Fists and Lipsticks 2: The Silver Crescent

CHAPTER 30: Sessions (Part 6)

CHAPTER 30: SESSIONS (Part 6)

What is the price of revenge?

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"You're working during New Year's Eve?

Holding my mobile phone, I closed the blinds of my clinic and collected the strewn things on my desk, placing them one by one inside my leather medical bag.

"A doctor knows no holidays, Makiko-chan," I answered as cheerily as I could, although I had to admit that this day had been quite stressful. I met with more than ten patients since eight in the morning. I had barely an hour for lunch too, contenting myself with just a half-slice of tuna sandwich from the hospital canteen.

I sat down on my recliner, heaving a sigh as I looked upon the wall clock that read '9:00pm'.

"I envy you, Makiko-chan! Spending the New Year there in France with Tomohiko-san, ah that’s so wonderful!”

Yes, it is wonderful here, Shizu-chan! The best part is that fewer people could recognize Tomo-kun.

"Meaning, less time dealing with fan girls? Heeheehee," I giggled.

Exactly!

But… what about you, Shizu-chan? Have you… and Sato Yuken… you know…

"Sato-kun and I… We talked the other day," a soft smile played on my lips. "I understand him now I guess…"

That's great to hear, Shizu-chan! Is he with you right now?

"No, he told me he had to do something important."

Job? At New Year’s Eve?

"Maybe. He didn't tell me," I shrugged. "Sato-kun had been quite secretive these past few days. He rarely shows up, and whenever he does, he's like… I don't know… bothered with something?"

Maybe you're just being paranoid, Shizu-chan. You know - your so-called 'Psychiatrist Syndrome'…

"I really do hope that's just it," I exhaled heavily.

Well, we'll be away for two more weeks. I got you a nice dress from a fashion bazaar. Actually, Tomo-kun was the one who saw it first, but I thought it would look better on you!

"Oh Makiko-chan, you really shouldn't have bothered! Just enjoy yourself there with Tomohiko-san, alright?"

I will, I will… You too, Shizu-chan. Take care of yourself and don't be stressed out so much with your work, alright? Happy New Year!

"Happy New Year to you too, Makiko-chan!"

Beep.

I placed my mobile phone back into my pocket with a smile on my face. Ever since we were young, Makiko and I had always spent New Year's Eve together, baking cookies and lighting up sparklers and Catherine wheels mounted on the bark of the tree outside our house. This was the very first time I would be spending the holiday without her. Despite this, however, I did not feel sad, for I know that she was in some place happy with the man she loves.

My gaze fell upon the item delivered early this morning and positioned on top of my desk – a basket of imported tea sent by Sato Yuken. For some reason, he did not bring the gift to me personally. On the card was a greeting written with his legible handwriting that read 'Happy New Year'. Aside from this, he left another note, asking me to give the other pack of tea to Yoshida-chan 'if ever' we meet. I had not seen Sato-kun for a while, not even last Christmas. As I started to ponder upon Sato-kun's peculiar actions these past few days, I tried hard convincing myself to believe what Makiko just told me. Maybe she was right when she said that it was probably the 'psychiatrist syndrome' taking over my rational judgments.