The Dusk Paradigm | VOCALOID AU | WITH OCS

Fukase | Chapter 22: Everyone's Just Pulling In!

Everyone is different. Some people are mean, some people are nice. Some people are old, some people are young. Everyone has a difference within them.

My parents are a great example.

My mother was a crier. She was an emotional person. When the 9/11 attack happened in the U.S., she bawled her eyes out when she saw the news. On my last birthday she ever lived for, she cried tears of joy because 'I was her growing son.'

You get the point with her. She had empathy for everyone, even the bad people-- she knew to give kindness to everyone, even the people she didn't like. But my father wasn't exactly the same.

He's more dense. When he saw the news about the 9/11 incident, he didn't cry or even look sad. He kept a neutral face while comforting my mother, telling her that it would be okay. On my last birthday mother lived for, he just kept a smile and celebrated. He wasn't much of a crier.

He was mean when he needed to. I've witnessed him yell at others and get pent up. He wasn't as empathetic of a person, he was more of a "Oh well, it is what it is" type of person. The most emotional I've seen him is obviously whenever mother died, but even then, he didn't even cry! I still don't know how a guy like him pulled her, no offense.

-

My birthday was yesterday, and everything that happened still runs through my head. I was resting in bed after just leaving school, while Grandma rests in the living room. Uncle Ruko is supposed to pick me up to visit papa later today, even though I don't feel like seeing anyone's face. I'm too exhausted to look at anyone. I feel traumatized after what happened. I hid under the sheets, tears blurring my vision. I was too shocked yesterday, but now it's all starting to settle in and I hate it.

I just want to sleep forever. I don't really know what I mean by that, but I just don't want to wake up. I wish I could go to sleep and dream forever. Papa hasn't been the nicest to me lately, so I don't know why I cared so much when he passed out. Everything is so confusing, and I just want to go home. I've been too tired to do anything, I'm behind on schoolwork, and nothing is the...the same...any...more...

-
"Fukase? Baby, wake up." said a voice. My eyes opened and I saw that sweet older woman.

...yeah, okay. I fell asleep. Good ol' Fukase wasn't lying when he said he was too tired to do anything. I rubbed my eyes and sat up. "Uncle Ruko is here to pick you up. You haven't even changed out of your uniform." she said. She was right, I was still in my school clothes. I got up and brushed myself off. "Cant I change afterward?"

She shook her head. "Please change, meet him outside."

Then she left the room. I let out a sigh and changed into a plain white shirt and shorts. I slipped on my sneakers before heading out the door to meet Uncle Ruko.

-

The rehab center was pretty big. Inside was a big lobby once you first walk in. Uncle Ruko was talking to the women at the desk. All I heard was "Who are you here to visit?" and "Satoshi?"

"Fukase?" said Uncle.

I perked up as I heard my name. The lady had a lolly in her hand. "This is for you, young man." she said with a smile. "What do you say?" said Uncle. I muttered a 'thank you' and stuffed it in my pocket as I followed them to a room. The lady opened the door for us, and there was Papa. He was sitting in the visitation room eating a candy bar. He looked at us and waved.

"I'll be outside, okay?" said the lady. She smiled again and shut the door.

"Hey, kid. Hey, Ruko." he said. Uncle looked concerned for him, but I couldn't blame him. He looked pale, he had horrible eyebags as well, and his fingernails were cracked.