Summer Wars: Aftermath Part 1

Chapter 6

Natsuki heard the suite door slide open and footsteps pad across the room. The last of the light had faded from the northern sky long ago.

"Natsuki?" Aunt Mariko's voice came from the door.

"Shh," she said.

"Let me get a light," Auntie said. She padded away.

There was a scratching and soft light bloomed in the other room. Aunt Mariko and another woman slipped into the room and around in front where she could see them. Auntie held a candle that cast a soft glow. The other woman was a stranger.

"Natsuki," Auntie said, "this is Kenji's mother, Sayoko Koiso."

"I am pleased to meet you, Mrs. Koiso," Natsuki said softly.

"And I you," the woman said. "Mariko tells me you have been responsible for Kenji's care since he fell ill." She bowed low. "I am very grateful."

Aunt Mariko frowned. "Natsuki?" she said.

"I apologize for my discourtesy," Natsuki said. "Every time I try to lay him down, he starts to wake up, and after two days without, I wanted him to sleep as long as he could."

"We could tell from Mansuku's monitors," Auntie said, "when he fell asleep, but that was seven hours ago. It is nearly midnight, now."

Kenji's mother raised her eyebrows. "You have been sitting like that for seven hours? My son must be very special to you."

"We have been friends in school," Natsuki said, "and since this OZ incident he has become more. I have seen him do incredible things to protect others. He saved my entire family and our home." Natsuki could feel tears start to fill her eyes, "and the situation he is in now is a result of that. Seven hours of minor discomfort is as nothing."

"I see. Perhaps together we could get him comfortable."

"If he could be made more comfortable, I would like that," Natsuki said.

Kenji's mother moved around to his other side. Gently they shifted his weight and started to ease him down to the futon. As Kenji's head slipped from Natsuki's shoulder and their bodies began to separate, he started to mumble in his sleep. Natsuki froze, then pulled Kenji back into position.

"I see what you mean," Kenji's mother said. "Mariko? Have you any suggestions?"

"Hmm," Mariko said. "Why don't you both lie down, that way you can both get comfortable."

"An excellent idea," Sayoko said. "Why don't you help Natsuki and I'll assist Kenji."

Mariko moved up beside Nasuki. "You trust me, don't you grandniece?"

"Of course, Auntie," Natsuki said.

"Then you concentrate on keeping your connection to Kenji and let us do the work."

Natsuki clasped Kenji's hand closer to her chest, took a deep breath and nodded.

It took a few minutes of maneuvering, but in the end, Natsuki and Kenji were lying on their sides facing each other, still connected heart to hand.

Natsuki sighed as aunt Mariko straightened out her legs and massaged the feeling back into them while Sayoko did the same for Kenji.

Aunt Mariko and Kenji's mother spread a light cover over the two of them. "There now, Natsuki," aunt Mariko said, "you get some rest. We'll look in on you in the morning."

"Shall we, Sayoko?" Mariko said to the other woman.

"Yes. I think we have much to discuss."

"I must say," Aunt Mariko said as they padded out of the room, "that we are all very impressed by Kenji."

"And I by your Natsuki," Sayoko said."I watched the Hanafuda game and it was..."