Chapter 13:

Painful memories

Trapped Between Two Worlds"

sitting together]

Kaito: ...Let’s sit here.

(Misaki holds the photos, then suddenly tears up)

Misaki: Thank goodness… Thank goodness this photo still exists.

Kaito: That photo... Is that you two in the hospital?

Misaki: Yes… That was after the car accident.

Kaito: The accident…? Was it because of you?

Misaki: You said you'd wait until I was ready to talk, right?

Kaito: I did.

Misaki: Then… would you listen to my story?

---

[Flashback – Middle school, Misaki and Iroha]

Iroha: What are you doing after school today?

Misaki: My dad is visiting, so I’ll head home early.

Iroha: Your dad? I’ve always wanted to meet him.

Misaki: Why?

Iroha: So I can see if he’s fun or boring like you.

Misaki: ...Boring?

Iroha: Yeah! People say kids are like their parents, so I want to see what he’s like.

Misaki: Sorry to say, but my dad’s just like me. He’s serious and focused on work—not much of a joker.

Iroha: So you two are aliens or what?

Misaki: No! We just take things seriously. Unlike some people who goof around all day.

Iroha: I'd rather be fun than become a rusty old robot.

Misaki: What did you just say?!

Iroha: Oh no! Misaki the robot has lost control! (runs off)

Misaki: (chasing her) You’re dead when I catch you!

Iroha: (laughs)

---

[In front of Misaki’s house]

Misaki’s Mom: Oh, Iroha, why are you running like that?

Iroha: Uh… it’s nothing! (smiles)

Misaki: Got you now!

Misaki’s Mom: Too bad, I think she beat you here first.

Misaki: Beat me?!

Iroha: Weren’t we racing? I got here first, so I win!

(whispers) "Robot girl~"

Misaki: I am not a robot! And we weren’t even racing. I should punish you for that.

Misaki’s Mom: Alright, girls, that’s enough. I know you hate losing, but come on.

Misaki: Fine. Iroha, let’s go inside and talk.

Iroha: Sure.

Misaki: Can you behave properly in front of my dad?

Iroha: Why’d you say it like that? As if I’d do something crazy.

Misaki: Sorry… It’s just that my dad rarely visits. And even when he does, he barely talks to me.

(Iroha looks into Misaki’s sad eyes)

Iroha: Alright, acting like a robot for one day isn’t so hard.

Misaki: Thank you. (grabs her tightly) Just don’t call me a robot again.

Iroha: Ouch, ouch, okay! I won’t!

---

[Later – The father arrives]

Misaki’s Dad: I’m home.

Misaki’s Mom: Welcome back.

Misaki: Welcome home, Dad.

Iroha: Hello, sir.

Dad: My name’s Takeshi.

Iroha: Takeshi? That’s a hard name! Do you mind if I call you "Taki" when we’re alone?

Takeshi: I don’t mind. In fact, I’ll call you “Eri” then. How’s that?

Iroha: Wait, how do you know my name?

Takeshi: I used to be friends with your father.

Iroha: So we’re not strangers after all.

Takeshi: Not at all.

Misaki: You two hit it off fast.

Iroha: Yeah. I don’t think he’s anything like you.

Misaki: I’m not a robot!

---

[At dinner]

Takeshi: So, Misaki, how are your studies going?

Misaki: I’m doing well.

Takeshi: Good. What about you, Eri?

Iroha: I’m doing okay, but not as well as Misaki. She memorizes things so fast.

Takeshi: Oh? Want to know her secret?

Iroha: You have a trick?

Takeshi: Sure. I installed a processor in her brain.

Iroha: So that’s how she memorizes so fast!

Misaki: Dad, stop joking!

Takeshi: Alright, then how about pouring me a drink?

Misaki: Fine.

Takeshi: Careful not to fry your circuits.

Misaki: Daaad!

Everyone: laughs

---

[After dinner – Outside the house]

Iroha: It was nice meeting you today. I hope I can come by again soon.

Takeshi: Don’t worry, I’ll be staying for at least a week.

Iroha: Really? Then I’ll make sure to visit.

Misaki’s Mom: You’re always welcome.

Misaki: I’ll walk you to the street.

Iroha: No need! We have to keep our relationship a secret.

Misaki: ...Relationship?

Iroha: Didn’t we agree to get married someday?

Misaki’s Mom: Oh? You never told me that, Misaki.

Misaki: Thank goodness Dad didn’t—

Takeshi: I support you two!

(Misaki hits Iroha on the head)

Misaki: Stop joking around!

Parents: laughing

Takeshi: Don’t treat your fiancée like that!

Misaki: Please stop with that talk!

Iroha: Haha, don’t worry Misaki. I don’t care about your robot side—just your love.

Misaki: covers her mouth Say another word and you’re done talking forever!

Iroha: Okay, okay!

---

[Walking outside]

Misaki: So? What did you think of my dad?

Iroha: He’s… different from you.

Misaki: I don’t know… He acted strangely today.

Iroha: Strange?

Misaki: He’s usually not like that. Today felt… different.

Iroha: Isn’t that a good thing?

Misaki: I guess it wasn’t bad… I just hope it means something good.

Iroha: Yeah, me too.

---

[At school – Next day]

Iroha: Hey, Misaki! What did you score on the test?

Misaki: What about you?

Iroha: Haha, I got 98 out of 100!

Misaki: Congrats! But—

Iroha: Wait, did you get a lower score?

Misaki: Nope. I got 99.

Iroha: eyes widen and tear up Why can’t I be as lucky as you?!

Misaki: It’s not luck. It’s hard work.

Iroha: I wish I had that work ethic...

Misaki: You say the weirdest things.

Iroha: I know! Let’s go show your dad. He’d be happy.

Misaki: You think so? He’s probably used to these grades. He might not even react.

Iroha: No way! He has to be proud. So after school, we’re going to tell him.

Misaki: (smiles) Okay.

(After school – At Misaki’s house)

Misaki: I'm back.

Misaki’s Mom: Welcome home. Oh, you brought Iroha with you.

Iroha: Hello. I hope I'm not bothering you.

Misaki’s Mom: Not at all. Would you like something cold in this heat?

Iroha: Yes, please.

Misaki: Where’s Dad?

Misaki’s Mom: He’s in a meeting at the office with some clients.

Misaki: I see. Then we’ll wait.

Misaki’s Mom: Why? Is there something you want to tell him?

Iroha: Yes. The exam results are out. Misaki got the highest grade.

Misaki’s Mom: Really? That’s my girl! And you, Iroha?

Iroha: One point less than her.

Misaki’s Mom: Why the sad face then?

Iroha: Because it feels unfair.

Misaki’s Mom: No, dear. You did well.

Iroha: You’re on her side, huh?

Misaki’s Mom (smiling): No, I’m not. But effort matters, and not all efforts are equal.

(Male voices are heard outside the room. Overlapping conversations.)

Misaki’s Mom: Seems like your father is done. You can go in.

Misaki: Then I’ll go.

Butler (stopping her): I’m sorry, miss, but the master asked not to be disturbed until he finishes reviewing the report.

Misaki: It won’t take long. I just want to show him something.

Butler: I’m sorry, but it’s not allowed.

Misaki (angrily): Why is he always so invested in work and never cares about his family?!

(Misaki storms off. Iroha follows her and stops her.)

Iroha: Misaki, what’s wrong?

Misaki: Nothing. He just doesn’t want to spend any time with me. He always chooses work over... his daughter.

Iroha: Give me the paper and wait here.

(Iroha walks toward Misaki’s father’s office. The butler stops her.)

Butler: What do you need, miss?

Iroha: I want to talk to him.

Butler: I’m afraid I can’t allow that.

Iroha: Fine, but tell him Iri is here to see him.

Butler: I’m sorry, I can’t—

Iroha (raising her voice): Hey, Mr. Take! I’m Iri! Could you come out for a second?!

Butler: Please don’t raise your voice in the house again. The master won’t respond—

Takashi (Misaki’s father): What’s with all the noise? Didn’t I say I didn’t want to be disturbed? Oh... it’s you, Iroha?

Iroha: Yes. And I have something to say.

Takashi: Go ahead, Miss Mama.

Iroha (annoyed): What?

Takashi: You look so much like her. I couldn’t help it.

Iroha: Doesn’t matter. I came to talk about your daughter.

Takashi: What about her?

Iroha: Here, take her exam paper.

Takashi: Let me guess: full marks or one point less?

Iroha: Yes. How did you know?

Takashi: She’s my daughter. So, what do you want me to do?

Iroha: Just say something to her. Or maybe take us out somewhere.

Takashi: She’s my daughter. I know what’s best for her. But if you wait until I finish, I’ll take you to a restaurant. How’s that?

Iroha: Sounds good.

(Later – in Misaki’s room)

Iroha: Can I come in?

Misaki: You already did. Just come.

Iroha: Are you upset?

Misaki: Yeah. My father is always like this. Gone for months because of work. Even during holidays, he finds reasons to avoid us. He doesn’t give us even a few seconds of his time.

Iroha: Well... actually, I have good news.

Misaki: What is it?

Iroha: Mr. Workaholic decided to take us out to dinner today after he finishes.

Misaki (surprised): Are you serious?

Iroha: Yep! So, get dressed. And of course, I’m coming too.

Misaki: I didn’t say you could stay.

Iroha: What, are you hiding boy magazines or something?

Misaki: Iroha... come here.

Iroha: What is it—

(Misaki grabs her cheeks and pulls hard.)

Iroha (cheeks squished): Okay, okay! I was joking!

---

(At the restaurant)

Takashi: So, both of you got high scores, huh? Order anything you like.

Iroha: Then I’ll have dessert!

Misaki’s Mom: No, dear. That’s not good for your health.

Iroha: I’m tired of this. Why did I have to get this condition?

Takashi: So you want sweets, huh?

Iroha: Yes!

Misaki: Dad, you know it’s not good for her.

Takashi: Just wait and—

(He signals to the waiter.)

Waiter: What would you like?

Takashi: Four drinks, please. And— (whispers something to him)

Waiter (smiling): Right away.

(Drinks arrive.)

Iroha (takes a sip): What is this? It’s tasteless!

Takashi (laughing): You wanted sweets, so I got it without sugar!

Iroha: You tricked me!

Misaki (laughing): Hey, our drinks are the same too. So you’re not alone.

Misaki’s Mom: Let’s eat before the drinks.

---

(After dinner – outside the restaurant)

Misaki’s Mom: That was a lovely dinner, right?

Iroha: Yeah, except for the juice!

Takashi (laughing): I thought it was a good idea.

Misaki (thinking): They’re laughing… I’ve never seen that side of my parents before. This is thanks to Iroha. Yet, something inside me still feels... distant.

(At Iroha’s house)

Misaki’s Mom: Misaki, why did you stop?

Iroha’s Mom: So, how was the exam?

Iroha: It was good.

Iroha’s Mom: Did you have fun with Misaki today?

Iroha: Yeah... How did you know?

Iroha’s Mom: It’s written all over your face.

Iroha: Yes, I enjoyed it. Misaki’s dad took us to a restaurant today and gave me juice, but he tricked me—it had no sugar.

Iroha’s Mom: What? Misaki’s dad?

Iroha: Yeah, he’s not strict. He jokes around sometimes.

Iroha’s Mom: So you’re saying Misaki’s dad is nice?

Iroha: Yeah. Misaki is lucky to have a son like him.

Iroha’s Mom (sadly): So... how about this? Since Misaki’s dad is on vacation this week, why don’t you spend the night at Misaki’s?

Iroha: Really?

Iroha’s Mom: Yes.

---

(Iroha’s Dad and Misaki’s Dad meet)

Misaki’s Dad: It’s been a while since I last saw you.

Iroha’s Mom: Yes, it has.

Misaki’s Dad: So, what did you want to talk about?

Iroha’s Mom: Would you listen to my request?

---

(Back at Misaki’s house)

Misaki’s Mom: Welcome back.

Misaki’s Dad: Yes, but I have a guest with me.

Misaki’s Mom: Who?

Misaki’s Dad: I think she should come in.

Iroha: Hello! Did you miss me?

Misaki: Iroha!

Kaito’s Dad: She will stay with us this week.

Misaki: What?

Misaki’s Dad: Nothing special. I just want her to stay.

Misaki (smiling): Why not? She’ll be with us and go to school with me.

Misaki’s Mom: Yes, and you’ll be with us at Misaki’s birthday too.

Iroha: Misaki’s birthday is coming soon?

Misaki’s Dad: Yes, at the end of the week.

Iroha: Then let’s celebrate together!

---

(Days pass until Misaki’s birthday)

(The day before the birthday)

Iroha: Your birthday is tomorrow.

Misaki: Yes, and I’m excited!

Iroha: Yeah, because you’ll get gifts and a delicious cake.

Misaki: No, because my dad will come to my birthday for the first time in a long time.

Iroha: What? He never came to your birthdays?

Misaki: He was always busy with work and barely asked about me.

Iroha: Then I probably can’t invite him to my birthday in a month.

Misaki: Your birthday is in a month?

Iroha: Yes, and I hoped to invite him.

Misaki: Then let’s invite him to your birthday tomorrow.

Iroha: Yes.

---

(At the birthday party)

(After waiting for a long time, Misaki finds out her dad won’t come because of an urgent business trip abroad.)

Misaki’s Mom: I’m sorry, Misaki. It looks like your dad is busy.

Misaki (sad, trying to hold back tears): It’s okay. He always does this. He breaks his promises, so I didn’t expect him to come.

Iroha: Misaki...

(Misaki goes to her room while Misaki’s mom accompanies Iroha home.)

---

(Misaki’s room)

(Misaki sits on her bed.)

Misaki (thinking): Dad, I know you’re busy... (tears fall) but can’t you give a little time to your daughter? Is that so hard?

---

(Days pass; Misaki tries to forget but hides her sadness inside until Iroha’s birthday comes)

Misaki: Happy birthday, Iroha.

Iroha: Yes, happy birthday to me.

Iroha’s Mom: Okay, let’s give the presents.

Misaki’s Mom: Here you go, I wish you a long life.

Iroha: Thank you.

Misaki: This is my gift for you, and I hope...

Iroha: What? I didn’t hear.

Misaki: It’s a secret. I can’t tell you until it comes true.

Iroha: Why?

Misaki: So it will come true.

Iroha’s Mom: Here, I wish you good health, and this is the last gift.

(A voice from behind)

Kaito’s Dad: Who said it’s the last gift?

Misaki (surprised): Dad?

Misaki’s Dad: Yes, and I brought this gift for you.

Iroha: A teddy bear?

Misaki’s Dad: Yes. Your dad gave it to me and asked me to give it to you when you turn 15. Happy birthday.

Iroha: Thank you.

---

(Iroha is happy because Misaki’s dad came, but Misaki is upset again)

---

(At Iroha’s house)

Iroha’s Mom: I see you’ve become attached to this teddy bear.

Iroha: Yes, it’s from Takeshi.

Iroha’s Mom: I see you like it more than your mom.

Iroha: Not true. I love you too, but... (sadly) how lucky are those who have a dad.

Iroha’s Mom (hugging her): I know you’re sad about your dad leaving this world, but I promise I will be both your mom and dad. I won’t let anything make you sad.

Iroha: So, I don’t want to go to the doctor tomorrow.

Iroha’s Mom: I know I said that, but you have to ask for something reasonable.

Iroha: So, can I...

Iroha’s Mom (smiling but serious): No.

(Iroha puffs her cheeks)

Iroha’s Mom: But since you didn’t eat any chocolate, I brought this for you.

Iroha (with innocent eyes): Really?

Iroha’s Mom: Yes.

Iroha: Okay, I’ll go to the doctor.

---

(At the doctor’s office)

Doctor: Iroha, the tests show a positive result, but I need to speak with your mom.

Iroha: It’s okay, doctor. I know what’s wrong with me. I know I don’t have much time left, but I have the right to know how long I will live.

Doctor (sadly): I’m sorry for what I’m about to say, but...

---

(Suddenly, Iroha started coming to our house often to visit my dad. My dad spent all his time with her, and I was angry about that. I was very upset until one day...)

Iroha: Thank you, Misaki, for giving me a ride.

Misaki: I had to. But why do you always bring the teddy bear?

Iroha: Because it’s a precious gift from your dad, so I keep it every time I come to your place.

Misaki: But why does my dad always make time for you but never for me?

Iroha: What?

Misaki: Every time he sits with you, he forgets he has a daughter.

Iroha: That’s...

(Misaki pulls the teddy bear)

Misaki: And he didn’t give you a gift or come to my birthday but came to yours. Why?

Iroha: He gave me this gift, so please... just leave it.

Misaki (with sadness): And what about me? I'm his daughter. He couldn’t even send me a “Happy Birthday”... why?

(A part of the teddy bear tears off in the struggle. Iroha, upset, pushes Misaki.)