Breakfast

She stepped into the kitchen, her gaze lazily drifting from one thing to the other. She noticed her father seated awaiting breakfast. As soon as their eyes met, his lips twitched, but he managed to force out a smile.

“Morning, Riku.”

She smiled, walking closer to him, and bent to his face. He flinched away from her, almost stumbling out of his chair.

“Are you okay, Dad?” She tilted her head and patted his shoulder with a bright smile. “Won’t you take a kiss from your beloved daughter?”

“B-beloved daughter..." His eyes wavered, struggling to fixate on her. "Of course… I am sorry; maybe I am still sleepy.”

She giggled and softly pecked his cheek. “Daddy needs to get a proper sleep.”

He lowered his gaze, staring at the floor. “Y-yes…”

Behind them, the cups rattled. She turned around to see her mother standing there, carrying tea with trembling hands. The mother's eyes stared at her blankly.

“R-Riku… Why are you wearing that?”

She tucked in her shirt and gently lifted her skirt as if the gesture alone was enough for explanation. But her mother continued staring.

“Mom, it’s for school—“

Before she could complete her sentence, her mother intervened. “Oh dear, the school says it’s fine to take some days off.”

She blinked as she reached for the teapot. “Huh?”

Both the girl and her mother settled down at the small dinning table. The mother poured everyone tea, handing them their cups.

Her mother glanced at the girl. "School can wait, dear."

"But—?"

"Come on, R-riku I just came back home last week; let's spend some time together." Her father took a small sip of his warm tea.

The girl stared at her in awe. "But school is important and—"

Her mother patted her head. "It's been a while since we went out somewhere… shouldn’t-“

“No!” Riku yelled in a loud, hoarse voice, startling her parents. 

She continued in a lowered yet absurd high-pitched voice. "Look at his condition…..we went out and now look… he can’t walk… he can’t—”   She pointed at her father. He shuddered under her gaze while her lips quivered.

He raised his trembling hand, slowly waving at her. “I—I am fine, Riku… please… c-calm down…” His voice cracked; he tried to smile, but the tears rolled down his cheeks. He looked at his wife, almost whispering. "I can't take this any more..." 

“NO, YOU ARE NOT OKAY!” The girl jolted up, slamming her palms on the table. The cup crashed onto the floor as she stormed out of the kitchen.

It's been two months since we had that accident.

Dad's legs have lost their ability to walk

Mom and I remained lucky

I wish I was hurt in his place

In her room, she sat, leaning closer to the mirror. The reflection boy mimicked her. Their faces close with only the thin glass in between.

"Riku, are you okay?"  He called out in a soft, gentle tone. 

Without sparing him a glance, she stood up and wobbled to her bed. 

"Riku?"

She flopped onto the clean white sheets, her skirt flared behind her. "I yelled at my parents...and they weren't even at fault." Slowly she settled into the bed, pulling the sheets on her body. 

"It's okay...just tell them you are sorry."

She turned around, looking out of the window. The sun shimmered brightly, contrasting with her mood. "They want to go out somewhere...even after the accident."

"Ahh, I see.... Well, they shouldn't...what if something happens again?"

"Yes...they just don't understand this..." She curled in her bed, clenching the pillow. "And look at you...you just said what was worrying me...you understood."

"Of course I did... I have been with you for a long time... watching you from your reflection."

She peeked at the mirror, but he was out of her view. 

Even though you were always there
I am conscious of you now....