Stumbling Over Love | ✓

~ Flashback ~

_Flashback~ Too Late_

          "Sato-nii, w-wait for me!"

           Shutting his eyes in desperation, the three-year-old boy raced straight behind his older brother, even going so far as to accidentally bump into him and tumble right over onto the floor.

          With a sigh, Satoru turned around, staring at the boy who appeared so puzzled at his current position on the ground. At the sight of his older brother, though, he once again grew as elated as he always did, giggling as he clambered back to his feet and went to hug his knees.

           "Sato-nii!"

          "Aki, stop fooling around," Satoru said, taking his younger brother's hand in his. "We came here to see Mom, remember?"

          Aki blinked. Squeezing his hand, he followed his brother who was tugging him along. "Sato-nii, is Mommy feeling better?"

          The five-year-old frowned as his gaze flickered upwards to their neighbour and blackbelt certified, Emiko Inohara, who was leading them through the halls of the hospital. As if feeling his eyes, the lady looked down at them with a smile.

          "I bet you two miss her. You haven't seen her in awhile, have you?"

           "That's because you always take us to the daycare all day," Satoru complained. "Why can't we just be with Mom here?"

           Emiko Inohara's smile wavered the slightest bit. "Even if you want to, I'm afraid you're not allowed."

           "Auntie Emiko!" Aki cried, slipping away from Satoru and running up to her legs. "Why can't Mommy come home often anymore?"

          Emiko paused, seeming at a loss of words. Aki continued to stare up at her with big eyes, fluttering his eyelids opened and closed. After a grudging silence took its place in the hospital, Satoru turned his gaze away. Even at five, though he didn't understand most it, he'd overheard their neighbour talk to many people about their mother. His mother had made frequent visits to doctors and hospitals in the past year but after collapsing a couple months ago she was indefinitely admitted and was only growing sicker and sicker each passing day. Sure he had tried giving his mom some of his favourite snacks since she was constantly losing weight, but even then it didn't seem to be doing anything for her.

          "Aki, let's go see Mom already!" Satoru called out, picking up his pace as he jogged towards the room he had memorized due to his many visits her already. With a smile, Aki pursued his brother with short, wobbly steps.

           "Wait, Satoru, Aki!" Emiko hissed after them. "Come back here—"

           "Mom!"

           "Mommy!"

          As soon as they reached the right room, both Satoru and Aki ran straight towards their mother's bed, where the surprised lady gasped as they threw her into a hug. Wide-eyed, Ume Mitsoyu stared down at her children, a weary smile penetrating her thin lips as she hugged them back.

          "How are you two?"

          Aki instantly pried his face away from his mom's body, grinning up at her. "Mommy, guess what! I drew you a get-well-soon picture."

           His mom couldn't help but return her son's smile. "You did? That's so sweet of you, Aki."

           "But Auntie Emiko has it with her," Aki responded, peering over his shoulder in confusion.