IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Fourteen

Arriving at the dojo, Ryu scarcely had a moment to process her emotions before she threw herself into working. She was grateful to have avoided transforming but couldn't shake off the imminent threat of it still lingering. Instead, she chose to occupy her thoughts by attending to various routine tasks around the dojo. With lessons being suspended for a few days, she found herself alone in the dojo, enveloped by a sense of solitude and the weight of her predicament.

Kazuma and Himawari had set off on a brief outing, leaving Ryu behind. They would have loved for her to join, but since they planned on visiting a heavily populated area, they collectively decided it would be best for her to opt out. The reason? To prevent her from using her abilities, given the potential for chaos in a crowded setting. Thus, it was agreed that Ryu would remain at the dojo while they were away.

Ryu believed wholeheartedly that any opportunity to provide a normal, tranquil life for Himawari was an occasion worth seizing. The reason behind her unwavering belief was the understanding that while things may have felt peaceful at the moment, that tranquility was ephemeral. Being closely ingrained within the Sohma family, or more specifically, in Akito's dominion, meant that lowering her guard came with inherent risks. She still grappled with the uncertainty of what had transpired during her blackout at the main estate, leaving her with a deep-seated sense of dread.

For seven years, Ryu cherished every single moment she spent with Himawari, and being apart from her, albeit necessary, proved to be challenging at times. She yearned to hold on to her like a protective mother bird, but she understood the importance of providing Himawari with the space and opportunity to grow. Ryu knew that it was time to let go, allowing her daughter to experience life in ways she herself never had.

Ryu and Himawari lived a secluded life far away in the countryside, surrounded by a small group of people and detached from the city's hustle and bustle. There were no nearby shopping districts, and most of their belongings had been either crafted or ordered through correspondence. Though they weren't entirely isolated from the modern world, they found ways to adapt to it. Ryu wondered if her daughter secretly yearned for more, as she had never asked for anything beyond their simple life together.

After they moved back, Ryu made a conscious effort to fulfill any reasonable request Himawari made. However, she could sense that her daughter was still holding back, but like Ryu, they were both gradually breaking out of their old habits, taking things one small step at a time.

A few hours had passed, and Ryu found herself sighing as she looked down at the numerous boxes of fresh vegetables and fruits that had recently been delivered. She felt an immense sense of gratitude for the generous produce, but she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh as she took in the sheer quantity. The fruits and vegetables had been a thoughtful gift from several families back at her old home in the countryside.

She fondly recalled the time when she first moved there, and chuckled at the memory of how most of the residents had mistakenly assumed she was a runaway heiress. Even now, she suspected that some still believed she was a wealthy heiress, but she never felt the need to set the record straight. It amused her to let them enjoy their innocent musings about her identity.

Ryu chuckled as she read the single note written in the package, "Never forget where the best grow." She nodded in agreement and added, "It's true, nothing beats freshness." She lowered her head and studied the package one more time before letting out a sigh. "Unfortunately, they had to send it when no one was home..." Taking a moment to ponder, she nodded, placed the note on the table, and moved to the next room where the phone was located.

Without hesitation, Ryu immediately thought of calling Shigure's house and hoped that at least some of the produce could be utilized by Tohru or Kyo, who were the only ones capable of cooking without setting the house on fire.

Ryu took a deep breath and heard a soft-spoken female voice answer the phone with a simple, "Hello, this is the Sohma Residence."

Ryu greeted back with a warm tone, "Ah, Tohru, I'm glad you picked up. It's Ryu."

Tohru responded politely, "Good afternoon, Ryu. Is there someone in particular you'd like to speak with?"

Tohru listened intently as Ryu explained, "No, I simply wanted to call and mention that I recently received a bunch of vegetables and fruit from a family I know. I was wondering if it wouldn't be too much trouble for you to take some of it off my hands. Since no one else is home at the moment and won't be for a while, most of it will go to waste. Even if I manage to pickle them or make some kind of jam to preserve the leftovers, there is still far too much."

Tohru's gratitude echoed through the phone, "That would be amazing, we would be so thankful—"

Suddenly, another voice interrupted, suggesting, "Tohru, should I change the towel on Yuki's forehead?" Ryu's eyebrow raised in surprise, and she quieted down, listening intently to the unexpected interjection.

Tohru replied, "Oh, yes! We should also change the water." Though she didn't fully cover the phone, Ryu was still able to catch the conversation.

The male voice responded, "Okay—"

Tohru tried to redirect her attention to Ryu, apologizing, "Ah, sorry Ryu—" However, she was interrupted once again by the male voice in the back asking additional questions about how to assist Yuki.

Ryu froze as she listened to the conversation between Tohru and the other person, and she carefully pieced together that Yuki was currently ill. She asked, "Is Yuki sick right now?"

Tohru responded, "Yes, we have already contacted the family doctor, so at the moment, we are just taking care of him until the doctor arrives." As Ryu clenched the phone, she fought to suppress her protective instincts upon hearing that Yuki was unwell.

As Ryu listened to Tohru's explanation, she was momentarily transported to a memory of when Himawari had been ill. The feeling of worry and concern washed over her as the details of the past came to life in her mind. Her hand tightened around the phone as she fought to stay composed.

...

The elder doctor spoke, his voice calm and experienced, "Her condition has shown great improvement over the past few years, so I don't foresee any major complications."

Ryu anxiously bit her lip and leaned forward in her chair, seeking reassurance. She anxiously asked, "The place we plan to move to is still somewhat rural. Would she be alright in that environment?"

The doctor spoke cautiously, acknowledging his professional limitations, "I cannot confidently say yes, as it would be unprofessional of me," he began. "However, as long as Himawari doesn't overexert herself, she should be alright. Still, if she does fall ill, ensure she refrains from anything physically demanding. Despite her improvement, there's always a slight chance things could become worse rapidly."  He added gently, "We might have known more if we knew her father's family medical history."

"I apologize, doctor," Ryu spoke with a hint of regret, "I don't possess that information."

The doctor responded kindly, "Yes, you have informed me of that before," he said, before adding gently, "However, if you were to ever come across this information, it would be best to seek another doctor as soon as possible once you have settled in your new home."

Ryu sighed in relief hearing the doctor's response, "yes, I definitely will."

...

The memory faded, and Ryu placed the phone back on the receiver after her conversation with Tohru. Her hand trembled, and she took a moment to steady herself.

Ryu was deeply concerned that Yuki and Himawari shared similar weak immune systems, and the mere thought of either of them becoming ill heightened her anxiety. She knew she had to confront the reality of the situation head-on.

Ryu's gaze drifted to a small book situated next to the phone, and a sense of resignation washed over her. She sighed softly and muttered, "I suppose it's about time to give him a call..."