Kazuo

10: Splinter

10: Splinter

I held my phone as I stared at Kazuo's contact information. I would have never guessed that I would be staring at this or debating this for the entirety of my life. I clicked the call button. My heart was racing fast.

"Hello? Ki?" Kazuo's voice still sounded the same. He just sounded calmer and more mature. I was in a moment of shock.

"Hey Kazuo." It felt weird saying his name, him saying mine, me speaking my native language.

"Is everything okay?" He said.

"Yeah. What have you been up to. News? Anything?"

"I became a pediatrician. I took care of Satoshi a lot and I like being around kids. Yourself?"

"So you managed to actually do your work?" I chuckled.

"I thought a lot about life when I left Japan. I didn't want to be the guy I was before honestly. How are you holding up?"

"I'm in France."

"As well as I." He said. I was shocked. All this time I figured he was in America.

"Oh. Well I've been working in the education fields. You've inspired me." I replied.

"That's good. I hope you did find your way. I am truly sorry for all the hurt I've put you through Ki." He said. The sincerity in his voice was weird. Never in a millions years would I imagine Kazuo apologizing to me. It was like a surreal scene in a movie.

"It's fine. I have forgiven."

The line was silent for a brief second before Kazuo broke the silence. "Is there something you want to tell me? I can sense it all the way here." He said.

"Why did you fuck up my life?" I said calmly. "Even though I yield success at this point of my life, I am still fucked up." I clenched my fist. I wanted to let out all these bottled up emotions lurking within me.

"Because I wanted to be the favorite. We are twins. There is bound to be one that is less favored. I knew I wasn't the smarter one. The thing I got over you was my people skills. I was very extroverted and used that to my benefits. I saw a lot of potential in you and I felt our parents would choose you over me. It's fear that caused me to do the things I did. I'm sorry."

"Kazuo, I've done some terrible things. I told you about the girl." I felt my heart racing. Out of everyone in this world, I wondered why I decided to tell Kazuo.

"I know. I've kept it to myself."

"I disposed of those videos. I did it on impulse. I figured it would solidify my evidence against you, but it was unneeded and just an act due to mere malice." I sighed.

"It's okay. Let's leave that in the past. Is there anything else going on?" He asked.

"I don't have control of my mentality. I feel like I will do something reckless again. I don't know what's wrong with me. I have a good job, and amazing girlfriend, and all the money I need. However, it isn't enough. Not even close."

"Have you tried seeing someone to talk about this with?" He asked.

"No. It's too much information I don't want to disclose because I would get in trouble."

"I don't think I want to be involved." He said.

"How dare you! You act like you're apologetic and will be there for me. You're nothing but a fraud!" I was furious. I slammed my fist on the table. "Fuck you! I am never reaching out again! You were my only family and you wouldn't even want to hear me out?!"