Ashes of the fallen: Bound by the flame

Chapter 7: Hiroyuki Aki

Third perspective:

"It'll be your birthday soon, do you want anything Yuki?"

A middle aged man asked gently, his hand reaching out for his son's head. Caressing it as if he was holding a piece of glass, just from his gesture alone was enough to see how much he cared for his son. Hiroyuki tilted his head to the side, curiosity filling the kid's eyes. He then quickly stood up excitedly, his way of moving fast and amused.

"Mo-"

"Ther!"

The kid ran towards the woman sitting on the bed, her eyes sparkling the same color as the sun, it was the same as Hiroyuki. His mother's eyes gently softened, her hand reaching out for her son's cheek. It would've made such a beautiful scenery if it weren't for the fact that his mother had an IV dropper by her wrist, her eyes sparkling yet also lifeless.

It was like she was on the verge of losing her life

Hiroyuki's father quietly watched from the door, staring at his treasures gently. His white hair resembling the snow, it was the same as Hiroyuki's. If one were to look, Hiroyuki was the perfect embodiment of his mother and father.

Weeks passed, the days were coming closer to the circled day on their calendar. While time also passes, flowers grow while some die, Life starts while some die, trauma ends while some starts.

It was a normal cycle for humans

A normal cycle to fight for the life they never wanted.

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"We'll be preparing the house, play with your friends outside Yuki"

His father spoke, his tone as gentle as always. The man's hand patting his son's head once again, a usual yet warm gesture. Hiroyuki looked like he wanted to help his parents set their house for his birthday, but seeing his mother's pursuing eyes. He just let them be.

"I understand, I'll be outside!"

Hiroyuki cheerfully replied, waving his hand at his mother and father before running outside. He ran to his friends house but it seems like they were currently buying gifts for him, that's what their parents said. Hiroyuki could only sigh, although he was grateful for the gesture.

The child went back to their house, although he stayed at the front porch. At first, he sat at the bench, watching the snow fall. He found it pretty, it was almost the same color as his hair. The child giggled to himself before standing up, playing with the snow on the ground. He built 3 snowmans and multiple snowballs.

Almost half an hour passed, they should be done by now right?

Hiroyuki approached the door, although he felt a different change in the air. Somehow, it send shivers down his spine, although he was a child. He could tell that inside had a heavy atmosphere, naturally he got worried, knocking on the door gently, calling out for his parents.

"Mother? Father?"

The child called out gently, although a hint of worry slipping through. After a few seconds of waiting, heavy footsteps were heard from inside, approaching the door bit by bit. Hiroyuki's eyes widened, he had memorized his father and mother's Footsteps by now. And that was not their footsteps at all.

Hiroyuki slightly trembled, his knees almost gave in. Out of fear, he quietly ran. Running towards the back of their house, although he could run. He definitely wouldn't be able to hide everything, his winter shoes left marks.