Push Forever: Chapter Six

At home on a lazy day, Maruki was found n the backyard, lying cocooned in a blanket on the lawn. Hovering above him, his mother would not stop pestering him to go out and get some new clothes and school supplies for the new school year. He had been focused on so many other things, he had forgotten that school started again in about a week. Finally giving in, Maruki told his mother that he would go inside, clean his room then go out and get some things. For such a good child, his room was never messy or untidy, but this was an exception, there were a few scattered papers and his bed wasn't made. Saeko offered him a ride into town, but with the sun shinning brightly and the air being crisp and clean, there was no passing up a small walk like that into town.

Living so close to the center of town, it didn't take Maruki long to get the shopping centers and malls. Wandering around for around for hours, Maruki had found no desirable clothes or new outfits for street wear. He left all the stores in the mall empty handed. These malls were not built for fashion that he liked, he wasn't even sure as to what kind of fashion he liked. Maruki decided that he would go out and shop for something that took no thought whatsoever, school supplies. He didn't need anything in particular for first year school, almost everything was provided for the students. The only things he needed were a binder and writing utensils. Pens were Maruki’s favorite thing to shop for when it came to supply shopping, and a nice fancy new pen would help him study better, or at least he thought so.

Arriving at a small supply store, Maruki wandered off into what looked liked a kids’ aisle but was just a cute aisle. There was a wide variety of cutsy pens and paper books, along with anything in between. A cute fur covered pen caught Maruki’s Attention, a penguin pen, with the head as the clicker. As one would write, the eyes would light up in a rainbow of colours. A small smile grew on his full lips, this pen was definitely for him. Next on his mental list was a binder, he looked for a basic zipper binder, and yet again a cute penguin one caught his attention. A small laugh passed his lips. He wasn't sure if he was laughing at the cuteness of the binder, or himself for liking it.

Finally leaving town towards home again, Maruki walked slowly, enjoying the weather still. He walked in silence, left only with the sound of the passing cars and his thought. Suddenly, startling him, a car from behind him honked loudly.

“Hey kiddo, need a ride home?” It was Hiroshi, his father. Stopping slowly, turning to look at him, Maruki rolled his eyes and took his father’s failed attempted offer and slipped in the back seat of the car quietly.

Leaving the curb, Hiroshi left down the road again. Looking in the rear view mirror every now and then, Hiroshi saw that Maruki looked a little stressed.

“Not looking forward to going back to school so soon are you kiddo? First year of high school, you should be excited.” It was rare that his father was home these days early enough for Maruki to see. He was always at the office or doing business around the city, he usually arrived home after Maruki had gone to sleep and left before he woke up.

Maruki glanced up through his bangs at his father’s eyes in the mirror, his sweet coffee eyes were cold and angered.
“Since when were you a good father? You didn't even tell kaa chan on her birthday, ‘happy birthday’. When was that again?” Maruki used to love his father, looked up to him as a child, but ever since he snatched him away from Aiya he was cold towards him. This was not like him at all. Growing up, he told his father he wanted to be just like him because he worked so hard for the family everyday. The hatred of this broken heart could not be mended so easily though.

His eyes darted back and forth from the mirror to the road in shock. The look of his son was almost frightening, he had a dark aura hanging over him.

“Maruki! That is no way to speak to your father!” Still in a state of shock, Hiroshi shouted fatherly back towards his only son. The cold look that stared back at him, told Hiroshi why Maruki was acting so coldly. “Maruki it has been a year, you two will meet again. Be it in a couple of days, a couple of months, or even a couple of years. Hey, even a couple of decades, you will meet again.” Hiroshi knew that through his entire childhood, Aiya was his only friend, but there were times when kids had to grow up and away from their old friends.

Maruki glanced back down, his coffee orbs staring down at the worn down carpet on the floor. A certain pain in his chest grew strongly, the words ‘a couple of decades’ echoed in his mind repeatedly. Could it really be that long before he could see him again?

“Don't talk to me anymore Dou san, I’m not in the mood to talk about this right now.” Once again he was defeated. What was it with others who liked beating him down about the Aiya situation. Maruki slumped down in the car seat, not caring at all that his seat belt wasn't on.

After that, father and son did not speak for the duration of the short ride home. Pulling into the driveway that lay around a corner of their house, Maruki got out quickly as soon as they stopped. Even before Hiroshi could pull the key out of the ignition, Maruki was already through the door into the house.

Saeko, his mother was giggling in the den, she was with someone else. Cautiously Maruki snuck over to the doorway, his curious coffee eyes peeked around the doorframe. Those sweet eyes widened upon seeing the other person. She sat in a cute spring, floral dress, small heels and their hair was curled and pinned back neatly.

“Kyoko?” Stepping into full view to see if the person was who he thought they were. His bright coffee eyes lit up as he darted towards the two sitting on the couch. “Nee chan!” Maruki turned into a five year old, jumping on his sister’s lap.

Kyoko, Maruki’s only sibling, she lived in Tokyo, but only came down to visit Maruki and the family.

“Maruki. I just came down. I wanted to wish you good luck in high school.” Kyoko had a sweet calming voice, much like their mother. Maruki always thought that she would make a good mother when the time came.

Saeko chuckled lightly, placing her tea cup back in it’s saucer on the table.

“She’s only here for a couple of day. We didn't want to tell you. When you left, it was a perfect time to go pick her up at the airport.” A tender smile planted itself on Saeko’s lips, seeing her children together like this was a beautiful sight.

Maruki shifted on his sister’s lap, his feet burying in the cushion of the couch, he looked like a big kid on Santa’s lap.

“So you came down just to see me?” his curious question was answered by a small smile and a nod. “But, wouldn't it be more special if you came down for my graduation?” Maruki’s happy eyes darted from his sister, to a sound coming down the hall.

Hiroshi had removed his shoes and thumped down the hallway to the den carrying his briefcase.

“Dou san, you’re home early.” Today was just a day of surprises Maruki’s surprise was the least amusing. School was about a week away, his sister was down for that. His father had come home early for who knows what reason, at least his mother was happy.

Hiroshi smiled and leaned down, kissing his wife’s cheek.

“Yes there was a presentation file lost, so our meeting was cancelled.” Good for the family, bad for Maruki’s quick, cocky attitude.

Nonetheless, Saeko and Kyoko were happy to see him and Maruki for when she came down. Maruki, upon seeing his dad, slid off his sister’s lap, and sat politely next to her. Saeko moved over, allowing her husband to sit next to her. Once the entire family was sitting quietly in a circle, it looked like an intense family meeting to Maruki.

“So, Maruki chan. What are your plans for your last years of school?” Kyoko’s sweet voice asked as she turned to him.

Maruki was the first to be interrogated, great. He looked at each of his parents, then to his sister. Though it was not what he thought, it sure felt like an interrogation.

“Well I was going to study hard, focus on my weaker subjects.” Each parent looked to each other, knowing their son had no weak subjects in school. “And I was planning on going into a sports club and possibly get onto a team.” Maruki participating in a group activity? This was unheard of to all three of them.

Bright happy smiles appeared on their parents’ faces, they were happy that their son was finally starting to break out of his shell.

“Really? Sports? What kind?” Knowing her brother only as he was a year ago, she assumed an individual sport like swimming or curling.

Maruki looked to his sister, a light in his eyes. Finally someone around that he could talk freely to. There was a slight delay in his response, he wasn't entirely sure his decision was what he actually wanted.
“I was thinking something like soccer, maybe. You know, a running sport.” Since he started training on his own, running was his favorite exercise. It was more fun than he gave it credit for.

Everyone made an ‘o’ with their lips, apparently soccer was a good choice considering their reactions. Maruki looked around, happy to see their happy faces. He faced forward rubbing the back of his neck, he felt a little embarrassed now.

“Soccer. That's a good choice Maruki chan. I’m sure you’ll have fun once you start it.” Encouraging words from his sister, it made him feel more comfortable in his decision. Kyoko reached over, ruffling her brother’s hair, messing it slightly.

That night all four of them had dinner together as a family. It was quiet and peaceful, full of mindless chitchat of entirely different lives catching up. Saeko’s cooking won an award in the family’s books yet again. Dessert was delectable as well, light and fluffy, yet filling and sweet. Full to the point of loosening belts, all four went off in their own directions for the night.

Saeko and Hiroshi retreated to the living room to relax with watching some TV. Quiet, romantic dramas were always a good after dinner show.  They curled up on the couch, silently leaning on each other enjoying the dim lights and the moderate volume of the TV.

Maruki took Kyoko to his room so they could talk further, they haven’t talked in over a year. He would ask about Tokyo, how her job was and if anything had changed there, but nothing new. Nothing had changed, and that was no surprise. Kyoko still lived in her apartment with her two friends, and still worked at the same job. But there was news, something Maruki was not expecting. It was something she was comfortable telling her younger brother, but not her parents. She had finally found a boyfriend. Maruki was in shock, it was not like his 19-year-old sister to be getting a boyfriend so soon.

Nonetheless Maruki was proud of his sister, the man she was with was a very lucky man to have such a wonderful woman like his sister. Maruki said he would support her all the way, hoping someday he would have a girlfriend to tell his sister about first. Maruki fell silent for a moment, wondering to himself if Aiya had a girlfriend or not. Then Miyuki came to mind, and that thought alone made him angry. He would walk up to Tokyo to slap Aiya if he was dating Miyuki.

To Maruki, Aiya was a good-looking boy, there was no reason why he couldn't have a girlfriend. With that thought though he remembered he told Aiya not to date anyone who only wanted to be with him for his looks. To be an attractive person, one had to have a good personality as well, that was the main thing. Maruki never thought of a male as attractive before, but from what he could remember, Aiya was very pretty. With that thought, Maruki wanted an unknown long distance competition with his best friend, to see who could be better looking. A small cunning smile grew on Maruki’s lips as he looked off into space, making his sister look at him questioningly, worried even.

Maruki was determined that Aiya would somehow find out about this and he would win. Maruki liked winning, it didn't matter what it was. He was determined to have a good hairstyle, good personality, and not to be mean and cold anymore. Call it a new grade resolution if you may. Maruki stared off at his floor, thinking deeply about something that he wasn't even sure of. Kyoko called out his name loudly, snapping him out of his trans.

The two continued talking late into the night. Maruki not being able to keep his eyes open any longer cut their chatting of catching up short.

The next morning, once again, his father was gone before he woke up, even though today he woke up at ten o’clock. Maruki dragged his heavy feet from his room down the endless array of stairs to the kitchen. Walking in with a bedhead that he had not patted down yet.
“Ohayo kaa chan” Maruki grumbled, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Heavily dropping into a seat at the table, Maruki patiently waited for his breakfast. Every one else had already eaten when their father had left for work. Maruki was never a morning person, he surprised himself when he was able to get up everyday for school.

Saeko prepared him a simple eastern and western breakfast of eggs and rice with orange juice and miso soup. Placing it down in front of him, she patted his head and returned to doing the dishes. With the bright light beaming in the window reflecting off the glass table and his cup, it was difficult to eat due to his blindness. Slowly savoring every bit, Maruki finally finished his breakfast, kindly thanking his mother. He darted around the house, still in his pajamas, excitedly looking for his sister.

Finding his sister about to knock on his door, he hopped up and hugged her like a child.
“Nee chan! What’s up?” She was obviously going to knock on his door for a reason. Maruki opened his door, slipping in passed his sister, leaving it open so she could join him. “You aren’t leaving yet are you?” his sweet voice pouted softly, hoping she wasn't only going to sleep over one night.

Patting her brother’s bedhead, Kyoko took a seat on his desk chair. Kyoko’s hair looked perfect again in the sunlight. The bright light beamed in through the window, shining over her curled locks. Maruki dropped to the floor, leaning against his unmade bed.

“No, no of course not.” She chuckled softly “I was just seeing if you were awake, I wanted to spend the day with you because I leave tomorrow afternoon for Tokyo again.” That comment about leaving back home made a frown appear on Maruki’s lips quickly.

“So would you like to hang out with me today?” A day all-alone with his favorite family member, it sounded like fun.

Maruki perked up a little. Hanging out with his sister, a friend where they could actually do things together and not get questioned. It sounded like a perfect date.

“I would love to hang out with you Nee chan!” Maruki stood up quickly almost falling back onto his bed. His excitement soon left, he just remembered something. “Oh but I need to shower first.” His sweet voice was filled with disappointment.

Quicker than normal, Maruki rushed his shower and threw on street worthy clothes. Though his hair was still wet, he brushed it down to a tamed style. Since it was his sister, he had felt comfortable wearing the shirt his mother had got for him the year before. It had been a pink polo with a black skull on the short left sleeve.

Darting down the stairs to their wide clean foyer, Maruki didn't even wait for his sister before calling back into the house for her.

“Coming Kyoko? Rushing his shoes on, Maruki almost fell over, losing his balance. “Slow poke Kyo chan!” Even Maruki was unsure as to why he was so excited to have his sister around. When they were living in Tokyo, they would rarely talk to each other, only if it were on a special occasion.

Laughing while on her way around the corner from the kitchen, she hugged the corner of the wall, peeking out at him.

“You could have told me you were ready toutou chan.” Hopping out from her hiding spot, Kyoko joined her brother in the foyer to slip on her sandals. “Let’s go!” balancing herself on her brother’s shoulder while slipping on her other sandal, she noticed he was wearing pink, something she has never seen before.

“That’s a cute shirt, Maruki. Where did you get it?” Her compliment caused a light pink blush to form over his round, chubby cheeks.

Maruki looked off to the side, his eyes focused on their frosted window bordering the door.

“Nee chan.” The cute smile that came with his blush could not be washed off his chubby cheeks. “Kaa chan bought it for me last year. I haven’t worn it until now” Cowering in the corner trying to hide his shirt now, Maruki curled in a ball in the corner, not liking the cunning smile on his sister’s lips.

Opening the door, trapping Maruki behind it, Kyoko darted outside into the warm spring air.

“Why not, you look adorable in it! Pink suits you Toutou.” Darting behind her, Maruki jumped up, both hands on her shoulders. She was years older than him, yet she was still shorter. She was older, but only by a few years, yet she seemed to think that she could still pick on Maruki like she used to when they were both younger. The two walked down the street side by side, with appearance, no one would be able to tell that they were family. Maruki looked almost exactly like his mother and Kyoko looked like her father, giving the two entirely different appearances.

Other then heels clapping down the sidewalk, along with the low thumping of Maruki’s sneakers, there was silence in the air between the two siblings. Local cars driving by gave Maruki the though about getting his license, most of his peers have tried getting it, yet he has not. Maruki lived at home and had no need for a license or a car.

“Ne, Maruki. Where would you want to go first?” Kyoko looked over to her taller, younger brother. Her small heels only made her a little taller then her brother. A small smile brushed over her glossed lips, her brother was different and seemed somewhat happier since the last time she had seen him.

He thought a moment about the local activities in the summer time. Nothing came to mind other then food and the beach, or food on the beach. Though he had just eaten, food that was prepared for him sounded delightful.

“Would you like ice cream nee chan?” Always having a sweet tooth, Maruki liked having ice cream, he would have it on a daily basis if he could. “I could go for some.” There was a nice little ice cream parlor right on the beach, seating had a wonderful view of the ocean from all windows.

Kyoko chuckled, dropping her head. It was not yet noon and her younger brother already wanted sweets.

“Ice cream sounds fine.” It didn't matter to her as to what they were doing, any time spent together was great. She was not here long and she wanted quality time with each family member.

It didn't take the two long to get down to the beach, a great smile grew on his sister’s lips when she saw that the ice cream parlor was on the beach. The air was fresh and warm, the people in the area were nice and friendly, and the parlor was very classic western American. The red and white tiles were shiny and worked well with the white tables. Today, the bright fluorescent lights were nothing compared to the shining sun as it blared in through the windows. If the higher powered were not keeping the ice cream at the perfect temperature, they all would surely melt.

Quickly, before anyone would occupy the empty counter, or have the bored employees be taken first, Maruki and Kyoko hopped to the counter to place their order. Ordering a simple ‘Cookies ‘n’ Cream’ ice cream waffle bowl, Kyoko took her bowl and left to find an empty booth to sit in. With so many choices, Maruki stood blankly for a couple of minutes, making his decision. Finally coming down to two choices, Maruki chose a triple scoop ice cream cone of watermelon-flavored ice cream.

Taking a seat next to the window opposite his sister, Maruki had already started eating his cone even before he sat down. There was a bright happy smile on his face.

“Uishii.” With a mouthful of ice cream, Maruki fell back in his seat in happiness.

Once again, Kyoko chuckled lightly. His previously pink lips were now stained from the cream of the frozen dessert. The dripping dessert bundled in the corners of his lips, even dripping down his chin.

“Maruki.” She chuckled warmly. “You are so messy.” Licking her thumb, Kyoko reached across the table, cleaning the corners of his lips. In the mysterious moment, a familiar person, appearing behind Maruki from the entrance doors, caught the bad scene.

Watching the scene follow through, the person gasped, clamping a hand over his wide open mouth. Not wanting Maruki to be mad at his over boiling jealousy, Jikan put on a plain face and walked into plain view of Maruki.

“Maruki, who is this?” giving Kyoko a warm smile and a bow, Jikan looked down to the innocent, and startled Maruki. “Your girlfriend?” Instantly, Maruki perked up upon seeing Jikan standing at his table. With his tongue sticking out, trying to lick the ice cream from his sister’s finger as she pulled away to the other side of the table again, Maruki finally realized what this scene looked like.

Maruki leaned back in his seat again, pulling his lips tightly between his teeth, biting them hard. Maruki’s round, wide eyes darted up to Jikan, a light rose blush on his chubby cheeks.

“Ji-Jikan.” Seeing Jikan in a place like this, alone, was an obvious surprise. “This is my older sister, Kyoko. She, she came to see me before school started.” Though admitting it that she was his sister, it still seemed embarrassing.

Kyoko leaned forward, holding her hand out to the new boy.

“Nice to meet you. I am Kyoko, Maruki’s only sister.” He took her hand warmly, his jealousy seemed to wash out of his system just like that. The news of her being family, made it that much easier for him to see her. “Who are you may I ask?” Kyoko continued warmly and curiously.

Jikan shook her hand warmly, shaking her vigorously, he might have over done it a little. Jikan was overjoyed that the pretty girl that sat with Maruki was only his sister.

“Kyoko san, nice to meet you. I am Maruki’s friend, Jikan.” The awkward boy dropped his hand to his side, looking over at Maruki happily. “Your sister is very pretty Maruki. Just like you.” Jikan loved complimenting Maruki any time he could.

A small sound passed over Maruki’s lips as he looked down at the table in silence. His wide, almond eyes blinked rapidly as the ‘pretty’ boy thought about what to say. His coffee eyes soon found his ice cream, his full lips parted to allow a sign out.
“Thank you Jikan.” His lips pressed to the ice cream scoop and munched on it cutely. Jikan stood over his shoulder, awkwardly. Maruki’s dark lashes fluttered rapidly as his gaze rose to Jikan innocently.

“Jikan could you leave please? I would like to spend time with my sister alone?” Maruki was not trying to be mean at all, but Jikan did come out of the blue and interrupt them rudely.

Jikan double-took Maruki, he normally never denied spending time with him. There was a pout that formed on his lips, he wanted to spend time with Maruki as well.

“Mou, okei Kaore. I will see you back as school, ne?” Jikan patted Maruki on the shoulder before bowing to him and his sister. His narrow eyes darted to Kyoko happily.

“Nice meeting you Kyoko san. Please, take care of your brother for me.” He smiled to her happily before he left out the main entrance.

Kyoko smiled to her brother when Jikan left. It was a smile of curiosity, begging for untold, missing information.

“You didn't tell me you had such a cute friend.” Cute, definition: a friend that was so passionate about keeping good friends close, taking care of their wellbeing. Kyoko was proud of her brother for having a good friend, or even having a friend at all.
“He seems, nice.” Kyoko chuckled softly and took a bite of her ice cream, keeping her mouth shut from comments.

Maruki chuckled at that, his tongue lapping at the melted ice cream off the cone.

“Jikan is.” Maruki paused in thought, searching for a kind word to use for his description. “He is very unique.” A small smile grew on his full lips. For an unknown reason, he liked calling Jikan unique. Jikan was a very good friend, one that was worth keeping around. Despite his strange obsession with Maruki, he cared for him in a way family would.

Lapping at his watermelon ice cream again, Maruki looked up at his sister, thinking about what Jikan had said.  Kyoko was a very handsome girl, she had many good qualities as a woman and had a great personality. Then the thought of her boyfriend came into mind, he had forgotten that she had met someone before they left Tokyo.

“Ne, Kyoko you have a boyfriend right?” with a spoonful of ice cream, a nod answered his question. “What was his name again?”

swallowing her mouthful of cold, frozen dessert, with a hand over her mouth, her small smile could not be seen.

“His name is Naoto. He is my age.” Kyoko looked happily over to her brother, Naoto was a loving, caring boyfriend, he was kind and sweet. “I will introduce you to him sometime.” Kyoko was happy to have a brother she could be so comfortable with, he was the best brother anyone could ever ask for.

Maruki perked up when she said he could meet him someday. It was exciting somehow, to meet another man. One day, that man could be a brother to him, an older brother. Maruki was the only son in the family, and he wanted an older brother since he was younger.

“Naoto? I would love to meet him.” Maruki paused, looking off to the side, staring blankly at the cream coloured wall. “When I get back to Tokyo, I’ll meet him.” Both him and Kyoko fell silent for a moment. His dark, almond eyes rose slowly to meet Kyoko’s. When? There was no guarantee that he would be going back home anytime soon. Going back would be a dream come true. That's all it was for now, a dream. For someone his age and with no place to stay, Maruki would be considered homeless once arriving in Tokyo.

Kyoko had a sad, sympathetic look wash over her flawless features. She knew her brother wanted to go back home. She knew that he didn't want to leave in the first place. With being so young, at an age where they had to live with their parents, she knew it was almost entirely impossible to leave until he was out of school. Maruki looked down sadly after his own statement. He wanted to go back home more than anything, not only to see Aiya again, but to gain a sense of independence.

The rest of the day, the two spent their time together closely. After their early afternoon dessert, the siblings moved onward to the aquarium where they saw many large fish and aquatic animals. After the cool, chilling aquarium, the two siblings moved onto the park, where they could absorb the warm, evening weather. In the park, there were many people around, joggers, bikers, roller-bladers, and the occasional dog walker. On the wide, concrete walkway, free of dirt and debris came flying a skateboarder wearing headphones. Chatting happily with his sister, Maruki had not noticed this person at all. Being the agile, quick reactor she was, Kyoko pulled her brother out of the way, moments before he was hit.

Holding his sister by her waist, the force of her pulling him, almost pulled him onto her. With an embarrassed look in his eyes, as well as a pant of fear passing over his lips, Maruki pushed himself away from her, standing straight on his two feet.

“Thank you nee chan.” With a stutter in his voice, Maruki brushed himself off and looked behind him. The kid that almost hit him did not even bother to stop and apologize to him or his sister. Maruki stared at the boy with narrow eyes until he was out of sight. It would have been fine if the boy had at least stopped and apologized.

Seeing the glare in his eyes, Kyoko took his hand tenderly, holding it warmly within both of her own. Maruki looked away from the direction the boy had left in, down to his hand with wide eyes. His wide, coffee eyes darted up to meet with his sister’s dark eyes.

“Let’s go Maruki. He’s just a punk.” His sister’s words seemed to echo, yet Maruki could not respond, his lips were frozen. “Maruki?” Kyoko questioned softly.

Maruki made small movements with his mouth, trying to pull his hand back.
“Nee chan, please.” With no control over his muscles, giving him no chance in getting his hand back, he gave up. “We aren’t little kids anymore.” It was obvious by his tone and the rose blush washed over his cheeks that he was embarrassed to be holding his sister’s hand in public. There was an obvious quiver in his lips and an arch on his brow.

Almost exact twins in personality standing in the middle of the park’s walkway. With only the same eyes and chubby cheekbones did these two look alike.

“You will always be my little brother Maruki.” Kyoko gripped Maruki’s hand before letting it go, dropping her own down at her sides.  “It doesn't matter how old you are, you’ll always be my little brother.” She smiled softly, heading down the walkway again. Looking at his sister confused, Maruki had no way on fighting it it was the truth. Following her quickly, Maruki took his sister’s hand again nervously.

Maruki looked around, seeing the looks he was given. They were not disapproving looks like he ad expected, but happy looks. They were all happy and content looks, to see family so close and open with each other.

Later in the evening, the two arrived at home again, just before dinner was going to be served. Sitting next to one another at the table, the two looked like they had years back, happy and content.

The next day, the family woke up early to have their final breakfast together before Kyoko left for home again back in Tokyo. Maruki had sat next to Kyoko again, looking as happy as ever again, even as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

On the family’s way back to the airport, there was silence in the car, both Maruki and his parents thinking of how great it would be if Kyoko could stay one more day. At the crowded airport terminal, at the departing point between passengers and non-ticket holders, is where the Kaore family stood.

“Well, it looks like here is where we depart.” It was an obvious statement, but in her quivering voice, Maruki and their parents could tell she was trying her hardest not to cry.

Maruki was the first to move, with a smile on his full pink lips, he stepped over to his sister, and hugged her tightly.

“It was nice to see you again Kyoko.” Maruki was stern and straight, he was not going to let himself cry. His almond shaped, coffee coloured eyes closed softly when he leaned his cheek on Kyoko’s shoulder. Slowly, Saeko clasped her hands together happily, seeing her children so close was beautiful to her.

Next were the parents, Saeko and Hiroshi, both grasping their only daughter in their arms before she was to leave. Saeko and Hiroshi surrounded Kyoko, through their arms she was barely visible.

“I have to go Kaa chan.” Kyoko whispered softly, trying to not upset her parents. As they let go, a smile appeared on her lips, “I will try to visit more often.” With a child living on their own, that was normally easier said then done. But this experience was lovely, and Kyoko knew she would try her hardest to get back to Okinawa for another family visit.