[CH11] 誰かの願いが叶う頃 Dareka no negai ga kanau koro

Best to be read with “Stay With Me” (link for the song : http://www.imeem.com/delymma/music/kMj1eUUY/danity_kane_stay_with_me/) played as the background song for the whole chapter. For those who’re sensitive, please have box of tissue beside you before reading . Thanks!

Chapter 11 : Defying Destiny

 

I see her will to go on living as the way she deserves to – free to move, do whatever she wants. Every time she falls, she clenches her best holds and grips to raise back. Sweats and tears, falls and rises took place one after another but she resisted from giving up on her rehabilitation. Her fortitude will always be by her side. She never loses… so far.

 

“Kikuchi-san, kyou no bun kore de owari ni shimasyou, ne?” he said as he hands her a glass of water.

 

“Ehh? But…” she seemed to be unsatisfied with her progress for the day.

 

“No, you should rest now. Let’s continue tomorrow, uhm?” as he helped her to get on her wheelchair back, she says

 

“I thought I don’t need it anymore…” she took few tiny steps on her own before losing her balance and nearly fell to the floor but he was faster.

 

“Don’t force yourself too much, uhm?” he threw a smile, showing his dimples. It’s been a while he didn’t show it to anyone…

 

* * *

 

“How was Emi?” he asked without even seeing Azumi’s face – gets himself busy checking the documents in his hands.

 

“Emi?” he pretends to not know.

 

“Ah. I meant, Kikuchi-san. How is she?” he asked again while raising his face and eyebrow at the time, as if he’s doubting and underestimating this medical assistant’s ability.

 

“She’s fine. She showed her progress quite fast”

 

“Of course. Because she is my fiancée” his words filled with arrogance. Who will not since she’s now following the path her father left as highly respected superintendent? He glanced at Azumi, smirking cynically.

 

“Oh yes. I should have known her better. I’m the one who take care of her here, but she kept worrying on someone else who’s about to lose his job!” he raised his voice a little, spitting out his annoyance towards him.

 

“I’m sorry, but I’ve to leave. Shitsurei shi…” Azumi was pulled forward before he could finish his word. His hand gripping Azumi’s neckline before he continues,

 

“Don’t think I don’t know the truth, boy! What was your intention being in her room that morning you helped on her dislocated shoulder? What were you two doing?” he frowned as he doubted this boy. Azumi pulled himself from Fukada. He holds his breath for a second, restrain himself from his anger.

 

“So what? You doubted I’m the one who cause her having dislocated shoulder? Then I took the chance saying I’m helping her? Fine! Why don’t you tell that to Director and get me fired?” Azumi had his eyes burnt in red and shivering a little but Fukada laughed loud like he lost his mind.

 

“You thought wrong! You’re too naïve, but someone loves your naivety. Well, let’s see who’ll win back her heart, huh?” he stepped into him and laid his hand on his shoulder.

 

“I am sorry. I don’t think it’s a game which has the winner or loser” as he moves and tends to leave,

 

“Does it mean, you’ve surrendered?” Fukada laughed in satisfaction – he’s drowned in his own thoughts, perhaps. He did warn the boy from taking what he believed to be his – Kikuchi.

 

* * *

 

He regretted making himself appeared in front of the doctor just now. His head is spinning and yet his heart is aching. He made his way to cafeteria, hoping that Rin is there, but unfortunately she isn’t. So he turned himself to return but someone called for him.

 

“Azumi-chan” called the girl which had her hair braided with black ribbon into a bunch. She’s wearing long black gown with white laces on its neck and sleeve lines.

 

“Mio-chan hisashiburi!! Genki?” he asked in cherish voice as if he had all the burdens in his chest blown for a while after seeing her face. She didn’t answer him, just nodded once.

 

“Kaa-chan wa?” he asked as he had himself bent into knees while he stopped just in front of her. His smile remains on his face but she lowered her eyes downcast.

 

“Uhm? Doushita?” his hands raised to hold hers.

 

“Kaa-chan… she’s died last 2 weeks” her tiny hands loosen from his hold before they swift to wrap around his neck. He knew she’s crying, so he remained to his position, afraid that any moves from him will hesitate her resulting her to pull herself away.

 

“I see. My mom has gone too. At least you have a chance to see her, to feel her, to live with her. I never knew how my mom looks like. I never met her even once in my life. I grew up in orphanage with dozens of children which shared same fate as me. I used to cry a lot when I think about her. I thought with crying, she’ll be back to hold me in her embrace and would never leave me again… but I was wrong. She left, forever. So I swore to myself upon my tears dried, I won’t cry for her anymore. I knew she loves me… it’s more than enough” she pulled herself slowly, releasing her arms from him.

 

“Tou-chan, brought a new kaa-chan for me” she said with her trembling voice.

 

“Is she nice?” he’s definitely not asking on her appearance, but her attitude. She shook her head few times weakly as the answer. And he has no words left to give, just a tight hold to calm her.

 

“Mio…” a young woman called her name. She’s standing beside a man in his black suit. The glare of a silver ring on her left hand ring finger told Azumi she’s Mio new mama…

 

Stay with me

Don’t let me go

Cause I can’t be without you

Just stay with me

And hold me close

Because I’ve built my world around you

And I don’t want to know what’s it like without you

So stay with me

Just stay with me

 

My crying, my tears on those days…it’s like they came over again. Be strong little girl. To stand alone is painful, but it’s the only way to make you invincible…

 

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

 

Word List

1.      kyou no bun kore de owari ni shimasyou = let’s end it up for today

2.      shitsurei shimasu = excuse me

3.      hisashiburi = long time no see (you)

4.      genki? = how are you? (less formal/spoken)

5.      kaa-chan wa? = where’s your mom?

6.      kaa-chan = Mommy (spoken)

7.      tou-chan = Daddy

8.      doushita? = what’s up?

 

 

To be continued…