Everyday Life with a Murderer

Chapter 54: I have faith in you

Seiji's probation and community service began immediately, marking the start of his journey of healing. He attended therapy sessions regularly, where he confronted his past, his depression, and the trauma of the last year. Therapy proved to be a crucial part of his recovery, helping him process his feelings and begin to rebuild his life, as well as the community service he had to make.

The programmer was under strict police supervision, with designated hours during which he had to stay in his apartment or report to scheduled meetings with the police. He wore an electronic monitoring device to ensure compliance - a sleek, lightweight ankle bracelet. It had a modern design, with a black, durable strap that wrapped snugly around his ankle, so he didn't had to worry about feeling uncomfortable with it.
To add he had to have a regular check-ins with his probation officer became a frequent part of his routine.

As the weeks passed, Seiji noticed a change within himself. The therapy sessions, coupled with his new attitude at his workplace, helped him start to overcome the loss of his friend. Despite this, he didn't forget Hideaki; he kept him close at heart, constantly wondering how he was holding up in jail.

Throughout this period, Seiji's friends, Ken and Rika, remained steadfast in their support. They helped him navigate the challenges of probation and offered a listening ear whenever he needed it. Their unwavering presence reminded Seiji that he wasn't alone in his journey.

***

On one March's afternoon, Seiji sat in his apartment, staring at his electronic monitoring device. He sighed, thinking about the freedom he once took for granted.
'It feels like a lockdown during pandemic... Only that it is granted for just one person...' Just then, his phone buzzed with a message from Ken.

Ken: "Hey Seiji, Rika and I are thinking of grabbing a coffee at our old spot this weekend. Want to join us?"

Seiji hesitated, knowing the complexities involved. He decided to call his probation officer, Mr. Tanaka, to seek permission.

"Mr. Tanaka, this is Sekiguchi Seiji. My friends invited me to a café this weekend's afternoon. Could I get permission to join them?"

Mr. Tanaka's voice was stern but fair. "Sekiguchi, you know the rules. You need to give me more notice, but given your good behavior, I'll make an exception this time. Be back home by 5 PM, and don't stray from the café. Understood?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you," Seiji replied, feeling a small surge of relief.

***

[The weekend meeting]

At the café, Seiji joined Ken and Rika, feeling a mix of normalcy and the ever-present weight of his probation. They ordered their drinks and found a quiet corner.

Ken looked at Seiji with concern. "How are you holding up, Seiji?"

Seiji took a sip of his coffee, savoring the taste. "It's tough, but the therapy sessions are helping. I.. Also... think about Hideaki a lot, though. I wonder how he's doing."

Rika noticed the distant look in Seiji's eyes as he gazed at the coffee in his cup. She reached out, touching Seiji's hand gently.

"Seiji," she began softly, "it's okay to miss him. You two went through so much together."

Seiji nodded, grateful for his friends' support. "I know... Thanks, Rika." he replied, his voice heavy with emotion. " I'm trying to focus on rebuilding my life, but it's hard not to think about the past... I feel like... there's so much more I could have done for him."

"You did everything you could." Rika added.

Ken nodded. "That's true. And now, you're doing what you can to yourself as well. You're healing, and that's important. You need to take care of yourself too."