Running After You

#14: A Shadow Of Past

Few minutes later, the ambulance came.

"It seems that there were no foul play".

The medics checked on body and shook their head.

The blood was all over the place.

The stench was something unforgettable. It smells like something was rusting.

Wake up! Wake up!

Erina turned off her alarm clock. She opened the window and stretched for a little while.

Her phone rang.

"Would you take a little rest from school? Your grandmother doesn't have much to live anymore", the caller informed. Erina's heart sank and just gave a reply. What a way to welcome the morning.

School Faculty Room

"I understand. But then, you should understand that you have to keep up with the class as well, Aisawa", the teacher explained and gave her permission to have a whole week vacation. "You're going to pile their notebooks this afternoon. I'll ask Mikami to do it", the teacher informed. "It's alright, sensei. I will still do it", Erina bowed.

Fushimi happened to hear it since he was also called to the faculty for some matters.

They both left the toom.

Mio and Ai are waiting outside the faculty room. "Toka-san told us about your grandmother. We can go with you", Mio informed. Ai hugged her tightly. "Yosh. Let's go and see your grandma", Ai said with determination. Erina just have a soft chuckle. "Ai. You have your volleyball game this weekend. Mio, I believe you have some kind retreat with your club", Erina reminded. "Who cares? They can do it by themselves", Ai winked. "I can always join them afterwards", Mio nervously held her hand. "You have classes. I'll be fine. Please let me go alone, okay? I'll be bringing you some sweets when I come back. I'll also tell grandma a lot of stories about you", Erina patted their shoulders. "Ishiki! We have lunch training", one of her teammate dragged her. "Saotome, meeting", Horito informed.

Erina walked towards the corridor and saw Fushimi leaning on the walls.

"Are you going to be alright?", he suddenly asked. Erina flinched to know that he's also there. She was too preoccupied. "Yeah", Erina gave a weak smile. "You don't have to be", Fushimi said while walking in front of Erina. Suddenly, the girl broke into tears. Erina got her handkerchief and was about to wipe it. It was tough acting out for Ai and Mio not to worry that much. The truth is, she was so scared to know that her grandmother is sick and the doctor said she wouldn't last long. She's reverting back to how scared and immature she was. Maybe she didn't grow after all.

"Sorry, senpai. I remembered you told me to grow up",Erina covered her face.

It's just so frustrating to see you like this.

Fushimi walked towards her and hugged her head. "That wasn't what I mean before", he remembered it quite well. He was also going through battle that time. She cried for more. Its been a while since she was told that it's okay not to be fine at all.

It's going to be alright so please come back as Erina.

I want to see you smile again.

Stop crying.

Please, I want to hear you laugh again.

A week after,
Pet Shop

Hana peeked in but saw that Erina wasn't around. Her aunt Sai was the one feeding the animals. "Is Erina around?", Hana asked. Sai looked at her and remembered her face. "She's still in our hometown. Is there something you need from her?", Sai asked. She has a stoic face and also a mature tone. Hana stepped back and excused herself.