The monster under my bed

Epilogue

A cool breeze washed over his face, and warm water swirled and retreated around his toes. The crisp sea air felt good in his lungs. Muichirō dug his toes into the sand, feeling it shift underneath him. A wave crashed onto shore, sending foam spraying on his face. He laughed.

The water dripped down his face, and looking down, Muichirō could see his reflection in the water.

A pair of beautiful eyes, and a young, youthful face gazed back at him, his face no longer childish, stained with tears, and scared like it had once been.

Muichirō sighed, salt water dripping down his face. At first glance, one could have thought it was tears.

Maybe it was.

On the surface, he was no longer the little nine year old boy, the child that had been hurt so badly, at such a young age. But somewhere, deep down, he still remembered.

That crying child was still there, inside him.

That part of him was probably never going to leave, but Muichirō was okay with that. It's been with him ever since he got taken away. But time has given him a chance to heal.

He gazed up at the clouds, trying to make sense of their bulky shapes covering the sky.

That...that little cloud there...there...it looks like...like something. It looks like...a starfish...

"Hey. Hey, Muichirō, what are you looking at?"

Muichirō turned his head to look at a face identical to his own.

"Nothing."

Yuichirō stared at his brother's face for a while.

"You look pale. Are you alright?"

Muichirō nodded.

"Well, come on. Uncle Michikatsu just arrived, and he brought the cake. It has a big number "fourteen" on it, you should see it."

Muichirō waded out of the knee-deep water, following his brother to where the adults were.

"Are you having fun?" Mother asked, a bright smile painted on her face.

The twins nodded.

Michikatsu walked up to the boys, and gave them both a big hug.

"It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too, Uncle."

Michikatsu let go of them, and stood back a bit to look at their faces.

"You two haven't changed a bit since I last saw you," he chuckled.

Yuichirō rolled his eyes.

"Very funny."

Muichirō smiled, and then walked over to Yoriichi, who was relaxing on a beach towel. He sat down in his Uncle's lap.

"Aren't you a bit old for this, Muichirō?"

Yoriichi asked, smoothing the long silky hair out of his nephew's face.

"I don't think so."

"How has school been going?"

"It's pretty good. I've got my friends and Yuichirō with me, so I'm okay. Classes are good too."

"That's good."

Muichirō nodded. A wet cough escaped from his throat, and he quickly covered his mouth.

Yoriichi gazed at him thoughtfully.

"Is that cough still bothering you?"

"Uncle, it's fine!"

Muichirō laughed airily.

"I'm used to it by now."

Yoriichi hummed in agreement, running his hand up and down Muichirō's back.

"What is it he has again?"

Michikatsu muttered to his youngest brother.

"Chronic bronchitis."

The twins' Father answered quietly. Michikatsu nodded, his mood wavering.

"The food is ready!"

Mother called.

"Yay! I'm starving!"

Yuichirō bounced over to the picnic table.

"I'm glad you're hungry, I packed a lot of food," she laughed.

Michikatsu and Father followed after Yuichirō, engaging in a now light conversation.

"Uncle Yoriichi...guess what."

Muichirō whispered, leaning into his Uncle's ear.

"Not unless you tell me."

"I saw a starfish."

"Really? Where?"

Muichirō gazed up at the sky, his big blue eyes shining.

"Up there."

"That's beautiful, Muichirō."

The boy didn't answer, just kept staring up at the clouds. His lips moved, but made no sound, as if he was describing to himself what he was seeing.

Yoriichi stood up, carrying his nephew in his arms. Mother noticed them and waved.

"Hurry up!"

Yuichirō called.

"We're coming,"

Yoriichi answered. Then he turned his head to look at Muichirō. The youth had a peaceful smile on his face, radiating joy.

"How about we join everyone, what do you say?"

"Let's do it."

Yoriichi grinned, and walked effortlessly to where the family was waiting, all smiles.

"Uncle Yoriichi..."

"Yes?"

"This may sound funny...but I feel happy right now...really happy."

Yoriichi's eyes shone, and a small tear glistened in his eye.

"It brings me joy to hear you say that, Muichirō. I'm happy that you're happy."

Muichirō laughed. It was a joyful, carefree laugh, one rid of pain and sorrow.

Because you were born to be happy, Muichirō.

you were born to be happy.

and if you let it...

That happiness...will be infinite.