The Darkest Of The Dark

Akira Asashi

The Darkest Of The Dark

1986,Japan

A man and a woman lie sleeping in bed. The man awakens, his eyes fluttering open. On the bedside table, a framed photo of the couple on their wedding day catches his attention. He sits up, leaning against the bed's headboard. He stretches with a quiet whimper, then slowly stands and walks to the bathroom.

40 minutes later

The man, now dressed in a suit and tie, steps out of the bathroom. As he closes the door, he notices that the woman has also awoken.

Girl: "Akira, you take forever in the bathroom."
She teases him with a playful smirk.

Akira moves closer to her, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. He gently kisses the bulge of her stomach.

Akira: "Hi, little one. This is your dad, and the woman you're living with is your mom."
He speaks joyfully to the baby growing inside her.

Girl: "Honey, what should we name her?"

Akira: "It's up to you."

Girl: "Honey, could you make me breakfast? I'm so hungry."
Her stomach growls as she speaks.

Akira: "What do you want? Tamagoyaki, onigiri, miso soup, tofu... or should I just make it all?"

Girl: "All of it, of course."

Akira: "After breakfast, I'll be heading straight to work, okay?"

Girl: "Okay."

Akira walks toward the door, opens it, and exits the bedroom. He walks through the hallway to the kitchen.

He pulls some meat from the freezer, places it in the pan, and turns on the stove.

While he cooks, his son enters the kitchen, rubbing his eyes.

Son: "Dad, what are you making?"
He sounds groggy and tired.

Akira: "Tamagoyaki, onigiri, miso soup, and tofu."

Son: "When will you be home?"

Akira: "Around 8 PM."

Son: "Okay."

30 minutes later

Akira finishes cooking and heads back toward the bedroom. He knocks on the door, then enters.

Akira: "Darling, the food's ready."

Girl: "I'm starving!"

Akira: "I'm heading to work now."

He leans down to kiss her before turning and walking through the hallway. He spots his son watching cartoons.

Akira: "Haruto, let's finish the Lego set when I get home, alright?"

Haruto: "Okay."

Akira waves goodbye as he opens the front door, sunlight spilling in. He steps outside, locks the door behind him, and walks to his black car. He inserts the key, opens the door, climbs in, and drives off.

50 minutes later

Akira parks in a parking lot in front of a police station. He steps out of the car, his feet hitting the concrete, and walks up the staircase into the building. As he enters, his coworkers and boss suddenly appear, surrounding him with congratulations.