Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 38

The next morning, Matsu followed his usual routine, waking up early to prepare breakfast and get his sisters ready for school. The kitchen buzzed with the sounds of sizzling food and lighthearted chatter as the siblings shared their morning together. Despite the warmth of the morning, Bonnie's words from the previous day still lingered in his mind, quietly urging him to take action.

After breakfast, Matsu gathered his things and herded his sisters out the door. As they piled into the car, the morning sun bathed Eclipsia in a soft golden light, the city slowly coming to life around them.

The drive was familiar, the streets lined with people heading to work, students walking to school, and the occasional vendor setting up shop. Matsu found himself falling into the rhythm of the drive, but his thoughts were elsewhere, considering the decision he was about to make.

When they arrived at Yumiko's high school, Matsu turned to her with a teasing grin. "So, you gonna say hi to Aki today?"

Yumiko blushed, rolling her eyes at her brother's playful jab. "Matsu, seriously?"

"Hey, just saying," he chuckled. "It wouldn't hurt to be friendly."

Yumiko shook her head but couldn't suppress a smile. "Whatever. See you later!"

"See you later," Matsu replied, watching her join the crowd of students heading into the building. He knew she'd never admit it, but he could tell she liked Aki—though she would rather face down an Aridian Giant Sand Worm than talk about it with him.

After dropping Yumiko off, Matsu drove the twins to their middle school. Iyomei and Kamenei chattered away in the backseat, their conversation ranging from their school projects to which summoning spell was their current favorite.

When they arrived at the middle school, Matsu pulled up to the entrance and turned to the twins. "Have a good day, you two. Don't summon anything too crazy, okay?"

Kamenei grinned. "No promises!"

Iyomei just smiled, nodding. "We'll behave."

Matsu laughed, watching as they joined their classmates. Once they disappeared into the school, he leaned back in his seat for a moment, taking a deep breath.

The morning rush was over, and now he was left with the decision that had been on his mind since yesterday. He pulled the card Bonnie had given him out of his pocket, staring at the name and number printed on it: Dr. Sasha Boskow.

Part of him wanted to ignore it, to just go about his day as usual. But another part of him, the part that had been quietly urging him to make a change, knew that this was something he needed to do. Matsu had always been strong for others, but maybe it was time to be strong for himself too.

With a resolve that surprised even him, Matsu dialed the number on the card. After a few rings, a calm, professional voice answered.

"Dr. Sasha Boskow's office, how can I help you?"

"Hi, uh, this is Matsu Kagayaki," he began, slightly unsure of how to proceed. "I was referred by Bonnie Moklull... I'd like to make an appointment."

"Of course, Mr. Kagayaki," the receptionist replied. "We have an opening later this morning, if that works for you."

Matsu hesitated for just a second before nodding to himself. "Yeah, that works. I'll be there."

"Great, we'll see you then."

After ending the call, Matsu slipped the phone back into his pocket, a mixture of nerves and determination settling in his chest. He started the car again, heading toward Dr. Boskow's office.