The Bridge To Nihon (BOOK ONE)

Chapter 27 - Parting Ways

Sofia had been afraid that something was wrong with Mica, but when she arrived at the carriage, Mica was sitting there, her face white as a sheet, which was normal after a performance, but her eyes were wide open, which was not.

She turned to Sofia.

"You have to leave."

"She can't!" Kaido said before Sofia could react, or even take in the announcement.

There was desperation as he said this. This was the continuation of the argument and not the beginning. And he had already lost.

"You were overheard, Sofia." Mica's voice was dripping with tiredness. She only said the bare minimum, coming to the point straight away to save her strength. "There are ears everywhere. Before long, the baker and his wife will be questioned, or maybe worse. She was very careless."

Sofia started shaking as if the temperature around her had suddenly fallen.

"What will happen to me?"

"Nothing," Kaido said, sounding untruthful. His face was full of sorrow.

"You have to get out of here," Mica said, contradicting her companion. "I am too weak to go with you, but Kaido will take you to the river. You might be able to get on one of the boats. I'd recommend you take one that is coming from the School, and not one that's going there, but knowing you, I doubt you will take my advice."

Sofia's eyes filled with tears.

"Why can't I stay with you? I'll wear a disguise. I'll hide. Nobody will know that I'm here."

"It is too dangerous," Mica said.

"For you or for me?"

Sofia felt more betrayed than she ever had, even more than when she had found out that Mica and Kaido had been deceiving her about their age.

"You're only looking out for yourself! You're the same as everybody else here! Lying and cheating. You're selfish! Why did you even take me with you, if you won't be there for me?"

A shadow of pain crossed Mica's face, but it did not sway her.

"I am there for Kaido. And, yes, I take care of myself. You should learn how to do that, but, Sofia, I think you already do. You are willing to put us into jeopardy to save yourself. You have been untruthful to us from the beginning, you haven't told us why came here, and that you want to go to the School. I don't mind. It's a smart way to behave. But don't accuse me of being the same."

"She's only a child," Kaido interjected.

Mica looked at him sadly.

"You know as well as I do – that doesn't mean a thing in Nihon."

Sofia had stopped sobbing and was looking into the distance. She didn't know what lay beyond, what was waiting for her. The only thing she knew, was that this was a dangerous place. She should never have come.

"I want to go home," she said, her voice sounding dull even to her ears.

She knew Mica's reply before she said it.

"That's impossible."

*

Sofia left with Kaido as soon as the night broke and the crowds around the Big Tree had dissipated. Before they went, Mica came out of the carriage. She was leaning heavily on the frame. Her face was ashen, drained of energy.