Toshinowa

16

"M-mom?"

Oh no. It was all up now. I had just told him the secret. He was catching on. but I told him. But it wasn't on purpose.

(-)

I couldn't open my eyes. A mixture of bright lights and fogginess from the anesthesia.

I couldn't help but think about my dream. I had flat out told him, right there. Actually, all I had told him was that she was my mother. But he'd probably figure the rest out on his own. But that meant he wouldn't stop until my mom and I were safe.

Why did my wrists hurt? I finally opened my eyes. There were bandages wrapped around my wrists. I managed to unwrap one. One straight line of stitches. Right where my silks would come out. I tried to release them, but only felt pain. I couldn't breathe. Why? Suddenly, there was someone screaming. I realized a moment later that it was me.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty. Well, more like afternoon."

"What did you do to me?" I demanded.

"Watch your tongue or I'll take you completely off of pain killers. Right now I'm leaving you at a small throb." My eyes filled with tears. "Here." She handed me a cup of water. I couldn't help but chug it.

"What did you do?" I asked more gently this time.

"We got a new guy who can force quirks to activate. We had him force your silks so we could carve them out. If you need anything, holler." And she just left.

(-)

"Toshinowa, I am so sorry. I had no idea." I could tell by his voice that he ws struggling not to cry. I didn't look at him. I stayed in my balled-up position, defeated.

"Where's my mom?"

"She's locked up at the moment. When she found out, she went crazy." He paused for a moment. "C-can I get you anything?"

"I just want to be alone right now." I heard him nod.

"I get it. Anything else?"

"Promise me something."

"What?" I sat up to face him.

"No matter what they do to me, take care of my mom." He looked at the ground.

"I can do that." He looked around the hallway. "The plan is to go back to America at dusk."

"Oh, joy." I couldn't stop the tears from flowing down my face.

"Toshinowa." I met his eyes. "Right before." He left. But the message was clear.

(-)

Dear Shota,

I'm sorry to tell you like this, but there was no other way. I don't know what else to say, so I'll get right into it. I'm pregnant. It's yours, I'm sure of it. If I don't hear from you before the child is born, I will name it myself. In fact, if I don't hear back from you, then I will send no more letters regarding this child. If and when i receive your letter, I will send another and update you on our well-being. I do, however, have faith that you will respond. Because that's the kind of man I know you to be.

With love,

Ina

This letter dated over fifteen years ago. The delivery man said it had gotten lost and had just been found.