Sumimasen. Hontou ni sumimasen deshita” he remained in that position for few seconds. Azumi hasn’t neither uttered any words nor reactions, meanwhile Rin already burst into tears. Somehow Azumi left without saying anything. The man that still bowing noticed him and burst into tears too – he might have mistaken it as Azumi can’t bear to meet him, not even to see his face! But Azumi’s back with the key, unlocking his handcuff.

 

“I guess it’s easier for us to chat then” the man halted before he grabbed this young boy into his arms. His sob can be heard clearly by Azumi and Rin. Azumi tore himself from his hold after few moments. His eyes are red, because he tried hard to suppress his tears, while the man wiped off the tears messing his face and threw quick glance at Rin who still crying. He should be the one who calms the girl, but he hesitated.

 

“What should I call you?” Azumi spoke up.

 

“Takumi de ii desu” he said.

 

“Otousan, I want to call you by that. I never have a chance to address someone with that” Azumi said while looking at Rin, asking for her agreement. She did understand him thus nodded once.

 

“I am sorry I took your handbag …” the sentence hung up in the middle as he can’t find any right way to address her.

 

“Haru, call me Haru” he downcasts his view, as he recalled of someone calling her by that nick too – his wife, Rin’s mom. He fell to his knees, apologizing in full of regret.

 

“I’m ineligible to be addressed as father. I left my own flesh right after they’re born”

 

“Otousan!” Rin can’t bear to hear his admission.

 

“…and one day when we’re met again, I did another crime. I’m such a waste”

 

“No! Don’t say that” she shook her head, denying his words.

 

“Haru appealed for you to be free. But you’re not actually… and you won’t!” his words stunned the two of Takumi & Rin. 

 

“Haru must be too softhearted to let you free, but I won’t. Since I didn’t make it yet, I don’t know how hard to be the leader of a family. I won’t blame you for what you have done and I don’t care about them either, but you have to promise me one thing” as he took one step closer to him.

 

“I’m a guy I can take care of myself, but Haru needs you to protect her. Will you promise me to take care of her…” he paused as he gazing at the man standing in front of him.

 

“… Otousan?” he stared at Takumi without a blink. Takumi couldn’t say any, but his teardrops answered on his behalf.

 

“Fine. Isshou no yakusoku da ne?”

 

* * *

 

Rin left for her work again as Azumi asked her to, leaving the son and his father alone there for a man to man talk.

 

“I can’t deny it that I’m shocked, but at the same time thankful to see you today” he started the conversation. He leans his back on the iron gate, dipping his both hands into his jacket pocket with eyes down cast.

 

“I’ve ever thought to find you and your sister… but I have no place and not even know how to face you too with this me. I left your mom when I’m broke. I can’t even pay the hospital & medical fees. She was originally sick from the beginning and we were asked to give up on both of you to in order to save her life. But she insisted no matter what happened, even it’s mean to harm her own life… she wanted to…” he paused. His voice is shaking; making it’s hard to speak.

 

“So that when you’re born, she sent you to Hiroko’s place… knowing that she has not much time left. Though she loved you and your sister so much, but she can’t let you two suffers after she’s no longer in this world. Because she knew I can’t be your dependence…” he cried as he has held this grief for 22 years and he’s somehow relieved they’re all burst today.

 

“Uhm. I knew Kaa-chan must be a very nice person. I never ask why she left me there alone, but I do doubted why she never came to see me even once during I was in the orphanage. Now I knew why..” as teardrops rolling down to his cheeks swiftly.

 

“Yurushite kure” he asked as he’s on his knees. He’s like a soldier lost to his opponent, waiting for his dearly pay. Yes indeed he loses to himself – lose to endure all the pains that he & his wife should have gone through together, no matter how huge the obstacles were or at least pay a little sacrifice to raise the two remembrance of love left by their mom after she risked her own life.

 

Azumi would have strikes the sword of blames to pierce through the man in front of him, so that he would have dearly paid for the sins he has done. But instead, he bent himself into his knee and holds the man who cried helplessly. Hatred & vengeance won’t change anything. There’s no point to linger the war. Let’s bury them all forever in the name of forgiveness.

 

“You have my forgiveness, as long as you stick to your promise to me just now. Mom would have agreed with me too, I’m sure” he said as they’re hugged to each other.

 

Hitomi, I’ve met our children’s back today. I’ve poured thousands drop of tears rather than craved million of smiles. But I knew I deserved it. Please forgive me as Azumi & Haruka does. I won’t repeat the same mistake I’ve done in the past 22 years. Please let me have this chance. I need to repay you… – Takumi’s talking mind to Suzuki Hitomi (鈴木 智美), Rin’s & Azumi’s late mom.

 

*********************

 

Word List

 

1.      Doushita no sono kao? = What’s up with your face?

2.      Keisatsu kara no denwa = A call from police

3.      Baito = part time job

4.      Sumimasen. Hontou ni sumimasen deshita = I’m sorry. I am truly sorry.

5.      Takumi de ii desu = Just call me Takumi

6.      Otousan = father (as you address your own father, not Father for church)

7.      Isshou no yakusoku da ne? = It’s a whole life promise, ok?

8.      Kaa-chan = Mommy

9.      Yurushite kure = Forgive me

 

@@@@@@@ Author’s Note @@@@@@

This is the unreleased chapter, that supposed to be lined in as Chapter 16. But I deleted it from my post make it as unreleased chapter. But my Teah Grandottie requested me to post this up… *halmoni is always giving in to her granddotter* so that I touched up the chapter & posted it today. The reunion of father and child, made me in tears. Don’t know why I’m too touched when it comes to family relationship… was it my past made me to? Only God knows it best! Enjoy the chapter. This chapter dedicated to you Teah! *kisses*

 

 

 

[WRAPUP] 誰かの願いが叶う頃 Dareka no negai ga kanau koro

Songs inspired me to write this story : “誰かの願いが叶う頃 (Dareka no negai ga kanau koro)” sung by 宇多田 ヒカル (Utada Hikaru)

Songs I listened while writing this story, and they’re like soundtracks for this story :-

1) SAKURA ドロップス (Drops) by 宇多田 ヒカル (Utada Hikaru)

2) Deep River by 宇多田 ヒカル (Utada Hikaru)

3) Mirrorcle World by 浜崎あゆみ (Hamasaki Ayumi)

4) Stay With Me by Danity Kane

5) I Don’t Care by Apocalyptica featuring Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace

6) The Day You Went Away by M2M

ALL 7 SONGS FOR DOWNLOAD : http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=5dc0bef7368dde94ab1eab3e9fa335ca7be5b1fc93bad04f

About this story

@IDEAS

I wrote this story based on my own ideas. If there’s any other story you found anywhere that looked similar to mine, it is just a coincidence. I never copy any ideas or words or scenes by any stories. I said songs inpired me but I didn’t take out their lyrics and elaborate them into story – that still counted as PLAGIARISM.

@CHARACTERS

I wrote what I see, I DID mention it here. “Azumi” is originally my lecturer’s name, well known for his humorous and kind-hearted. So when I’m in state of choosing name, I thought about him. My Azumi Sensei & Azumi the character I wrote are totally different, but they’ve shared one thing for sure – warmth in personality. And others characters’ names and personalities are created by me. And some of their characters are reflection of mine, I can say it.

@MORALS

I don’t write empty story that just for fun. I was called to write this to remind myself that I can’t afford to have so many wishes at one time. I can’t live with my own, I have to be in society, to live with people. I need to love and loved by others. But I need to be reminded that, when one of my wish is fulfilled it’s not the end of the story. Someone else around me might suffer of losing theirs, and even though our wish will finally fulfilled they’re not going to happen at the same time.

I hope my readers received my message. We all live in this greedy little world, fight each other to reach our aims, but sometimes we do need to suffer or sacrifice the bitter for others’ happiness first so that later we could taste the sweet happiness of ours, which will be more meaningful, perhaps.

Thanks to all readers, commentors and silent readers as well. Any opinions about my story & writing, please be honored to do so.

Yours,

Eve Earl

[CH17@ENDING] 誰かの願いが叶う頃 Dareka no negai ga kanau koro

Chapter 17 (ENDING) : When Someone’s Wish is Fulfilled

 

At Double Roast Coffee Café…

 

She kept glancing at her watch from time to time, waiting impatiently for someone to come. And finally he came. She stood up while he’s making his way to the table she’s been sitting, greeting & at the same time ushering him to sit. After ordering the drinks,

 

“I have to explain it to you” he started the conversation. He’s in his pinstripe suit and blazer on, looks like a businessman more than a doctor.

 

“Uhm, me too. I have something to talk about”

 

“Kikuchi…”

 

“You love her, aren’t you?” she asked first before he could say it. He was struck dumb in shock, finding no suitable words to reply at the moment. He shouldn’t say yes to admit, or no to deny.

 

“If you do, please take your best care to her. Do not ever make her cry in grief or sadness. I’m a girl too so I won’t blame her, neither you. We’re not destined to be together, perhaps” she said in calm, no sign of fears or hatred heard in her words. She never talk that much to him, but now she did utter her sincerest from heart.

 

“Sumanai… hontou ni sumanai” he said, lowering his head.

 

“Oh yeah. I was about to ask your opinion on that day. But now I think I’ve decided. I’ll be transferred to Southern District by next week, but I’ll leave by tomorrow” she smiled, as nothing has ever happened between them.

 

“Ah sou. But how about us?” he’s playing with words.

 

“Us? I thought I made it clear, very clear Dr. Fukada” she paused, as she arranged the best of her very last words for him.

 

“Let’s have it as if we never have this engagement. It’s end here, Fukada. Thanks for taking care of me all this time. Thanks” putting the ring he gave her on the table, she gripped her handbag and trying to leave.

 

“Kikuchi! Forgive me, please” he said, hanging his hand on her.

 

“You do have my forgiveness. And we can still be friends…” just friends

And all he can do is, to let her go without even glance back at him… it’s over.

 

* * *

 

A few weeks later,

 

“Moshi moshi~” an unknown number appeared on his phone screen.

 

“Azumi?” she sounds excited. Cherished filled in her tone.

 

“Owh~ Nani? Asking me for a date?” he dare to ask such question as he confirmed the caller is someone he knew.

 

“Who would want to date you! Mirror yourself first!” teasing him back.

 

“Ahah~ Me? … Still pretty good, even though after 12 hours of work for today” as he mirrored himself on the window glass. And later he chuckled to himself, realizing what he’s been doing.

 

Silly me!

 

Kikuchi laughed a little and he smiled to himself alone as he knew she’s been doing fine, since she didn’t drink his tease just now.

 

“I’m not sure if Rin told you this… I was promoted to Chief Inspector yesterday…”

 

“Oh my! She didn’t!! Omedetou gozaimasu~” clipping his cell phone between his ear & shoulder, as to let his hands picking up his stuffs faster – ready to get home as his job ends for the day.

 

“Arigatou. And Rin asked me to come to your house this evening…”

 

“Maji de?”

 

“Uhm”

 

* * *

 

“Tadaima!” he’s out of breath, consequence of rushing back home. He thought he could make it before his guest, but he failed to.

 

“Okaeri” the two girls replied.

 

“Rin! Nani kangaeteru no?” as he can see Rin’s laughing. She must have purposely hid all the things from him.

 

“Nani ga? What’s wrong to celebrate Inspector… oh no… our Chief Inspector Kikuchi been promoted?” throwing a wink to him.

 

“Demo… you should’ve told me at least!” as he put his innocent face on and glanced at their guest which sitting nicely before the table.

 

“Hai hai~ Come, help me on the dishes” dragging him away, leaving Kikuchi alone in the living room.

 

* * *

 

So that Rin arranged for a small gathering for just the three of them. Azumi moved to live with her after Yumie left. He can’t afford to pay the rent by his own, yet he’s need not to do baito just to stay in the house. The house that they’ve stayed for quite a number of years together, finally left when the two has to go on their own way.

 

“Thanks for inviting me today” Kikuchi said, sitting on the zabuton, facing to the sliding window while she threw her eyes to the outside – enjoying the thick orange-reddish evening view that can be seen through it before the sunset. While Azumi’s leaning his body on the wall, side-facing her and Rin’s making herself busy in the kitchen.

 

“U~uhm. Omedetou” and she smiled as she turned into him, before she continues

 

“Ermmmm… I heard someone’s leaving to Australia soon for furthering his study though”

 

“Ahhh~~~ it must be Rin!!! How could she leaked everything about me without my knowing?” he tapped his forehead with his palm causing her to laugh a little.

 

“It’s a good thing though. I should congratulate you too”

 

“Uhm. Doumo. But I’ve not even started yet” he said, separating his body from leaning on the wall, switching himself into a proper sit.

 

“I’ll be waiting for your return. Waiting for the day I can address you as Dr. Azumi”

 

“Oh no! You’ve fast forwarded 6 years in the future into now! Uhm, please pray for my success then” he still heard playing around while he’s serious.

 

“Uhm, I will” she said and they exchanged their smiles.

 

* * *

 

6 years later,

 

Finally Azumi’s back. He’s been keeping in touch with both Rin & Kikuchi during he’s abroad but to his surprise, Kikuchi didn’t show up at the airport on the day he’s back. Rin that came alone on that day left his questions unanswered until they’re home. She showed him a bunch of letters Yumie sent to him since he’s left for Australia. Yumie insisted to write those letters but resisted to send them directly to him. There’s one that she has opened & read. It was Yumie’s wedding invitation card – Yumie & Fukada was married few months after he’s away for his study.

 

An now it’s like a jigsaw puzzle that just been completed on his board of mind after spending 6 years to find and gather all its pieces – he read it as Yumie left on that day for being together with Fukada and the day Kikuchi met him telling she’ll be transferred with her eyes red… She must be wanted to tell him about this all, but she didn’t know how to put them in words so she kept them untold…

 

He can’t think of any rather than to meet Kikuchi but she’s hospitalized in Kanagaoka Hospital. He rushed and only realized it when he’s on the way there.

 

Why is she in the hospital? Could it be something has happened to her?

 

When he arrived, he rushed to the ward she supposed to be but she’s not there. He just went to the top roof bluntly as he recalled back his memories with her more than 6 years ago. Kikuchi is on her wheelchair, busy on her sketching and he can’t recognize her. But she dropped one of her pencils and found it hard to pick it up from her wheelchair, where there he took the chance to pick up and hands it to her.

 

“Thank y…” she’s stunned to see the one who’s standing beside her until she couldn’t finish her line.

 

“Azumi?” she asked, thinking of she might dreaming of to see him again.

 

Silence filled the air between the two as he takes a look on her undone sketch. She was sketching the mount far away in front of her and its surrounding viewed from there, the one she used to view 6 years ago.

 

“Gomen” that was her first word after all.

 

“No need to apologize. I know what you are going to say next. I knew everything. Everything that you kept from me all this long. I just didn’t expect that you will hold all the stories for 6 years to yourself alone” he referred to the things that happened between her, Yumie & Fukada.

 

“Too much coincidences in us, uhm?” he added. Yes indeed Kikuchi left on the reason she’s transferred while the genuine reason was, she’s hurt from her broken engagement. Fukada already had somebody else, which is happened to be his adopted sister. And he was and is, her best friend. Though she told him she doesn’t have any feelings towards Fukada, but he’s her fiancé. How could it be nothing when you see your fiancé with other girl in his arms while he’s still engaged with you? Though you didn’t love him… how could you lie to yourself that you didn’t feel any pain deep inside your heart at that time?

 

“What happened to them?” he referred to her legs.

 

Kikuchi broke her both knees this time. Transplant will be held for her left knee as they will take her right arm’s ligament to be transplant there. But they could do nothing with her right knee, because this is the second time she broke it and her arm ligament wouldn’t be enough to support it. While at the same time, it’ll risk her shoulder too if both of her ligaments been taken to her knees.

 

“Perhaps, He wants me to rest” she said lowers her head, hiding her face. She meant to retire from her dream & beloved profession, considering her current condition.

 

“What about I donate some of mine?” he offered.

 

“What? No… No you can’t! Please don’t” as she almost cried.

 

“What’s so big to have a piece of me in you? You already have something more important than that…” you know what it is.

 

“What will worth to compensate it then?” you know I’ll owe you a life if I do.

 

“You’re worth to societies and people. Don’t ever try to quit while your services still needed for them. I would need it but not as much as you” he’s not answering her question.

 

“What do you think will worth to compensate me?” he paused, gasping a breath, a deep one.

 

“Your happiness. Your will and your fortitude to be what you want to be in the way you should be, that’s enough”

 

“Are you sure?” testing his honesty in words.

 

“Uhm. FREEDOM. Isn’t it what you’ve been looking for? You possessed it once, but I think you deserve to have it forever” he smiled, showing his dimples again. The smile & the face that she missed to see for 6 years.

 

“Thanks. You’re my BEST friend” she smiled too, wiping off the tears she shed.

 

* * *

 

Few weeks after the transplant surgery was held…

 

A little boy is running from one row to another row of the store, playing with his sister. He stopped in front of junk food section, as his eyes were caught to have one of them. Stretching his arm out, he touched the most front piece of chocolate bars and when he had it in his hand and left, all the pieces in row fell and scattered on the floor.

 

The little boy is scared, afraid that he will be scolded by his mom or maybe the shop manager. He almost cried, but someone who is eyeing on him approached to help.

 

“Ikutsu?” he asked as he bent himself to pick up the scattering chocolate bars. The little boy holds a piece of them in his tighter, as he’s scared of him.

 

“Daijoubu da yo. Onii-chan iru kara, ne?” he smiled with the smile that will calm the hearts of everyone who see it.

 

“Mama wa?” he asked again, but the boy remained dumb. He stared to a pair of eyes in front of him.

 

Oh my! He can’t speak? Or he didn’t understand “mama”?

 

“Kaa-chan wa?”

 

“Taku!” a woman called as soon as he finished asking. And he was shocked to find the woman in front of him is…

 

* * *

 

“Azumi, gomen nasai!” she started with an apology.

 

“U~uhm. You’ve said enough “sorry” to me”

 

“I can’t help it…” tears began to pool in her eyes.

 

“I’ve read all your letters. I guess there’s too much to say, so you wrote them all, right?” he said as he threw his sight into the couple of children playing few meters away from them.

 

“How are you?” you know I meant more than just to ask your health, Yumie. She hesitated to answer – feeling weak and no place to stay & see as she still blaming herself for what has happened in these 6 years.

 

“I never blame you Yumie, neither nor Kikuchi. I guess so”

 

“I’ve no choice at that time Azumi… please forgive me. I wish I could be a single mom, raising Taka’s sister alone, but I knew I’ve failed before she’s born”

 

“Wait. Are you telling me she’s not… Fukada’s daughter?” he’s fast to catch her words and she just nodded.

 

“My goodness… Did he know this?” an anxiety look spreads on his face especially after she shook her head few times. Tears drifting on her cheeks and he pulled her into his hold fast.

 

It’s too late for me to notice this all, I regret it. She meant to have my attention or perhaps wanted my help but I was too busy with my own life. And she’s too worried to trouble me when she felt there’s no way out for her. I’m touched to realize this… I’m sorry Yumie. I’m sorry.

 

“Would you come with me for a minute? I want you to meet someone”

 

I know you wanted to meet her too, but you’re afraid of yourself too much.

 

* * *

 

Kikuchi is resting on her bed, accompanied by Rin as the nurse in charge. She is still hospitalized for rehabilitations while Azumi was discharged with medical & treatment on.

 

“Kikuchi-san, gomen nasai. Gomen nasai” she cried bitterly with grieves. This is her first to meet Kikuchi in person. And Kikuchi holds the woman tight in her embrace, hoping that her grieves would be shared with her.

 

“U~uhm. I never blame you, Yumie-san. What done is done, I knew everything happened in this world has its reason. You have your own reasons too right?” she nodded lightly in her embrace. She’s all wet in her tears, not realizing that Azumi & Rin are looking at her all these while.

 

“Will you promise me one thing, Yumie-san?” she released her hold as to make Yumie facing her.

 

“Please take your very best care of him, uhm? That’s my penalty for you. You have to carry it until your very last breath, it’s mandatory” she smiled, wiping her tears off from her face.

 

Wait! Since when she learned to tease? Is it she influenced by me? Don’t tell me it’s transferred via DNA too!

 

*************

 

Word List

 

1.      Sumanai = Sumimasen = I am sorry —> Hontou ni sumanai = I am really sorry

2.      Ah sou = I see…

3.      Moshi moshi = Hello…

4.      Nani? = What’s up?

5.      Maji de? = (youth slang) Really?

6.      Tadaima = I’m back

7.      Okaeri = Welcome back

8.      Nani kangaeteru no? = What are you thinking?

9.      Nani ga? = So what?

10.  Demo … = But …

11.  Hai hai = Ok ok

12.  Baito = part time job

13.  zabuton = cushion that you use when you sit on the floor.

14.  Omedetou = Congratulation

15.  Doumo = Same to you (Thanks)

16.  Gomen / Gomen nasai = I’m sorry

17.  Ikutsu? = How old are you?

18.  Daijoubu da yo = It’s all fine/ok

19.  Onii-chan ga iru kara ne = Coz big bro is here

20.  Mama wa? = Where’s your mama?

21.  Kaa-chan wa? = Where’s your mom (slang)?

 

 

=====THE END=====

 

Unwritten Fact

·           The first daughter of Yumie (Taka’s sister) is actually the child of Yumie’s former manager. I did write she was harassed, a softer way to say than she’s actually abused.

·           Rin Haruka (Azumi’s sister/twin) is promoted to be a nurse during his left to Australia for studying medical.

·           Azumi went oversea to further his study was originally inspired by Kikuchi.

[CH16] 誰かの願いが叶う頃 Dareka no negai ga kanau koro

Chapter 16 : The Day You Went Away

 

Azumi’s just back from his baito. He threw himself onto his bed and he fell into a deep sleep in no time, without locking his door as he used to. Not very long after that, a figure came in and sat onto his bed just next to him, but he uttered no reactions. He’s dead in his weariness.

 

She’s out of usual, indeed. And even she knew it’s crazy, but she can’t help herself from it – licking his lips and kissed him hungrily. Azumi awakened as he felt something on top of his body. And he was shocked to find it wasn’t a dream. She’s more than familiar to him. He leaped out of his bed and asked,

 

“Do… Doushita no?”

 

She remained silent and numb to where she’s been sitting all this while.

 

“Gomen, but…” he’s trying to calm himself while he’s indeed not.

 

“I’m the one who should say that” she replied and left the room in rush.

 

“Yumie!” he chased after her but she disappeared.

 

I hope it’s just a dream but it seems I’m not. What’s wrong with her? It’s not abnormal, but… since she never did something like that…

 

* * *

 

It was a night with heavy downpour. Lightning striking again and again, followed by a loud noise of thunder crashing in the sky, while Yumie had her luggage in her hand and asked to leave.

 

“I’m going to live with my boyfriend. I’m sorry that I’ve to leave you. Thanks for everything” she said, almost in tears.

 

“Ehh? But you never say any on this before?” he couldn’t believe what he just heard.

 

“Gomen…”

 

“Wait. Was it because of the thing on that day?” he referred to the day she sneaked into his room, but she’s lowered her head.

 

“If you think I’d mind that, you’re wrong. It’s just nothing compared to all your kindness towards me all of these years”

 

“Gomen nasai, Azumi. Please… Let me go”

 

He couldn’t find any more words to stop her and she’s left, with just few words and apologies. No explanation, no excuses no reasons. It’s just too weird. He could sense there’s something she hid from him. Somehow he recalled all the things happening in these few months, starting from the night he’s back from work to see she’s drunk and smoke, and on the next day he found out the fact she’s quitted her job. And later she remained jobless until he needs to do baito to cover the payment of rent and other utilities. And now, she said she’s leaving to live with someone she loves… All these must have some relation. But what is it? He couldn’t find it… at all.

 

Instead of thinking the reason for why she left, their childhood memory replayed in his head. It was 12 years ago when he’s just 10 and Yumie was 15. They have had the same heavy downpour like now on that day. He was about to go home after his school when heavy rainfall forced him to stay. He didn’t have an umbrella as he forgot to bring it and he refused to borrow his friend’s money to get on the bus. So he waited and waited, hoping for the rain to stop so he could walk home but unfortunately, it didn’t. As the day getting darker and colder, he saw one by one of his friends left while he has to stay. Then few hours later, as he’s almost fell asleep, Yumie came with her broken umbrella in her hands with herself drenched badly. And he would never forget her first word when she saw him, “Daijoubu?” as she embraced him tight. She’s worrying about him being cold and alone, while she’s the one who trembling badly at that time.

 

He didn’t realize it but when he did, he’s in the middle of rain, running into it reaching out for the one he called “sister” for almost 2 decades. He’s tracing the path that they used to walk together before, but Yumie is nowhere insight…

 

What sins do I have done to you that made me deserve this? I love you as my sister… don’t you love me as your brother too? But why you did this to me?

 

Forgive me Azumi. I don’t know how to explain to you. I know you’ll forgive me if I do, but it’s just me. I can’t forgive myself. I’m not a sister that you knew Azumi… I’m not - Yumie’s whispering heart.

 

* * *

 

He rushed towards his door when he heard few rings on his doorbell. A girl was all soaking wet standing helplessly in front of him. Ushered her in, he grabbed a dry towel into his hand and lays it on her shoulder.

 

“It must be freezing out there. Why don’t you call me so I can pick you up instead?” he spoke up as he’s brushing her hair with the towel gently.

 

“Gomen. Can I stay here?” she asked, gazing into his eyes.

 

“Of course, my dear” he said, wrapping the towel around her shoulders while running his fingers through her wet hair. And when she’s captured in his stare, he took the advantage to lean his face into hers and let his defense broken. They were drowned in themselves like the rain drowning the night.

 

* * *

 

Next morning,

 

Kikuchi is playing with a letter inside her hand – folding it and unfold it alternately as her nervous and excited taking place one after another now. She was offered to be transferred to Southern District and she’s been thinking to ask Fukada’s opinion on that. But somehow Azumi’s name passing by her head as her eyes staring at the numbers and her itching fingers forced her to dial them up.

 

“Moshi moshi. Kanagaoka Byouin no Azumi desu” and as soon as the voice answered, she hung up the call. She knew the outcome, but still dare to try to. And then, she dialed again, on different number this time. She’s surprised when a woman’s voice appeared on the call. The voice was interrupted by a man’s voice later before the call hung up – by the receiver this time. She threw a few sighs as she didn’t feel good towards it. Resisting to deal with the bad instinct that started creeping in herself, she rushed to prepare herself for work. She planned to drop by at her fiancé house on her way to her office then.

 

* * *

 

“Jya, ittekimasu” he said. Fukada is already in his light yellow long sleeve shirt, tucked in his black trousers. He’s wearing a red-brown stripped tie too. His wicked smile lingers on his face as he still has his eyes on her.

 

“Itterassyai” she said, letting herself wrapped by his arms. Perhaps she just meant to give a goodbye kiss, but it was seen by someone standing just few meters away, looking for Fukada – Kikuchi. Yumie just in her shorts and tank top with her messy hair – all these will worth more than thousand words of explanation that Kikuchi deserved to know since her call hung up an hour ago.

 

“Kikuchi! Wait!” he shouted as he’s chasing after her but Kikuchi ran as fast as she could for few meters before she caught a taxi and disappeared. Her hands were cold and shaking all of sudden – she wasn’t sure whether she’s exasperated or disappointed. But one thing for sure, Fukada already betrayed her.

 

“Dochira e?” the taxi driver asked. Kikuchi dipped her hand into her handbag, gripping a sunglass in her hand, before she answers,

 

“Kanagaoka Byouin, onegaishimasu”

 

* * *

 

“Azumi-san, Inspector Kikuchi wants to meet you” Mrs. Hoshi appeared from nowhere. She wears seriousness in her face.

 

“Ehh?”

 

Why did she ask Mrs. Hoshi’s permission? Is it a formal meeting? As a police inspector?

 

* * *

 

“Ohayou gozaimasu, Kikuchi-sama” he greeted formally.

 

“Ohayou gozaimasu” she replied in formal too as well.

 

“Wait. I thought it’s a formal meeting, with your men surrounding us. It’s not, right?” he meant to tease, hiding his anxieties & gloomy that still lingering in him since yesterday – since Yumie left.

 

“U~uhm” she smiled weakly.

 

“I thought you won’t need this in the morning” as he took off the sunglasses she wears, revealing her teary eyes burning in red.

 

“No. I need to wear this, since I’ve had eye infection now. You’ll get infected too if you see them” snatching her glass from him.

 

“So what if I get infected? We have tones of medicines in there”

 

I know you’re lying. And you know you shouldn’t lie to a medical assistant. You’re caught up!

 

“I’ll be transferred to Southern District by next week… So… I think I can’t see you often like we used to now” her eyes downcasted.

 

“Ohoh~ So you’re too sad to be separated from me and you cried that much? I wonder should I feel happy or sad towards it now… docchi?” he teased but Kikuchi smiled weakly.

 

For the first time she gave in to my tease. This is unusual. Is there something wrong?

 

“Can I have your number?” she asked while she dipped her left hand inside her pocket, but before she could let out a piece of memo from it, her right was in his – he’s writing his number on her palm.

 

“My number is nothing. Just call out my name and I’ll be there for you” he teased, again. And Kikuchi replied the same way – light smile.

 

The second time she gave in. There’s indeed something…

 

“Thanks. I should leave now” she took few weak steps leaving him while her legs refused to as her heart do. There’s other thing left untold – the thing that she really wants him to know, thing that let her down terribly for the first time in her life, the thing that happened in front of her eyes, the thing we called “betrayal”.

 

“Kikuchi!” she stopped. That was his first to call her just by the name.

 

“We are FRIENDS, aren’t we?” he asked giving his intense look.

 

“Uhm” a true smile spread on her face before she nodded once and left.

 

I wish I could run into you now and bury my face inside your embrace and you hold me tight while I burst everything out and cry as loud as I want, scream until my voice faded away. But I couldn’t… I know you are more than just a FRIEND to me… but I can’t say it out! – Kikuchi’s whispering heart.

 

 

 

 

*******************

 

 

Word List

 

1. Baito = Part time job

2. Doushita no? = What’s up with you?

3. Gomen / Gomen nasai = Sorry

4. Daijoubu? = Are you okay?

5. Moshi moshi = Hello (as you pick up a call)

6. Byouin = Hospital (—> Kanagaoka Byouin = Kanagaoka Hospital)

7. Jya = Then,…

8. Ittekimasu = I’ll be going

9. Itterassyai = Have a nice day

10. Dochira e? = Where are you heading to?

11. Onegaishimasu = Please…

12. Ohayou gozaimasu = Good morning

13. Docchi? = Which one?

 

to be continued…

[CH15] 誰かの願いが叶う頃 Dareka no negai ga kanau koro

Chapter 15 : My Freedom

 

“Hee? Nani kore?” replacing the cap from his head and throws it onto his bed, his eyes running through every word written on the B5 sized letter while his fingers brushed his messy hair. It was placed on his desk since while ago. “Lee Build – Unpaid Rent” was written in the head of the letter. He sat on his single bed and let himself lie on his back. What does it mean by “unpaid”? He utters few sighs and heads to Yumie’s room.

 

“Yumie-chan, haitte ii?” he asked after few knocks on her door. And he entered in as soon as the door opened for him.

 

“Kore…” he stretched out the letter towards her, which now sitting on the chair, in front of her desk.

 

“Gomen. I still can’t find new job… and the money you gave me last month,…” she paused to see his expression on the face.

 

“I’ve used them all” a slight guilty and regret crept in her tone. Since they share their earnings to pay the rent and other utilities together for years. And this is the first time Yumie did betray him.

 

“Azumi, gomen. Gomen nasai! Gomen nasai” she already burst into tears.

 

“Ii yo. But why don’t you tell me earlier? I won’t blame you either”

 

“Tanomu… konkai dake” she begged, perhaps she’d have no choice at that time… perhaps. He left with a bitter smile lingered on his face.

 

We’ll be safe for this month, but what about later on? If she couldn’t manage to find a job by next month… I’ve no choice rather than to start new part time job…

 

* * *

 

“Ahhhhhh~~” he’s throwing his big yawn, again.

 

“Hmmmm… nan ka okashii” Rin appeared from nowhere.

 

“Ehh?”

 

“I never see you sleepy that much before. Don’t tell me you start hanging with those?” she rolled her eyeballs, signed towards bunch of few nurses that doing their work lazily at one corner of the room. It looks like they’re chatting more than working.

 

“Ehh?” he chuckled and it was the only answer from him before he left for his new job – newspaper delivery. He has to work in the very early morning, while others still dreaming in their warm comforter, snoring in their comfortable beds.

 

It was damn freezing and he’s only in his worn jeans and plain T-shirt. His thin body was covered only by a thin wind breaker shivering a little when a voice asked,

 

“Ichibu choudai” he touched his front cap and pushed it backward a little for getting a better view to the voice owner while his other hand holding few copies of newspapers.

 

“Hai” as he hands a copy of them to her.

 

“Ganbatte ne!” the girl in her full sports attire added. Sweats spreading on her face telling him she’s just back from jogging.

 

“Uhm. Ganbaru” he said, lowers his head once and left. He raised his head once again, looking at the entire building he just dropped by now before he leaves with his mind talking again. The girl he met just now is… Inspector Kikuchi.

 

I thought she would live in a luxurious, stylish mansion. But she’s different…

 

* * *

 

Day 10th of baito…

 

He has cold and fever. Wearing mask covering his mouth, he still dare to cycle around for his baito and the weather is absolutely not on his side today. Strong wind chilling him and its roughness itself is enough to blow him away, yet later heavy clouds poured few raindrops on him, which just started his trip today. He tried hard to maintain himself on his track, but the lack of vision due to the weather condition caused him to slide. The front tyre went on the bicycler path which is higher than the road once before it slides down to the slippery road that already drenched by the downpour.

 

He can’t remember anything, but when he realized, he’s already on the road, fell off from his bike and the newspapers he carried at the backseat soaked into the sump of water. He rushed to wake up, thinking of he might save the newspapers instead of himself, but a few cuts made on his elbow feeling hurt. And for the first time he realized he’s bleeding on his wrists as he picked up the pieces of torn newspapers…

 

* * *

 

Her bell rang once. She waited, for it might ring again, but it didn’t. She doesn’t have any suspicion in her head and bluntly went towards her genkan reaching her front door. As soon as she opened, a figure is standing weak, trembling in cold and pain waited for a help but he fainted before he could utter any explanation.

 

He was dragged to the living room. His wet clothes messed the tile on her floor but she didn’t strip them off. Letting him lie on the wool carpet, she rushed for a towel and a bowl of lukewarm water. When she’s back to the living room, he’s still lying unconscious. She drenched the towel into the bowl of lukewarm water, squeezed it lightly and cleaned up the bloodstains on his face. She hesitated to take off the wet wind breaker he had on, afraid that she might wake him up.

 

You need some rest. You’ve overworked, poor boy!

 

She sat still near to him, staring at the one which used to be healthy walking around the hospital with smiles never off from his face. What happened to him now? Not long after that, he got his conscious back.

 

“Daijoubu?” she asked.

 

“Wh… where am I now?”

 

“You’re at my home, don’t worry”

 

“Eh? Baito…? Are?” he started to be flustered when he realized he was in the middle of his baito, actually.

 

“Nani awateru no? You’re sick and fainted. But still dare to think of work! Think of yourself first” she nagged like a mom while she already back to the kitchen to change the water that cooled down while he sat up, taking off the wet wind breaker he’s wearing and rubbed his face with his injured wrist.

 

“You messed it up again” as she wiped his face with the warm wet towel but he uttered a grief on his face yet his cold hand holding hers down, signing her to stop. The weird thing is, he didn’t release it when it’s already off from his face.

 

“Doushita?” she asked in full of calm. He shook his head weakly before he answered,

 

“You just… remind me of something” releasing her hand off.

 

“Did I? Hope it wasn’t a bad one” she peeled off few sticking plasters and sticks them on him – few on his face and others on his wrists.

 

“Uhm. It’s … my Mama. You remind me of her” he said, looking downcast.

 

“Ahah. I don’t know if you’re praising me or… does it mean I look like a mom…” she teased.

 

“Iya. It’s not what I meant” saying it serious.

 

“I shouldn’t tease someone who is sick, uhm?” she smiled an inch, bending his arm to his elbow, so that she could examine the cuts he had on there.

 

“Why must you’d be nice to me?” he said in serious, no jokes sensed in his words, but he’s stirred to be touched by her kindness.

 

“Uhm? … I think I should have asked you that question earlier” he uttered a sigh before he answers,

 

“I’m a medical assistant. That’s my job to save my patient”

 

“Uhmmmm, sokka. Then, I’d just be nice to my people” she meant as her position being a police inspector.

 

You’re the only one who won’t be caught up in my tease yet you smash it back to me.

 

Finished cleaning the cuts, she’s off to the kitchen. Leaving the bowl and the towel in the sink, she disappeared for a moment. And when she’s back she got a wool futon in her hands.

 

“Here! You can have this” putting the futon on the floor closed to where he’s sitting and back to the kitchen. Her hand grabbed fast a pot and a pack of instant mixed cereal, one in each other – preparing porridge.

 

While Azumi in the living room let the futon girdled himself. He lies on his back while he has a framed photo in his hand – A man in his full police uniform must be her father, she’s in the middle and a woman in her suit must be her mom. The photo was placed on the small desk at the corner of the room, which situated very near to where he’s lying just now.

 

“How is it like to have a family? To live in a family… with mom and dad by your side?” he asked while staring at the photo attentively.

 

“Ehh? It’s full of warmth…” she paused. She knew what he meant asking it. Deep inside his eyes there’s pool of water. Beneath his heart, there’s loneliness he hides. She’s full of alert not to make any mistake in her words, which would only hurt his feeling, especially now. So she continued,

 

“… But how it’s like to have siblings? To have a sister, for example?”

 

For the very first, her question knocked his awareness. Does she know about his life? His LIFE, yes it is. Silence filled the air for a moment.

 

“Do I not know something that you’ve already know?”

 

“Ehh?” she asked, from the kitchen. She’s afraid she heard it wrong so she uttered her excuse for him to repeat it.

 

“Ahh… nani itterun da ore” meanwhile he took it as something he shouldn’t ask, so he gave up.

 

“Perhaps. Rin told me about you. But don’t worry. She didn’t tell me any bad things about her brother”

 

“Ahh… sou nan da”

 

So that she really knew me.

 

“Uhm. I’m envying you two”

 

“Hee? Nan de?”

 

“You have a lovely sister who takes care of you, yet you too can take care of her. You’re free to do whatever you want to do. You’re free to worry about others or to love persons you want to. If I could be you, or the least, have a brother like you…”

 

“Wait, Miss Kikuchi. I thought you have your freedom more than enough now…” he halted, realizing he might say something that he shouldn’t later.

 

“Tabun ne. Watashi, wagamama da ne”

 

“U~uhm. What’s wrong to wish for your own happiness in your life?”

 

“Uhm. Ahh, I need to prepare to work now. You may rest there and yeah, if you’re hungry just take this to renji and heat it up, ok?” she said as she poured in the porridge into a bowl and wrapped it up with few pieces of food wrapper film before saving it in the fridge.

 

“Uhm, arigatou”

 

“Oyasumi”

 

I knew what you mean by the “freedom” you mentioned just now. I know you referred it to your relationship with Fukada. But I could only listen; I could do nothing about it…

 

********************

 

Word List

 

1.      Hee? Nani kore? = Huh? What’s this? (Nani = What ; kore = this)

2.      Haitte ii? = Can I enter in?

3.      Gomen/Gomen nasai = Sorry

4.      ii yo = it’s fine

5.      tanomu = please (I beg you)

6.      konkai dake = only this time

7.      nan ka okashii = something’s weird (nan ka = something ; okashii = weird/out of usual)

8.      ichibu = a copy

9.      choudai = give me

10.  ganbatte  ne! = Good luck! / All the best to you!

11.  ganbaru! = I will!

12.  baito = part time job

13.  genkan = a corner before you enter living room after you entered in from the front door

14.  daijoubu? = are you ok?/fine?

15.  nani awateru no? = what rushed you? / What are you panicking at?

16.  Doushita? = What’s wrong?

17.  Iya = No

18.  Sokka = I see

19.  Tabun  ne = Maybe

20.  Watashi wagamama da ne = I am selfish, am I?

21.  Arigatou = Thanks

22.  Oyasumi = Good night / Rest well.

23. Nani itterun da ore = What am I saying?

24. Renji = Microwave oven

To be continued…