Project: Karma

59 | Simple Living

<Nagisa>
Time is delicate. It never stops and if you're fixated on something, like trying to stop it, it keeps moving without you. The worst mistake you could ever do, is staying trapped in the past. When Nakaru was born that beautiful morning, that's what I had to
transition over to.

In order for Nakaru to live his life normally, I have to sacrifice my selfish needs. I have to forget about the happiness Karma had brought me. That doesn't mean I won't stop loving him though if it's for Nakaru's sake. I'll exchange all of it.

I woke up from my sleep and felt the frosty touch upon my exposed leg, which wasn't covered by the blanket. I was lucky enough for my nerves to work again however, walking is still a challenge for me.
I laid comfortably on my side, as Nakaru's arm wrapped around my waist. His small body, emitting warmth. I took my hand and stroked back his soft red hair.
It reminded me of Karma's.

"Hmm? Momma?" Nakaru peeked an eye open and yawned. "Someswing wong?" He got up on his knees and crawled over closer.

"Momma?"

I shook my head and grabbed him in and lifted him from the bed, while I laid on my back.

"Hahaha, Momma! Higher, higher!"

Nakaru spread his arms and legs out like he was flying. He's always full of energy even after he wakes up. Seeing the youthful glow of him, is what makes me want to keep living. It's been four years since he was born.

"I guess I'll make breakfast." I sat up in bed and stretched out my arms. Nakaru poked his head up instantly and rolled out of bed on his side. For a moment, I couldn't see him because the bed itself was blocking him out.

Then the black wheelchair leaning against wall started moving on its own towards me.

"Momma, it's all set." Nakaru pushed the wheelchair to the side of my bed and jumped into my arms.

"Awe, thank you Naki!" I tightly hugged him and rubbed my cheek against his.

Nakaru slipped back down and waited for me.
"Come on Momma." He motioned his arms.

"Alright, alright. Let's go make breakfast."

I used the bed as support and slowly brought my legs down to the wooden floor. When I touched it, I inched myself off the rim of the bed and crouched a little when I stood up. I felt myself staggering a little but, Nakaru helped me.

I found it funny that he was trying so hard, thinking that he was as strong as his father. Even if his strength couldn't help me, I was still grateful for his intentions. He just too adorable!

Once I sat in the chair, I heard Nakaru groan from trying to push the wheelchair. Like usual, I secretly helped him by turning the wheels myself and that made it easier for him.

It wasn't like he could see that I was actually doing it myself, he was very focused that he didn't even care to look up.

"Look at you Naki! You're getting stronger everyday!" I praised him.

"Heheheheh." Nakaru giggled.

When we made it to the kitchen, Nakaru stood clear as I used the counter to stand up. I wasn't that bad at walking that it takes me hours for each step but, I was very cautious myself. I couldn't afford to stumble because if I did, I would burden Nakaru and worry him.

"Here Momma!" Nakaru came to my side and handed me my apron.

"Thank you Naki." I took it and wore it, as I tied it around me.

Nakaru went into the fridge and grabbed the eggs, rice, and the usual ingredients for me. He placed them on the counter and did everything else, like setting the table and laying out my and his clothes for later. I never thought that at his age, he would know about fashion trends. Nakaru is really something!

I guess being surrounded by so many of my friends for the past years, has really influenced him. He's always telling me about how Kaede brings him out shopping and showing him around the fashion industry. He managed to learn basic house cleaning from Koro-sensei and Aguri.

I'm rather thankful for them teaching Nakaru these kinds of things but, he's growing up too fast. All he wants is to make sure that I'm safe and happy...but I want Nakaru to be happy too.

After breakfast, we both got dressed and by the time we finished making bentos, Shizuka was already at the door.

"Zuzu!" Nakaru opened the door and shouted, "momma! Zuzu is hwere!"

I rolled over to the door and greeted her.
"Good morning Nagisa, Naki, did you have a nice breakfast?" She asked Nakaru.

Nakaru nodded his head.
"Thanks again Shi, I don't know how you're always able to baby sit him."

"No worries, my kids always like having Naki around. My husband and I always end up going to the park."

"Gosh Shi, are you sure that it's not any trouble?" I raised a brow.

"Nagisa, trust me. Besides, don't you have you're own students to worry about? Come on, you're ride's waiting outside already." She glanced out the door and waved.

"Thanks again Shi. Naki, you behave okay?" I pinched his little cheeks.

He blissfully nodded his head.
"Okay Momma." He obediently responded.
••••••
On most occasions, I would call a driver to pick me up to being me to the school. I'm currently a high school teacher at the same high school that I graduated from. It didn't take me long to take the teaching exams and become licensed.

Koro-sensei ended up giving me a crash course on how to study for the teachers exam. Thanks to him he showed me tips and easy short cuts, which all worked out. Even without them, it was relatively easy to breeze through, especially the sciences.

Koro-sensei himself, went back to teaching too. As the same professor at the last university he was teaching at, years before he became a scientist. It was to my surprised that Aguri ended up leaving as an educator and began working with nursing at the city hospital. These guys are so busy that I question how they manage to swing by 3 times a week to check up on me. I'm still surprised they stopped after one child.

For Sugino, he became a professional baseball coach and often his team travels around Japan and even out of the country. They're always racking up wins that their counts on losses shrink every time. I remember the first time he began as a professional coach that it wasn't easy for him, until he was enlightened by a mysterious power.

Kaede? Isn't that obvious? It's what she loves and I find enjoyment in it too! Kaede is still an active model, owns a clothing line, and is a mother of twins! Ah, just thinking about it makes me nervous for them! I don't know how Kaede and Sugino does it but, they're always there for their kids.

Around when Nakaru has turned two years old, I went over to the Tomohito's alone, and told them the truth. And fortunately, they've  accepted it all and Kaede just kept on crying for me. But I know that I should be crying for them. A beautiful family they have. I'm jealous.

On the other hand, Shizuka is a mother of three, two boys and a girl. She continued her studies in laboratories and her husband is a regular office worker. Often, Shi would bring their kids over and watch Nakaru for me when I'm at the school.

As for those lovebirds, Irina and Karasuma are happily married and have two kids. They still work for the government. I would sometimes see Irina come over and bring some cookies and treats for us.

Times like this when I refresh my mind of reality and the world spinning around me, I forget how much has really changed. I didn't get caught up in the past and I'm living without regrets.

Karma whenever I think about him I pleasingly smile without even noticing. Sometimes Nakaru would ask why I was randomly delighted. I would say back to him that I was thinking about his father.
Nakaru only seen photos of Karma when he was back at the facility. So it's understandable that Nakaru doesn't have a concerning attachment of wanting to know who he was. I guess growing up with a single mom was always on his mind, that he doesn't want anything to happen to it.

I just want Nakaru to know that Karma didn't abandon me purposely, that he's not a bad man who he should not love. I wish that Nakaru would see that Karma was the one who saved me, us. And that I love him.