The Boy of the Moon

Introduction

You yawned as you walked home after working your shift at the local (Krusty Krab) mini market. Your long hair bouncing with every step you took. You feel like you have a simple life, nothing out of the ordinary. You live with your mom, Mayumi, since your dad died. Your mom is amazing and has raised you well by herself. The only problem you really have is the fact that you're mom's dying. More than a year ago, she was diagnosed with an unheard illness. Literally, she's the first person in the whole world to have it. Because of this, there's no research, therefore, no chance at a cure or to even slow it down.

That's why you've been working to pay for food and help with rent. You've had to stop going to public school and study on your own. It's difficult, but you still get your education. Sure, your life isn't the most conventional, but at least you're not alone. You reached your apartment's door and pulled out a key. You unlocked it and walked in, closing the door behind you. "I'm home," You took your shoes off and hung your jacket. You walked down the hallway to your mom's room and knocked before you came in.

Your mom greeted you with a tired smile and asked how your day was. "It was good, I had some fun today at work," You said as you sat down next to her. She put her hand over yours and sighed. "I'm sorry that you have to tire yourself out at such a young age." She said and you shook your head. "You know I don't mind. Having a full belly and a roof over our heads is more important to me," you said. She only frowned and you chuckled as you squeezed her hand. "So, what have you been doing?" You asked as you made yourself more comfortable. "Oh, you know, sleeping... reading... sleeping," Mayumi said, making you laugh.

She smiled, happy that she made you laugh. "How are your studies going? Do you need help with anything?" She asked and you shook your head, saying that you were doing fine. She hummed and closed her eyes, releasing a deep breath. "Son," She started, and you hummed for her to continue. "Do you believe in spirits and gods?" You blinked in surprise, wondering where the random question had come from. "I haven't really thought about it... maybe?" You replied and she hummed.

"Why? Do you believe in them?" You asked and she chuckled. "Yes, with every ounce of my dying being." She chuckled. "Mom, stop it with the death jokes." You jokingly whined. She chuckled again and you both went quiet, content with each other's presence. "Remember when you were a little kid and I would tell you stories about shrine gods and yōkai?" My mom asked and you had to recall. "... Yeah, I actually do. You even took me to a shrine and taught me how to pray and ask for blessings," You said, and she nodded. "Those were good times." She said and you frowned a little, wondering why she was reminiscing like a dying... woman...

Sometimes, when you're talking to your mom and having a nice time, you forget that she's dying. That she's in pain, that she can't leave this house to do anything. "Mom, where is this all coming from?" You looked into her (e/c) eyes, the same color as yours. "I just remembered about it today." She said, but you knew that she wasn't telling you everything. You decided to not push her, just wanting to be with her. You laid down next to her and she wrapped her arm around you. You felt her start to play with your hair, and you sighed in contentment. "(m/n), your hair has grown so long," Mayumi said and you chuckled.

"Just like your father's hair, pristine and long." She said and you sat up to look into her eyes. You could tell she missed your father so much. That was one of the reasons why you've grown your hair out so that she can focus on the good parts of him. "You are such a wonderful son, (m/n). I thank the Gods every day that you're mine." Your mother said and you smiled softly as you grabbed her hand and put it to your face. "And I've been blessed with a mother that has cared for me so well, even when the odds were against her," You said and she smiled back. It was times like these that really made your days brighter.