Everlasting Winter

It's darkest before the Dawn

Todoroki POV

The next morning, I put my uniform on and give Bun-Bun a hug before heading into the bathroom. I brush my hair, so it was completely separated. I take out my eye drops and put three drops in my left eye. I wait till my sight is less blurry before I make my way downstairs while Fuyumi was still cooking breakfast. I guess I startled her because she almost dropped her breakfast.

"Shoto I wasn't expecting you to be down here so fast," Fuyumi utters handing me my bowl.

"I just thought I would get ready for school and actually try to go," I answer.

"Well, whatever is motivating you right now keep it up," she smiles giving me a thumbs up.

I was halfway through my breakfast when Natsuo came into the kitchen

"Hey Shoto, I have something for you," he declares handing me a yearbook.

It wasn't a yearbook from my school but from Aldera Junior High. I was confused at first.

"Open it," Natsuo smiles.

I open it to the page Natsuo marked. It was a picture of Midoriya with a little write up underneath. It says that he helps his dad train service dogs.

"Turn the page," Natsuo whispers.

I did as he said I turn the page and there was a picture of Midoriya with a dog, a service dog with a vest on and everything. The dog looks happy and so did Midoriya.

"Shoto come on if we don't leave now, we'll be late," Fuyumi calls from the door. I quickly put the book in my bag and went to the door.

While we were on the train, I grab the book out of my bag and went to the picture of Midoriya and the dog. Somehow it calmed me down for the rest of the train ride to U.A and I was able to get sit and focus on something other than my anxiety. Once I was off the train, I began walking straight up the hill to the spot I met Midoriya. I was quietly hoping he would be there, but he wasn't. I suddenly became aware of my surroundings and look around and notice kids were staring at me. It got to overwhelming, so I ran. I run down the hill to a small tea shop my siblings took me to when we were doing the trial run the week before school started. I walk in and get in line. The tea shop isn't very big but that's what I like about it. The tea shop is set up in an old house with moss growing on it. When it was my turn to order I step up to the counter. The lady working smiles at me.

"Strawberry tea with honey," she asks with a wink.

I nod "to go," I whisper.

"All right, 275 yen please," she answers.

I was about to take out my money when a voice spoke.

"His drink is on me," I turn and see a man giving the lady the money.

Thank you, I sign out of habit.

"You're welcome," he announces. "I do not know why you are not in school right now, but I get the sense you need some gentleness. One day you will find someone that will make the hard times just a little easier," he smiles before walking out of the shop.

I watch him leave thinking for a moment. What could possibly make going to school easier?

"Strawberry tea with honey," I hear.

I grab my drink sign a quick thank you before leaving. I head back to the train station and wait for the bullet train going out of Musutafu towards Tokyo. 

When I get off the train it is only a short walk to my destination Naruhata General Hospital. A hospital known for their paediatric department. I sit down on a bench overlooking the courtyard. I take a small sip of my tea letting the subtle sweetness calm me. A group of kids surround a well-known four-legged canine is in the distance. I found this bench months ago hidden under a white cherry blossom tree. It's the perfect spot to watch the kids mingle with what looks like a golden retriever. I can only guess from its vest it's a therapy dog trained to provide support for the children in the hospital. Its tail feather dusts each kids face as it turns around.