The Knights Himura

#3: Wake Up Call

"Hey, Tsuki, wake up."

A smack to the side of the head startled Tsukiko.

"It's morning already, get up." Fumiko said, not realizing the irony of her statement.

"Mnnngh... It's Sunday, Fumi..."

"I'd like some privacy, madame."

"Fiiiiiine."

Tsukiko stretched her arms out, before slumping back down in the chair. It didn't take long for her eyes to close again. A hand hit her again.

She stood up. Different parts of her body all cracked and popped back into place. Sleeping in a small plastic chair hadn't done her back any favors.

She ran her fingers through her hair, then down her wrinkled clothes. The light from the window stung her eyes, so she could hardly see. Her throat was dry, and her head hurt.

Someone had turned off the lights in the middle of the night. The room was still lit, but this time a powerful sky blue. Long dark figures were cast on the far wall, opposite of the window.

Massive puffy clouds meandered through the wonderful sky. The mid-morning sun covered the world in a clear, hopeful light. It only took a few more moments of this powerful light to wake Tsukiko up for good.

Even from up there, Tsuki could see the people below. The people of Tokyo were nothing but black specks wandering around below. They walked around in straight lines like little worker ants.

Massive skyscrapers dotted the skyline, reflecting the world on their glass facades. They were like massive mirrors, projecting the rest of the world before her.

"Go already!" Fumi fidgeted impatiently.

"Why?"

"Cuz if you don't leave now, your parents'll call and the staff'll get mad and blah blah blah, you know the drill. Just get out."

Tsuki shook her head. "Fumi, you know my Dad's too drunk to care."

"What about your Mom then?" Fumi retorted.

"She moved out, remember?"

Fumiko sighed. "If you don't go now, you're gonna plop down next to me and waste the entire day. Don't make me feel like a burden. Just go live your life, OK?"

Tsuki was almost offended, but her friend had a point. "Fine, I'll... bring over a souvenir or something. I'll be back later, alright?"

As she turned away, Fumiko grabbed her and pulled her back.

"Don't get hurt, alright? Please, just stay safe. Don't get dragged into anyth--." Fumi held onto Tsukiko's sleeve.

"I won't, I won't. God, trust me a little, Fumi. If you start worrying now, you're not gonna last a week in this hospital." Tsukiko pulled off Fumi's arm and walked out.

Fumiko frowned, turning to look out the window, then back down at her own wounded body.

--

Tsuki returned to the crime scene to satisfy her morbid curiosity. She didn't want to look at first. Her mind tried to fight off the urge.

She didn't get too close, only walking past the alley where it had happened. From the corner of her eye, she could see that there were people walking up and down the alley.

This sight bothered her. There didn't even seem to be a police officer or any yellow tape. She thought she could even see the red stains on the ground.

It made her sick to her stomach. It was as if the stabbing had never even happened.

There wasn't anything for her to do. She couldn't just wander around all day to keep herself entertained or busy. For once, Tsuki felt alone.