It Will End In A Kiss

Wake

(Disclaimer: Once again, since I'm not Japanese, I've never been to a Japanese funeral before. This is all research and drama in the plot I wrote. If there are discrepancies on my descriptions of a Japanese funeral, please be advised that I meant no insult in anyway, shape or form. I respect the Japanese and their culture. This is fiction. Thank you for understanding)

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(BLU)

I don't want to think it is pathetic...but I do think it is pathetic that Robin's father was holding court and being all animated as he entertain the guests on Chairman Akage's wake.

Since I am not Japanese, I find some of their funeral customs shocking. Like the fact that the deceased has to lay on his bed one last time before the body will be taken to the temple to start the wake. I find that strange, not gonna lie.

Next, there was a procession when the body of the deceased was taken from the house to the temple hall. In Filipino funeral custom, the procession only happens when you are getting ready to bury your dead. This one is not it. The procession happened at the beginning of the wake.

I'm getting confuse about the whole thing but nothing could be more confusing than the way this family act while in mourning. Like I said, Robin's father is acting too merry for my comfort. A wake is a solemn event. Not a party.
I heard Robin yesterday suggesting to Mr.Akage to make the rounds and greet people but Mr.Akage didn't do it. Instead, it was Robin's father who performed like a social butterfly and greeted everyone.

I looked at Mr.Gilbert who won't leave my side. He is acting strange too. I wonder why he is guarding me like someone will just suddenly snatch me away. But I find myself hesitating to ask Mr.Gilbert that so I asked him about Robin's father's attitude instead. All day long, we have been avoiding to be alone with Mr.Akage's brother and, not gonna lie again, I think that was for the best.

"Just let him be," Mr.Gilbert said softly so I will be the only one who can hear him. "If he wants to make a clown of himself, let him. It is not our problem."

"But shouldn't Mr.Akage do what he is doing. Mingling around and talking to guests?"

"No," Mr.Gilbert shook his head. "You will learn soon enough. But what I can tell you is this. A king doesn't do the rounds, Blu. He sits on his throne and let people come to pay their respect to him."

That got me watching Mr.Akage. He is not sitting like a king but he sure is staying at one spot. And that's when I realize it too, even though he is staying at one spot...he always has someone talking to him.

People are coming to him. They are coming to greet Mr.Akage and they are paying their respect to him. Why? Is he the king now? Is he the king of this family now?

Then what would that mean to Robin. Robin stands next to his Uncle. He bowed back to people giving their respect and condolence to the Akage family.

I guess that makes Robin the Crown Prince of the Akages. Surely, he is his Uncle's heir since Mr.Akage has no children of his own.

Wow...this family is...

I don't know what to think. They are steeped in tradition. They are obscenely rich. People flocked around them. It's...

Strange for someone who grew up in a middle class household like me.

"Where is Mr.Rumi?" I asked Mr.Gilbert. "I haven't seen him around since he dropped me and Robin at their home yesterday," I said.

"Mr.Rumi is in a secured location. He is the executor of Chairman Akage's will. He will keep away from the wake and will just show himself at the funeral rites and burial ceremony, to avoid overly mingling with the members of the family." Mr.Gilbert explained.