Emergence: Roots Of The Past

Chapter 30: All Ends Are Beginnings

???: Mama...

A small, yet firm voice cried out, a small echo following afterwards...

???: Mama! Mama!!

Saki: Huh?!

(Five Years Later...)

Saki was sitting down on a park bench and looking down at Hana.

Hana: What's wrong? You zoned out again. Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?

Saki had to choose what she said wisely, not wanting to reveal the details of her dreams to the four year old.

Saki: No...I'm fine. I was just thinking back to the past, that's all.

Hana: The past?

Hana sat up on the bench, their cat, Luna, cuddling up next to her, causing Hana to let out a small giggle.

Saki: Yeah...a long time ago. Before you were born, Hana.

Hana: Hmm...were those times fun?

Saki: They weren't, I'm afraid...

Saki let out a sigh as she looked down to her lap.

Saki: You see, I...I used to hate myself back then.

Hana: Why?

Saki: I...I don't know. I guess I just didn't realize what was important to me... I cried a lot because of it.

Hana tilted her head at her mother before reaching up and patted her head.

Hana: I see... but it's all okay now! You don't have to cry anymore, Mama!

Saki smiled at her daughter and pulled her in for a hug, smooshing their cheeks together.

Saki: You're right... not when I've got you and your. When you came into my life, I was finally...reborn.

Then, they heard the sounds of something zooming down the road.

Saki: Look who it is.

The car quickly went into the park—it was Matt.

Matt: I am so sorry I'm late! I forgot what time I needed to be over, and—

Hana: Papa! You're here!

Hana ran up and hugged her father tightly. Matt responded by hugging her daughter back.

Matt: Hi, Hana. Did the graduation ceremony start yet?

Hana: Nope! Couple of minutes left until it starts! Come on, everyone's getting ready!

Matt followed Hana to the others watching the graduation ceremony, watching as Mei and Akari were in the field of students as the headmaster was giving the speech. It went on longer than Saki remembered. After that, Mei and Akari walked up to their gigantic family, who were all cheering for them.

Akari: We just stood there to hear a speech! I don't think it's a big deal.

Mei: It wasn't just any speech, Akari! It was a sign that we were going to be high schoolers! Aren't you excited?!

Hikari: A little...but that's not the point! We are so close to being adults now! It's a bit nerve-racking, if you ask me.

Kiriko: It can be, but we're here with you every step of the way! Remember that!

Akari: Thanks, sis. I need to hear that every so often.

They all drove back home, Hana sitting with Mei and Akari in the back seat.

Hana: Hey, Auntie Mei?

Mei: What's wrong?

Hana: Nothing, just...was Akari always this gloomy?