The Rising Truth

Near the edge

This is my longest chapter so sorry for the long read. This chapter touches on sensitive issues such as suicide and includes some offensive slurs against gays. There's a ton of symbolism in here that I based off my real world experience, so I'm sorry if it hits too close to home and puts anyone in an uncomfortable situation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message me or comment and I will reply.

I have a question for you guys though. What countries are you currently living in right now? I'm not a stalker, I'm just curious because there are some people who are awake when over here, it's midnight for me. I am in California, USA.

Thank you for reading and/or commenting/voting :)

Shoma pov.

Dinner was held at my house. My mother had woken me and my brother at 5 in the morning and sent us to do yard work while she cooks. Dad had been sent to the grocery store to get food or ingredients.

At 5 o'clock, I and my brother were all dressed up in our fancy suits welcoming family members. Grandparents, grand-aunts, and uncles, distant cousins, everyone in our family came. Around 25 people came. Most spoke to Itsuki since he was a favorite, or they were avoiding me. There was a heavy air in the room and weighed on me.

Suddenly, I was put in a chokehold and a knuckle on my head. "Hey, congrats at Nationals." Hiroshi was there with his wife, his arm around her waist.

"Thanks" I grinned. Maybe dinner won't be so awkward. The presence of someone familiar swept away the heavy air in the room.

Marianne looked displeased at being here and she seemed defensive amongst the people that were her in-laws. "Good afternoon, Marianne."

She turned and her expression softened and looked as if she was pitying me. "It's nice to see you, Shoma."

Hiroshi kissed her cheek and went off to greet other relatives. I envied them, being able to be comfortable with showing affection in front of people like that.

"Do you know what this dinner is about?" She whispered to me, out of the corner of her mouth

"Is it about me being gay?" I asked in a hushed tone

She closed her eyes and pursed her lips in disdain. "Yeah, the whole family got called."

"Is that why you're here? I've never seen you at a family reunion." She has never shown up. Even during the welcoming of her newborn child, only her husband came.

"Yeah, Hiroshi asked me to."

I nodded, "Do you think it will end badly for dinner?"

Before she could answer, dinner was called. The guests that had crowded in the living room migrated to the dining room. My family sat on the right side of the table. My father was next to my mother, to her left was Itsuki and I sat next to him. Marianne took the seat on my left. Her body seemed stiff and rigged. Her face was passive so I couldn't read her but she seemed defensive. She knew something, something about this dinner that I didn't know.

Everything seemed fine during the course of the first 3 meals. I talked with some of my distant cousins who were sitting across from me. They were asking me about skating and how I was doing in school, but nothing more than that. I couldn't shake the feeling that the air was heavy.

We had moved the grilled cod when a distant female cousin of mine, Nori, made a comment. "I'm amazed you got this far, considering your lifestyle. If I was the JSF, I'd kick you out because of your very existence."

A cold air swept over the room and at that moment I understood why Marianne never attended these family reunions. When children were around, the world was sunshine and happiness, but everyone here was old enough. The world of adults was vicious and unforgiving. The adult all straightened up. Few sent glares at the girl, most gave concealed smirks. They wanted to bring up the topic, but if they brought it up suddenly, they would be rude. But since someone else brought it up, they could now have their turn at tearing me apart.