A Little Twist

Seventy-Two

I think that I will get more privacy now that Ruki leaves us alone. He would've tried something because there had been some openings. Risa has Daiki in the carrier against her and feels the letter in her pocket. 

Shu comes home and finds the bedroom empty. Then his eyes land on a note. The backyard? Yes, I know where, but is Subaru not with you? 

'She said that you know where to meet her.' Subaru noticed his brother's presence. 'The mansion is big enough to have a private conversation and yet you two found a place outside.' 

Shu shrugs. 'We all want some privacy from each other sometimes.' He leaves and goes to the backyard. 'Risa?' 

'In here,' she answers. 'He's just asleep. Most likely because of being carried like this.' She sees him and grabs the letter. 'Subaru saw the mailman. This came for you.' 

He takes the letter but doesn't open it yet. 'I hope he was good to you while I was away?' 

'He was. Since he can hold his head, I played a different sensory play game. I held him in the air and moved up and down. He loved it, more when I kissed him when I brought him down to my face.' 

He laughs and kisses his son. 'I'll see it next time you play it with him.' He sits down and opens the letter. 

'Even Subaru played with him to get him to lift his head. His new record is now four times.' She takes place next to him. 

'Four times?' He forgets the letter and focuses on Daiki. 'That's amazing.' 

She nods. 'He gets better and better. You don't get mail often. Is it important?' 

'I barely opened it.' He pets Daiki's head. 'But four times lifting his head is better than any letter.' He starts reading the letter and his smile disappears. No! Anything but that! Don't you harm Risa or Daiki. Fine, I'll play your game. As long as you leave them alone. 

'Well? Is it important or is it just commercial? They address you these days to get you to open their mail.' She realizes Daiki's opening his eyes. 'Good evening, sweety.' 

Tomorrow, until then I have to pretend nothing is wrong. He smiles and puts the letter in his pocket. 'I'm hardly home from school, and you're waking up?' He gets his son out of the carrier. 'Lifting your head four times, and your mother played a new game. Is it something like this? Up,' he moves him in the air, 'and down.' Bringing him down to his face, he kisses his cheek. 

'Exactly like that.' She hears him giggle. 'A sleepy giggle, that's even cuter.' 

✽✽✽ 

Shu burned the letter and waited by the window. Almost a full moon. He looks back to Risa, who's asleep in bed. The moon rises higher and is illuminated by the setting sun. Just not an eclipse, thank heaven. He knows that Daiki will wake up soon. 'You first, sweety.' He changes the diaper when he hears noises behind him. 

'How long are you awake?' Her voice sounds sleepy and thick. 

'I couldn't sleep.' He regrets the words leaving his lips. Oh no. 

She leaves the bed when he puts Daiki back in the crib, and she wraps her arms around him. 'What's going on? You can sleep any time and any place. Because of your son, you're making changes in your life and, for once, you don't sleep that much anymore.' 

He moves her into his arms. 'I still have moments that it's hard to believe I have a son. You and him have such an influence on me.' 

'And yet, he's here. Sure, I don't like how he came into my life, but I'm happy now. I got quite a shock when the specialist told me I couldn't have children anymore. He's my miracle, and I love him, Shu. I know you do too.' She hugs him.