The Songwriter's Funeral Song

XVIII: What Matter of Manner, Mother?

The Songwriter's Funeral Song
What Matter of Manner, Mother?

“How dare you return here!” It was my mother’s voice, full of anger, full of hate. That’s the reason why I trembled as I march forward to the entrance door. I kept my head low, avoiding contact with my mother’s eyes.

“That’s enough, Midori!” Aunt shouted, “it’s been months, and Yuru has returned! Aren’t you happy?”

Obviously, in her tone, Mother is not happy. I’m the reason why she felt that way.

“She killed Miyako! She killed her sister! I don’t have a murderer daughter!”

I’ve hurt her, and until now, she’s still hurting. Seeing her being hurt makes me hurt as well. I tried to lessen the pain, and the arbitrator proved that it wasn’t me, but I have left an enormous scar on her heart that still aches when touched.

“It wasn’t her! Stop blaming your daughter!” Aunt Iori defended me again.

Aunt was more attached to me than Mom. It was like, she’s my true mother. Mom hated me much since Dad passed away. She’s been blaming me for the bad things that happened in our family. I was the black sheep… the unlucky.

“I’m her mother! Stop defending her!” Mom bellowed back to her. They’re fighting because of me. I shouldn’t have gone home.

“Now, you’re making yourself confusing! If you don’t want Yuru to be here, then I’ll take her with me.”

Aunt grabbed my forearm and pulled me away from the entrance until we made it outside the gate.

She held my left cheek and examined it. “Are you okay? Does it hurt?”

I shook my head as a reply, and she hugged me tightly after that. “Yuru, I missed you.”

I hugged her back, and my tears started to fall. “I missed you too, Aunt.”

“For now, stay at my home, and we’ll discuss there what happened to you.” Still embracing each other, I nodded.

○●○●

Mugi’s POV

Walking back to the living area of Yuru’s apartment, I suspiciously glanced at the cold ramen for the second time. Like the ramen itself, I might be looking suspicious and cold.

But why would she just leave when she needs me?

As I was about to make an exit, Nagashi made a phone call.

“Hey, are you with Yuru now?” he asked rudely, making my eyes roll. He didn’t even greet.

“No, she’s not with me,” I replied, “I was looking for her.”

“You lost her?!” He volumed up that made my ear hurt. I put my phone a little away from my right ear and turned the loudspeaker on.

“No!” I yelled back, “well, kind of? But she said, she wants to be alone. Maybe, she just went outside, but it’s already late. I’m worried.”

“Well, you have to find her!” he yelled again, “I couldn’t even call Kumo. Where the heck are your bandmates?”

“I was going to ask that too! I thought they were here or maybe with you!”

“Why on earth would I be with them? I’m only handling Yuru, and Yuru just hired you,” he said.

Unbelievable. Now, he’s putting the band behind Yuru. He’s asking us to work for Yuru. So that means, we’re still working on his company.