YUMIKO
“Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter……”, the sound of the rain slowly awoke me from my slumber, as I got up. I looked around and saw the side of the bed empty. A deep worry arose in my mind as I quickly got up and ran towards the main hall. There was no one around and my worry increased. Just as I was about to call him, I heard a faint voice coming from Miranda's room. I went towards the room and opened the door which revealed a beautiful yet adorable scenery. There he was, my love, my husband, Jayden, softly humming a song while our sweet daughter was fast asleep on her father's lap. He looked at me and raised an eyebrow. I quickly shook my head and whispered “continue”. He smiled at me and continued to hum softly.
After 15 minutes, he returned to our bedroom and sat near me. “You looked worried before. Are you alright?” he asked while tucking away a strand of my hair behind the ear. I smiled and rested my head on his shoulder. “I had a nightmare.” I said. “You were not there beside me on the bed so I got worried.” He frowned and rested his head on mine. “I am sorry Honey, I didn't know you would be worried because of my absence. It's just, Miranda was unable to sleep so I had to help her fall asleep.” I smiled gently as I caressed his cheek. “Don't apologize, Love, it's not your fault. And besides, everything became normal as soon as I saw you and Miranda together.” He smiled and kissed me sweetly. “Thank you Yumiko. Thank you so much.” I confusedly asked, “Why are you thanking me?” He kissed me again and pressed his forehead with mine. “For being such a sweet and gentle soul from the very beginning. Because of that small help, I was able to feel love and happiness again. Do you remember them?” I gave a quick nod. “Of course I remember it. Our journey was difficult but yet worthwhile, and now we got the fruit of our hard work.” Saying this, I looked outside the window and began to reminisce about the past, Our Love Story.
8 Years Ago
It was 7 in the morning and I was preparing breakfast for me and my brother. Haruka was still fast asleep, as I quickly finished cooking and went towards his bed. I looked at him tenderly before waking him up. Yes, he looked awfully adorable! “Mr. Pyro Cyber! Your daily meeting has started! Time to wake up.” I began chanting his favorite book quotes. He groaned and slowly opened one eye, glaring at me. “You seriously didn't say that…”
I laughed as I playfully shoved him. “I had to do it, or else you won't even wake up. Get ready now, it's already 7:30 am.” He stared at me and sighed. “Fine. Ugh” he said and got up lazily while going towards the bathroom. I exhaled in a frustrated way and went towards my room.
I wanted to wear something simple today so I rummaged through my wardrobe for a good 10 minutes. “Finally! Whew!” I was relieved as I was holding a beautiful long skirt with a hand knitted cardigan and a white top. It still looks great although it was bought 2 years ago.
After dressing up, I looked at myself in the mirror and gave a small twirl. “All set”
I went towards the kitchen and saw Haruka, eating breakfast and watching a youtube video. I sat beside him with my breakfast plate and we began to eat.
For a good amount of time, Haruka was giving quick glances before continuing to eat. “What do you need?” I asked, without breaking eye contact with my food. He suddenly flinched and looked at me. “Uhm…I wanted a small favor from you” he said without meeting my gaze. “What favor? Are you ok?” I asked him with concern. Suddenly, he closed his eyes and shook his head. “Nevermind! It's nothing.” I was taken aback by his sudden change of tone. “Uhm, are you sure? You sound nervous…what happened?” He brushed the question off and went to grab his backpack. I was worried, that's for sure. But I didn't want to force him to talk about his problems, so I went towards him. “Did you do your homework? Did you take everything? Tiffin, bottle, books etc?” I asked as I pulled him towards me and fixed his hair. “Yes and yes” he said while rolling his eyes. I smiled and playfully smacked his shoulder. He pulled out his tongue and before I could scold him, he quickly wore his shoes and ran away. I chuckled and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes.
After doing all the chores, I grabbed my house keys and the necessary materials in my bag and went out.
I checked my time to see if I could reach the bus on time but turns out, I was wrong and the assigned bus already left the stop 15 minutes ago. I mentally cursed myself and scrolled my phone while waiting for the next bus.
Suddenly, I heard a scream. I jolted awake from my never ending doom scroll as I got up and searched for the person who was screaming. After wandering for 5 minutes, I gave up. It was difficult. Way too difficult for me to find the person. But as I was about to head to the bus stop, I saw a small crowd of people and I heard the voice again, but this time it was pleading. I ran towards the crowd and pushed people away to get a look. That's when I saw something that drained the color from my face. An old lady, with tears in her eyes, was pleading frantically while her husband was lying on the ground, unconscious. I quickly knelt down and held her hand while trying to console her. “How did this happen Ma'am?” I asked her. She looked at me with such desperate eyes as if I was her own daughter. “W-We were just doing some m-morning walk, when suddenly my husband felt a sharp pain in his chest and fell on the ground. I even f-forgot to bring my phone but nobody is helping us…” she cried bitterly. The last sentence made me look at the crowd, glaring, “If you all are only standing here to take pictures, then I suggest you go away. Or else call an ambulance right now.” Some people quickly switched off their phones, looking embarrassed. Then one person called the ambulance. After a good 10 minutes, the ambulance arrived and the paramedics ran towards us and picked up the old man from the ground and took him inside the ambulance. I helped the lady to stand up and went with her to the hospital.
Indeed, a way to start the day.
JAYDEN
I grabbed the cup of coffee from the kitchen as I went towards my piano room. I yawned constantly as I quickly finished my coffee and sat on the chair to play the piano. My Piano, which was gifted to me by my father 5 years ago, still looks brand new as if it had been bought recently. I cleared my throat and started playing a song.
“The tears dripping from her eyes
Looks elegantly divine,
Tainted by my love for her
Obsessed with the idea of love~
She looks like a melody
A symphony of tenderness,
I held her hand and kissed her cheeks
Obsessed with the idea of love~”
I sang while my fingers played with the piano keys with efficiency, gliding onto the keys smoothly like honey. I closed my eyes and basked with the flow of the music, completely lost. It felt as if I was in a strange place with things around me which were so elegant to see. I swam through the beauties, looking at everything with happiness, but suddenly I saw a figure near me. A beautiful yet vulnerable looking person, smiling shyly at me. I went towards her, but just as I was about to reach her, the song was nearing its end. I gently opened my eyes and gracefully sang the last part and ended the song with a soothing melody which will forever hold a special place in my heart.
As I was about to close the piano lid, I heard a small clap behind me. I looked behind and saw Mr. Vincent, our family butler, smiling brightly. He came towards me and gave me a gentle pat on my shoulder. “You sure have grown up Sir. Your voice and the way you play the piano have surely improved a lot” he said.
I laughed and nodded. “I indeed tried, yeah. Thank you very much. Well, can you call mom in my room? I wanted to talk to her about something.” Vincent shook his head, “Ma'am and Sir went for a morning walk right now.” “Oh? I see. In that case, I will talk to her after she returns home I guess.” Just as I was about to go to my room, a call interrupted Vincent. He picked up the call and after some moments, his face looked pale as snow. “What's wrong?” I asked him with concern. He looked at me with fear and said, “S-sir had a heart attack and is c-currently at the City Hospital” A deep panic seized my heart as I looked at him with disbelief. W-what…? Is he alright!?” I grabbed his wrist as I desperately waited for an answer. “The person speaking on the phone told us to visit the hospital as soon as possible but she didn't say anything about the current status of the condition” he replied nervously.
I quickly went towards my room and grabbed the car keys, a cap and glasses. I have to go there quickly. I can't lose my father, not right now and mom, I wonder what she's doing right now. Vincent joined me and we drove to the hospital. After driving for about 30 minutes, we reached the hospital. I frantically looked for my mom and saw the reception hall. I asked the lady about my father's details and she quickly told me to go to the 3rd floor. I went as she instructed and saw my mom. The sight broke me. My mom, crying her heart out while she waited for any news of father's condition. But something calmed me although it was heart wrenching to see. A lady, who looks slightly younger than me, was trying to console mom as gently as possible. Something about her gesture made me calm, I don't know why.
I tentatively moved forward. “Mom?” I said hesitantly. She instantly looked at my direction and gasped. I ran towards her and hugged her tightly. She cried while clinging around me desperately. The lady smiled gently and got up to give us some space. “I am so sorry for being so careless…I should have called you sooner.” I shook my head and hugged her again, “Please don't apologize mom. It's not your fault at all. Right now, we should focus on father ok? Don't cry.” She nodded and hugged me again. We waited for the doctor to come out. Mom was sleeping after shedding so many tears so I let her rest. I looked at the lady who brought some snacks and water bottles.
She handed me the stuff and I thanked her. “Words cannot express how much me and mom are truly thankful for your help. If you need any help in the future, don't hesitate to come to us.” She quickly brushed it off and said, “No no! It's okayyyyy! I am glad I was able to help your parents so it's already enough for me. I will get going now as I am already late for work but please take care of your parents okay?” Her voice was so soothing and it grabbed me in its hypnotic chains. But I quickly shook it off. “If you want, then I can drop you off at your workplace.” “No no! Stay with your mom. She needs you the most right now and I will reach there with anything so please thank you.” She smiled at me so gently as I smiled back. She gave her goodbyes and went away. Her voice still lingered in my ears and her actions truly emanated a long lasting effect on me.
“I hope we can meet again so I can thank you properly.”
YUMIKO
Not going to lie, but I felt peace after helping that old couple. It felt…..good and her son was such a sweet soul. A part of me thought that their son would be obnoxious but I am glad that wasn't the case. I am already late but at least I got a good excuse to avoid scolding.
But I was wrong. The head librarian made me work for the evening shift along with the morning and afternoon shift. My luck is surely cursed. After doing my work, I returned home as soon as possible as I knew Haruka would be waiting for me for ages.
When I returned home, I saw Haruka studying at the dining table. I smiled and sneakily tried to go towards my room. “I can see you clearly, sister” he said. I froze at my place and looked at him. “How did you-”
“I heard the door click” he said without looking at me. I sighed and I went towards my room for a quick shower.
I wish I could stay in this warm shower for 1 hour more but I can't (ugh). As I got out of the shower, I saw a neatly folded pair of pajamas and a top. Wait- did Haruka keep it here? I looked at the folded outfit in disbelief as I know that he never does any chores and always studies or plays games. Well, I guess I have to ask him. I went to the kitchen table and saw him, still studying. As I sat near him, I gave him a small pat on his head.
“Now tell me what do you need?” I said. He looked at me in confusion. “What?” He asked as I giggled. “You kept a neatly folded pajama with top on my bed so that I can wear it after shower, which is so unbelievable and I know that you only do any chores when you need something. So now tell me what you need?” He sighed and closed his book and looked at me. “Sis…I don't need anything, but rather I need your help.” My smile dropped as I saw his nervous look. A fear engulfed his face as I shifted my entire focus on him. “What's wrong? Did something happen at school?” Before he could say anything, my phone rang. I excused myself as I checked the caller’s name. A confusion hit me as I saw Haruka’s school principal’s name on my phone.
I quickly accepted the call as I greeted her. “Good Evening Ma'am” I said with nervousness. “Is this Ms. Yumiko Tsukimoto’s number?” she asked. “Yes, this is my number. How can I help you?” Her voice became stern and polite as she addressed the issue. “I would be really glad if you could visit the school tomorrow and meet me at my office. Actually, I want to talk about Haruka’s behavior at school as he got into a fight with a girl. I am sorry to announce to you that Haruka will be suspended for 1 week due to unnecessary fighting at school.” A sudden gasp escaped my lips as I heard the words. My Haruka, the boy who doesn't even speak so much and barely engages in anything, got into a fight? I stared at him with disbelief as he lowered his head. I cannot believe it. I just cannot believe that my brother can do something like this. “I-I am sorry sister…” he apologized. “I will only accept the apology when I see the proof with my own eyes. I will go to school with you tomorrow.”
I wonder what more problems he has created in the school without my knowledge.
“I can never get a chance to unwind I guess. Why do every type of incident happen to me? Ugh.”
Write a comment ...