Rainy Weather (Kazurei)

The Last Sunshine

Not a cloud in the sky today. Been a long while since I saw the sun, but it might be the last time. I still need to learn about what Kazuki has in mind for today, hopefully he won't get us killed for whatever he wants to do. "Look at me, look at me!" Miri shouts from highest point of the playground. Kazuki and I both wave at her from a bench. "Do you think Miri remembers what her mother looks like?" I ask. "Probably, Miri has a pretty good memory. I'd say there's a solid chance she will." I don't remember my mother. I have no recollection of who she is or was. I never saw her. I wonder where she is now. It doesn't matter to me either way actually. she's a total stranger to me. "Rei, we did a good job with her, didn't we?" Kazuki is attempting to hold back tears. "I think so. Miri seems happy." What I learned from kids is that they're all brutally honest about how they feel about something. Miri would have definitely told us if she wasn't anything but happy being with us. "We might not get to see her again after today. Miri's mother could keep her away from us permanently if she wanted to. I'm scared of what she'll say. Ahah, I'm just thinking about the worst case scenarios." he fake laughs at himself. "This should be partly about what Miri wants. She can't stay with us for now, but when it's all over with, what do we do afterwards? Do we find a way to get her back? Do we move on and find something else?" We hadn't planned for what we can do if we were to ever leave the business. "I don't know." Kazuki shuts down our talk and stares at the ground. If Kazuki doesn't know, maybe we are screwed. The full extent to how much of a blow this is to him...it might leave it to me to fill in his spot for him for a bit. Am I capable of that? Could I give him the same support he gave me? Kazuki showing his sadness is new to me. He didn't present any signs back then after his wife died. We met shortly after her passing, but he was all smiles with me. Miri must be a tipping point for his mental health. I know the way he's feeling must be awful if he isn't able to hide it. I want to help him. Do I hug him? No, he's against that stuff in public. I'll just ask him. "Kazuki, is there anything you'd like for me to do for you?" "Huh?" he turns back to me. "I want to try to help you like the way you did for me, it's only fair that i repay the favour." "Rei..." and affectionate smile rises on his face. "You being here with me is enough. Nothing is impossible to get through as long as the two of us are together." Of course that's what he'd say. That means I have to figure it out myself. I'd buy something for him, but he buys everything he wants already. It's not like he sits by and waits for stuff to go on sale. The man loves spending money.
"There she is." A woman with thick wavy hair approaches us. "Good morning, I am Unasaka Misaki." She bows. "You look different from back then." Kazuki comments. "Life...has taken its turns, and I'm trying to rebuild myself from the ground up so I can be the mother Miri needs." I can't detect lies in her voice. Is she a good liar, or is she genuine? "A man who did not identify himself on the phone told me that you both are in deep in something bad and that Miri is no longer safe. The second I found out where she is, I realised just how much I miss her being around. I will take her off your hands so that she's safe. "What happened to you, if you don't mind me asking?" While they talk, I sit remaining silent. I'm not sure what to say. "Being human can bring great misfortune and I believe it was my karma that brought it upon me. I lost my job, I will never get to sing again for however longer I have on this Earth." Misaki pulls down the collar on her sweater revealing a scar on her neck. Kazuki audibly gasps. "I want to spend the rest of my life for Miri, she's all I have left. I am so grateful for the time and care you two gave to her. Seeing how happy she is tells me how good you were to her. Thank you." What is Kazuki thinking about right now? It looks like he's in deep thought. "Do you have a place to stay?" I decide to speak up. "Y-yes, I rented an apartment recently. It's big enough for her to play." "What about your job? You said you can't sing anymore." "You're right. I got fired after the cancer spread. It took away my voice so cruelly... I work as a clerk at a bank. I know what business you're in and I can't let her stay there because of the danger, but I am also aware how well you were able to support her." Kyutaro really told her what we do? "If you're hinting that you want money, then fine. As long as it's for Miri" "Of course! It's just that I've been struggling with overdue bills and groceries, I'm thankful for your willingness to support us." "I'll wire you ¥150,000 by the end of the day." It's the least I can do to make sure Miri will be taken care of. "That much? No, I can't take that." She tries to reject my offer. "It won't be an issue, and it's so you can properly care for Miri while you get back on your feet." I feel no sympathy for her. She cast her daughter out on her own where anything could have happened to her. She got lucky that Kazuki has such a soft heart. I understand well what it's like to be unloved by your parents same as Kazuki, so looking at this woman, it's hard to not tell her off about how horrible she was. I'll refrain from doing so, because at least Misaki seems to be working on herself to change for the better. "I appreciate your generosity. I promise to put the money to good use." "Okay, so should we get Miri over here now?" I ask Kazuki who still sat not making a sound. "...I guess." He gets up to find Miri leaving me with Misaki. "When this is all over, will you allow us to see Miri?" she looked surprised at my question. "You still want to be part of her life after she was forced on you?" "We both do, I don't want to live life the way it was before meeting her." "You come see her anytime, my addr-" "Don't tell me, don't tell anyone." There's still a chance Miri will be targeted, but that would also put Misaki into the crossfire too. "I see. Then, I'll tell you after your work is done."