Project: Karma

71 | Red Signal

<Karma>
"Good work today." One of my coworkers patted my back while I was finishing up my last sentence on the desktop. Everyone was getting ready to leave and I was one of the few who hasn't clocked out yet.

Recently, I never knew office work would be my kind of job. I guess being confined within a dome for so many years, you begin to question about the future. At least, when I was locked up, life outside was just a dream and there was no such things such as jobs and families.

Nagisa saved me from that solitary life and brought me here. I'm still getting used to it but, I don't regret any of my choices. Nagisa and Nakaru are my family. There's nothing else I would ask for.

"You too, remember that you have a meeting first thing in the morning." I brought up.

"Don't have to tell me twice." He drooped loosely and groaned. "See you later Akabane. Give this to your kid, I heard from you last time that he likes things like these."

I took the card from him and examined the contents. It was a coupon for any free shounen jump manga. It was around Naki's birthday where he started getting into books like these. It all brought me back to when Nagisa had some on her hands and let me read one years back.

I did end up buying Naki a black 3DS for him this year. It was a buzz around the work as other dads were buying it for their kids. I suspect that Naki likes it, he's usually in the living room before dinner playing on it.

I took my leave at work and drove myself back home. The crowded streets outside because of the relatively warm weather at night. Other bright lights from other cars going home as well.

Then I saw a familiar face.
I pulled over to the side and blinked my beams to grab their attention. It was Kaede and her kids walking along.

"Karma? Is that you?" She poked her head through, "all finished with work?" She asked.

"Yes, on my way home. What about you? Why are you guys out and about at this hour?" I pointed out.

The two little ones kept quiet and stared at each other. I smiled at them and they kindly gleamed back and giggled.

"These two wanted to see her dad at ones of his games. So we ended up going and took the train to surprise him." Kaede explained, "it was our win again! The kids were blaring with excitement." She laughed.

"I could only imagine." I spoke. "Anyways, would you like a ride back?"

Kaede looked over at her kids and looked back at me, "if I'm not troubling you, can you?"
I nodded my head.
"Jump in."

During the duration of the car ride, the kids fell soundly asleep and Kaede and I just spoke of trivial things however, it seemed like she was pushing onto questions rather quickly. She was in the passengers seat next to mine and sat in a still manner.

"Karma, have you thought of having more kids in the future?"

"Huh? More kids?" I questioned.

"Yes."

"Well, it's all up to Nagisa really."

Kaede suddenly cracked up and laughed quietly to herself. She didn't want to wake the kids but, I knew she wanted to explode with laughter.

"You're the one with that, how is it up to her if you can't control yourself." She brought up.

"That's true but as long as I can prepare myself not to, it's alright." I responded.

Kaede wiped the small tears from her eyes and said, "if there was a new member of the family unexpectedly, how will you feel?"

It was a sense of duty for me to answer according. Besides, it would also mean that I would be there this time for Nagisa.

"I wouldn't mind it, if anything I really want Nagisa to be happy. If having another child is what she wishes for then I'll agree with her." I answered.

"That's not what I asked, I mean is that what you want." Kaede sighed.

"Me? Of course I want more children. Isn't possessing the ability to love and holding a life that you've create worth the while?" I looked over at Kaede as we pulled into her driveway.

Kaede looked back at her kids who were buckled up, their heads tilted to the sides quietly.

"Yes, it is." Kaede unbuckled her seatbelt and grabbed my hand, "it is worth the while, isn't it?"
I helped Kaede carry her kids to her home and she pestered me to leave right afterwards.

"Go home to Nagisa, your kids are waiting."

Strangely those words stuck to me like glue. Was there a reason why she made that plural?
•••••••
"I'm home!" I called out, taking my shoes and placing them to the side.

I could hear Nakaru's running footsteps until I could see him striding down the hall. He leapt into my arms.

"What's up kiddo?" I messed with his head and he looked up at me with a glint of worry in his eyes.

"Nothing, welcome back Papa." He replied.

"Where's Momma?"

"Cooking."

"Did you already eat?" I pinched his cheeks.

"Yes."

Nakaru seemed a bit off. Or was I just over thinking things?
I took Nakaru's hand and he walked me into the kitchen. That was when I saw Nagisa back as she wore her pink laces apron. She turned around and grinned.

"Welcome home." She dropped her knife and hugged me without her hands touching me, they were soaked in water.

I kissed her and she blushed, like she always does. Then she continued with her cooking.

Nakaru stared at me while I took off my tie. No words and it felt like he was staring into my soul. In no time, he gave up and walked away.
I wonder what that was about.

"I'm going to use the bathroom before I eat." I made Nagisa aware.

"Sure thing, it will be done soon."

I headed to the main bathroom, only to see that Nakaru was occupying the space. Well, I guess I have to use the one in our room. I walked into Nagisa and my room and into the bathroom. While standing and taking a leak, I saw a cardboard piece sticking out of the shelf. It was of been the side of a package of something.

After I was done, I came to inspect what it was. Plus I didn't like how obvious it was in the opening and I wanted to fix that.

When I grabbed it, it was part of something larger.
Heh...? What's this?
I blankly stare at the package pregnancy tests and there was two already missing. I poked my head to the trash can and looked in to see one laying hidden beneath the toilet roll.

"Don't tell me."
I flared with red as this sudden discovery excited me. Is Nagisa expecting another child?!
I couldn't stay content, I leaned against the wall, gushing with joy. I wonder if it will be a boy or a girl?

"Karma! Foods ready!" I heard Nagisa calling in the distance.

"On my way!" I shouted back.

I'm speechless.