My Neighbor Learned about “Kintsugi”

5:37 PM at the Aoi Family residence.

Johnny hadn’t felt this amount of tension before, not even while on the job. He was used to dealing with criminals, emergency situations and aiding in investigations. He had never been on the receiving end of a “Mother’s Interrogation” before.

Now he found himself sitting inside of Sky’s family living room in front of her mother while she sat beside her. The look of anxiety in Sky’s face and her obvious discomfort made him realize she was scared of what her mother might say about her daughter hanging around a stranger like him. It couldn’t be helped… if he had done something wrong, he would own up to it and accept his punishment.

Mrs. Aoi sat elegantly and with a calm expression on her face. The fact that she and Sky looked almost identical made him somewhat concerned that he might make a mistake on how to address her. She had the auburn hair held up by a professional tight bun which fit her business attire, blue eyes and complexion that Sky had inherited. Behind the soft smile and the motherly features was a sharp mind and discerning eye. If Sky was a chaotic storm, Mrs. Aoi was a calm river.

Mr. Aoi, Sky’s father had apparently gone into his room to take a nap after they had arrived from the airport, so he wouldn’t be joining them until dinner was ready. For now, John would have to face Mrs. Aoi herself…

“I apologize for the late introduction.” Sky’s mother spoke softly with a gentle smile and perfect manners. “I’m Eleanor Aoi. I’m pleased to officially meet our neighbor.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Aoi.” John nodded respectfully. “I’m Officer John Roads, of the Port Seaview Police Department. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

A kind laugh escaped Mrs. Aoi’s lips with a smile.

“Oh my! Such a well mannered gentleman!” Then Mrs. Aoi’s eyes glanced towards Sky who was trying to avoid any awkward comments. “I understand now that you’re the ‘friend’ that Sora-chan has been mentioning in her messages. You can imagine my surprise when her friend turned out to be our neighbor, Officer John Roads of the Port Seaview Police Department. How interesting! Hehehe!”

Johnny could feel the comments and soft words Mrs. Aoi was saying had a different intention than just being friendly or courteous - she was trying to find as much information as she could about him and his connection to her only daughter. They weren’t hostile or reproachful. Only a mother’s concern for their family.

“I can understand you may have some reservations about this, Mrs. Aoi.” John stood his ground, knowing full well he’d done nothing wrong. “If I may put your mind at ease in any way, please, let me know. I can assure you Skylar is not at fault.”

Sky observed how Johnny was keeping his stoic face and his usual calm demeanor while her mother began to question him. She was mortified that her mom would criticize or reject Johnny outright without giving him or her a chance to explain!

But Johnny spoke clearly and opened up the opportunity for her mom to ask questions to him. Sky knew her mom was as sharp as any detective or interrogator. She just didn’t need to be intimidating to get what she wanted to know. Now she had to pray that Johnny didn’t say too much… his honesty, this time, could be a huge problem!

“Hmmm…” Mrs. Aoi tapped her chin in a thoughtful manner. “I don’t think I need to ask that many questions, John. Judging by what I’ve learned and seen in Sky’s subtle changes I’m certain that your presence has actually been a great help for her and this family.”

Sky turned to look at her mother with a perplexed expression.

“Sora-chan has been waking up earlier for the last several weeks. Her grades have been improving. She even managed to clean up this apartment perfectly, which is something of a miracle for our little chaos tornado.” Mrs. Aoi smiled sheepishly and giggled, which made Sky blush with embarrassment.

“Mom! Please don’t…!” Sky managed to blurt out at her public shaming in front of Johnny who simply looked at her and softened his gaze. This managed to calm her down a bit. He wasn’t judging her… he never did.

“I do apologize if I was being presumptuous, Mrs. Aoi. I only wanted to support your daughter during her time of greatest need.” John spoke firmly as he turned his attention towards Mrs. Aoi again.

“‘Her time of greatest need’?” Mrs. Aoi’s face changed a bit and began to show concern. “Could you please explain what you mean by this?”

“This happened the night when I met your daughter…”

Sky sat quietly as John began to reenact the events that lead her to meet her unlikely guardian… and the man she’d fallen for. He explained the incident regarding Sky being locked out of the apartment, which made Mrs. Aoi say: “Ara ara!” and smirk impishly at her, embarrassing Sky even further. Johnny went on to be very clear that he offered his assistance as an Officer of the Law at that time and offered her to wait in his own apartment while the landlord arrived. He tactfully skipped over how she had cooked him a meal as thanks and as an apology for her chaotic nature.

Then came the telling of the landlord incident…

John had to control his growing outrage at how Mr. Gonzalez had tried to corner Sky into doing something she clearly rejected - he didn’t want to cause any more concern for Mrs. Aoi. He still had to explain it. His telling of the story of how he noticed Sky having trouble with the landlord and him stepping up made Mrs. Aoi gasp softly - Sky had been in real danger! John kept saying that he made sure to stand between Sky and the landlord as he demanded to know why he’d taken too long to help Sky get back into her apartment. After the Officer reprimanded the Mr. Gonzalez for his negligence and poor handling of the situation, Sky was able to return to her apartment.

“Oh… Officer Roads, what you’ve mentioned to me is a mother’s worst fears… my sweet Sora-chan was all alone and in potential danger…” Mrs. Aoi’s face showed a deep look of concern mingled with regret and guilt. “Did that man… did he face any repercussions for such a heinous behavior?”

“You needn’t be concerned about Mr. Gonzalez. He won’t be bothering your daughter or anyone else anymore. I made sure of that.” John finished his explanation with that firm statement.

While Sky’s mother was calming down after Johnny explained what had happened, she was suddenly thrown into her own thoughts and realized something…

“Johnny… made sure the landlord wouldn’t bother me. He scared him off but… he also did something else as a Cop. He… he’s watching over me… even while he’s working. Does… does this mean… he… he might actually… think about me… like I think about him?”

Sky held her hands to her chest and felt her heart swelling with emotion. For a moment she had to take a deep breath and sigh deeply.

Mrs. Aoi had caught sight of her daughter’s blushing cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes when she heard Officer Roads talk, the way she held on to her heart as if it had been squeezed. It was no mystery for her - she knew about her daughter’s growing feelings for her strapping and handsome neighbor. There was the concern about their age difference, but judging by the young man’s integrity and good manners, it was clear he would respect such boundaries as a matter of course. Such an amusing coincidence!

“And, because of this incident, I’ve taken it upon myself to keep an eye on your daughter to ensure she’s safe at home.” John continued since he wanted to explain it all. “Skylar, in a show of appreciation and high morals, offered to cook dinner for me on occasion as a way to thank me. I had mentioned there was no need for that, since I was just doing my duty. She insisted as an act of gratitude and I could not in good conscience reject such a generous offer. Afterwards, I ended up befriending your daughter and helping her with her school chores. She has also helped me quite a bit...”

Sky watched as John had smiled softly as he mentioned she had helped him as well. Doing what? Being a burden for him? Yelling up a storm whenever she felt he’d said too much? Turning him into Officer Hotty? What sort of help had SHE given to Johnny?

“John-san,” Mrs. Aoi’s voice changed a bit as she bowed her head respectfully towards John, who was a bit surprised by this gesture, “I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for looking after Sora-chan. I also thank you for carrying this burden while we’ve been away. It’s shameful to say this, but I fear that our constant absence has only made things worse for Sora-chan…”

Sky turned to look at her mother and could see the pain this confession caused on her. Her mother had always voiced her worries and fear of leaving Sky all alone in that big apartment. And while Sky had claimed she could handle being all by herself, the truth was she felt lonely… until Johnny appeared to help her feel safe.

“It’s alright, Mrs. Aoi. Nobody’s perfect.” John smiled softly and nodded.

Those words again… the very words John lived by were now being given to Mrs. Aoi who raised her eyes towards John and smiled kindly. “Thank you, John-san. It truly eases my mind to know that you’ve been protecting my daughter.”

Just then, the sound of footsteps from another room could be heard and the slow opening of a door was heard. Sky looked startled and mortified, which made John stand on alert. Mrs. Aoi looked to the side and smiled brightly.

“Ah! Anata!” Mrs. Aoi stood up from her chair and gracefully moved to the side to greet the newcomer.

John could hear a soft conversation between Mrs. Aoi and a gentleman, which he deduced was Mr. Aoi. But, since they were talking in Japanese, he couldn’t tell what they were talking about. He noticed that Sky was still looking like she’d been caught doing a bad thing as she stood up, flashed a look of worry towards Johnny and then walked out of sight to where Mrs Aoi had gone. He heard Sky speaking in Japanese as well towards Mr. Aoi, but her tone was one of concern and submission - this wasn’t like Sky when she spoke to him. Was Mr. Aoi that intimidating? All he could understand from the words being spoken by Mrs. Aoi were the words “...Roads” and “... Sora-chan”. Judging by the occasional rising of Sky’s tone of voice and troubled pace of speaking, he could tell that whatever the Aoi family was discussing was of great importance to them.

A few more footsteps were heard getting closer. John felt compelled to stand up and be ready to meet Mr. Aoi - the father of the girl he was protecting, and felt connected to.

The gentleman before him caught Johnny off-guard…

He was short. Shorter than Sky. He looked a bit on the wiry side but stood perfectly straight and never once showed any unnecessary shift on his posture. His black hair showed a few signs of aging, perfectly groomed and slicked befitting his age, position and his traditional style. He wore the regular pants of a businessman, a white shirt still buttoned up to the neck without a tie and simple glasses. What struck John was the commanding presence he felt before this man. Even with the short stature, his half-closed eyes and overall unimpressive appearance, John could tell this gentleman was truly a man of character and principle.

Mr. Aoi was escorted by his wife and daughter to stand in front of John who felt like he was being scrutinized by the Head of the Supreme Court - which was odd for John because he had to look down on Mr. Aoi instead of the opposite.

“Keikan Roads,” Mr. Aoi spoke with a deep voice and heavy accent, “I owe you a debt of honor for protecting my precious daughter. Please, accept my deepest gratitude. I am Isao Aoi.”

When Mr. Aoi bowed in a sign of gratitude, both Mrs. Aoi and Sky, who felt awkward doing it, bowed along with him. John was feeling particularly embarrassed by these gestures.

“My name is John Roads, Sir. Mr. Aoi, it’s quite alright. Please,” John began to fumble with his words a bit, “there is no need to bow to me, Sir. I only did what I believed was right. ”

Mr. Aoi straightened up again and studied John with a scrutinizing eye. John knew what Mr. Aoi was doing - taking the measure of him not just by the looks, but also by his character. As a guest, John had no choice but to accept the decisions of the head of the Aoi family.

“It is rare to see a young man with such integrity in these times. If you are not busy this evening, we would be honored if you could join us for dinner.” Mr. Aoi didn’t smile, didn’t move nor did his eyes show any sign of warmth and kindness.

John understood the message without having to decode it - this wasn’t a request he could afford to refuse. If he wanted to continue to be an accepted friend of the family, he would have to face the challenges he knew were coming.

Sky was both elated and terrified! She’d have a chance to spend time both with Johnny and her parents, but this also meant that he would be interrogated by her father deeply. She knew her mom would stop judging or pushing any issues with Johnny after he spoke of how he’d saved her from the landlord.

Her father was different. She knew he’d ask deep questions and read between the lines of Johnny’s answers for any signs of weakness or lack of decorum. None of her ex-boyfriends had managed to earn her father’s approval - in fact, she’d broken up with them after they showed they were found unworthy.

Would Johnny pass her father’s test?

6:25 PM

Sky had to leave Johnny alone with her father in order to “help her mother” in the kitchen. She knew why her mother wanted to leave the two men alone - so Sky wouldn’t interfere. This made her a bit angry and afraid. She wouldn’t be able to help Johnny navigate the ice cold waters of her father’s judgement. If Johnny didn’t meet her father’s approval, he would be forced to keep his distance from her and he, being a man of principle, would have to accept her father’s command and would leave her alone.

Alone. That simple thought made her feel true physical pain in her chest…

Would Johnny be forced to leave her… alone?

“Sora-chan,” Mrs. Aoi held Sky’s shoulder to get her attention, “are you alright? I need your help making dinner.

“Sorry, Mom. I just… I don't want John to feel awkward around Dad. You know how Dad gets around people who aren’t friends of the family…” Sky moved towards the counters to help her mother cut the vegetables.

“Your father only wants what’s best for this family, Sora-chan.” The smile on Mrs. Aoi was one of understanding. “I don’t think you need to worry about your father approving of John-san.”

“Y-You think so?” Sky’s eyes looked up at her mother hopefully.

“Unless John-san has done something truly terrible in his life or acted against the law, I’m certain your father won’t turn him away. He did protect you against the landlord and kept an eye on you for our sakes. That’s what I think will win your father’s acceptance of Officer Roads.” Mrs. Aoi winked at Sky, who suddenly understood why she said that.

“Y-You can tell… can’t you, Mom?” Sky blushed and looked down with embarrassment.

Her mother’s arms went over to embrace her, making Sky flinch a moment, but then loosened up.

“Sora-chan, I knew it the moment I saw you standing next to John-san.” The mother turned her daughter around so that they could look into each other’s blue eyes. Sky was still blushing, while Mrs. Aoi was smiling kindly. “None of the boys you’ve ever brought here ever measured up because they were just ‘boys’. John-san is a proper man. He might be a bit stiff and stoic for my taste, but that doesn’t diminish his good nature and kindness. I can tell he would never hurt you nor disrespect you. So… yes, Sora-chan. I can tell. But I must also say my part.”

Sky could see that her mother was now speaking seriously to her. Gone was the warm smile and instead replaced by a look of concern.

“You must be patient, Sora-chan. It’s not yet time for you. Please, don’t make any hasty decisions and be mindful of both your feelings; don’t cause trouble for John-san.”

“I know, Mom. I just… never knew it would be this…” Sky was at a loss for words.

“Overwhelming? I know, sweety. I felt the same way when I met your father all those years ago.” Mrs. Aoi smiled and blushed as she reminisced.

“Mom!? Please, don’t!” Sky pouted as she stared at her mother.

“Ara ara! You don’t want me to tell you how I fell in love with your father? How selfish of you! Why can’t I feel like a blushing bride again!?” Mrs. Aoi mockingly looked like she was going to cry.

After a second of silence, Sky and her mother burst out laughing as they continued to prepare dinner. For the daughter of the Aoi family, these moments were golden. She only hoped Johnny would be able to handle her father’s presence.

Meanwhile in the living room…

John was sitting opposite to Mr. Isao Aoi, head of the Aoi family and Sky’s father - the girl he had growing feelings for. He didn’t know how much Mr. Aoi knew about him from the conversation he had with his wife and daughter. All John knew was that now he was a formal guest at the Aoi family’s home - not one of the informal dinners he had with Sky.

Mr. Aoi sat quietly as he studied John.

John sat stoically as he was being studied.

“Keikan Roads,” Mr. Aoi finally spoke, “would you tell me what kind of work you do as a Keisatsukan?”

John’s face hadn’t changed, but the question caught him slightly off-guard. He heard Mr. Aoi called him “Keikan” and “Keisatsukan” but wasn’t sure what those words meant. His mind raced to try and find a connection between these words or the context in which they were being used. He began to piece a few bits of the puzzle he had and tried to deduce from what he knew - Sora-chan, John-san, Keikan Roads… Keisatsukan Roads? Could it be…?

“My work as a Police Officer,” John finally spoke with confidence, “is mostly aiding citizens in need of assistance, Sir. At this moment, since I’m still a regular Patrolman, my current job is to walk the streets of the city and provide support wherever it’s needed. While most of our work may lean heavily on paperwork and reports, I believe it’s quite important work.”

Mr. Aoi nodded slowly. A low rumbling came from his mouth as if he was in deep thought.

“No matter how small the task, if it is done for the sake of the greater good, then that task becomes great as well.” The gentleman looked at John who listened intently. “Do you have any intentions to grow in your profession? Shōkyū?”

“I do, Sir.” John gained some confidence after hearing this question. “I intend to become a Police Detective, like my mentor. In two months time I will take the Detective exams in order to earn my promotion and reach my goal.”

“Keiji? I see.” Mr. Aoi spoke deeply once more. This time his hand reached to rub his chin in thought. “Have you considered other career possibilities? Perhaps one where you won’t be at risk?”

“I have, Sir.” John answered quickly, “But I’ve made my choice in the end. I’ve poured all of my heart and soul into this profession. I wish to honor the people who believe in me and showed me the way I ought to follow. Even if this path is dangerous, I will face it without fear or regrets.”

Sky’s father nodded slowly at John’s statements. The officer didn’t know if Mr. Aoi found his words empty and hollow, or honest enough to consider as the truth.

“Anata wa yuukan desu.” Mr. Aoi said softly, just in time for Mrs. Aoi and Sky who appeared as they brought dinner to the table. Both gentlemen looked at the ladies, then at each other.

Mr. Aoi nodded approvingly at John.

John nodded respectfully at Mr. Aoi.

Both men moved to the table for dinner.

Never in his entire life could John have imagined this scene before him. He was about to break bread with a family at their table - as if he himself were a part of this family. This notion made John smile with a bit of sadness in his eyes.

“So this is what a family dinner looks like? Mom, dad and the kids at the table…” John thought.

While Johnny was thinking quietly to himself, Sky was paying close attention to how her father was looking at their guest. After her mom and her stepped out of the kitchen and announced dinner was ready, both men were unsurprisingly quiet and stoic. No change there!

“Dad hasn’t said another word to Johnny and Johnny isn’t saying much either. I hope nothing goes wrong.” Sky sighed heavily.

Mrs. Aoi was going on and on about their trip from Tokyo back to Port Seaview, the delayed flights and the “battle” they had with the aviation company to ensure they were able to fly as soon as possible back home. They had wanted to surprise Sky and have some quality time together since the business deal that Mr. Aoi had presided over and was finished early thanks to his diligence and uncompromising need for precision rather than speed.

Sky knew what her mom was doing. Mrs. wanted to avoid drawing more scrutiny over John while he was their guest. She didn’t want to make John uncomfortable.

“So tell us, John-san, where are your parents?” Mrs. Aoi asked innocently.

Sky’s eyes grew wide with fright!

“Oh no! MOM! WHY’D YOU HAVE TO ASK THAT!?” Sky noticed that Johnny’s stoic face had been cracked by this question. A look of worry now appeared in his eyes…

This couldn’t have gone much worse! Johnny was now compelled to answer a question that would force him to reveal the truth about his past - a past her father would more than likely not approve of! Sky looked at her mom, pleading for her to stop. But it was Mr. Aoi the one who leaned forward and turned his eyes towards John.

“If you wish to speak of this matter, so be it. If not, we shall not inquire any further.” Mr. Aoi said gravely as if that would put the matter at rest for all involved.

Sky was about to sigh with relief until she saw John’s face contort into a mask of conflicting emotions. She’d never seen John so confused and troubled by such a question.

“I… never knew my parents. I’m… an orphan.” John said these words as if he were ashamed of the revelation.

“Joh-” Sky was about to speak and try to hold John back. But she felt a soft hand of her mother gently resting over her shoulder with a benevolent smile of compassion.

“It’s alright, John-san. No one here is going to judge you.” Mrs. Aoi spoke softly at the young man who could feel how the eyes of Mr. Aoi pierced through him.

John took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he told them everything about his past.

His days as an orphan…

His “youthful indiscretions” as a young criminal...

His anger towards the world and others who had it easy…

His arrest by Detective O’Malley and how he straightened him out…

His mentorship under O’Malley and how he cleaned his act to become a Police Officer…

After John had finished explaining everything, everyone went silent.

“John-san… I’m so sorry you had to explain all that over my question. You truly have struggled a lot in your life.” Mrs. Aoi’s hand moved over to rest upon the balled fist of Mr. Aoi who was as quiet as a tomb.

Sky was torn between the kindness her mom had shown to Johnny but was equally terrified of her dad’s silence. Johnny had been a criminal in his youth, yes. But he was reformed and found guidance from Det. O’Malley. He was now an honest man doing honest work for others!

Was her dad really that cold hearted?

“Have you ever heard of the ancient Japanese tradition of Kintsugi, Keikan Roads?” Mr. Aoi spoke deeply which made Sky fall silent and concerned. But when she looked at her mother’s face she saw that she was smiling lovingly at her husband.

“I-I cannot say I have, Mr. Aoi.” John looked down, ashamed of his ignorance.

“Kintsugi was the ancient tradition of mending broken pottery with gold lacquer. Can you imagine that? Using gold to mend a ‘broken thing’.” Mr. Aoi’s eyes opened up a bit more as he looked at John. The young man turned to look at Sky’s father and saw understanding. “I may have some reservations concerning your ‘youthful indiscretions’. However, I do not see a bad person before me. I see a young man who was ‘broken’ once but was mended with the ‘gold’ of your mentor’s guidance and your own honor. I wonder if you know how truly blessed you are.”

This time, Mr. Aoi stood up and moved beside John who looked up at him. The head of the Aoi family offered a small smile and a look of approval in his eyes.

“Do not allow the shame of the past tarnish the honor and redemption you have earned through your own efforts.”

John’s eyes suddenly brighten up after hearing those words. The validation they gave him made it possible for him to find some degree of peace at long last. It was different from when O’Malley spoke to him. It was as if he needed to hear this from a stronger sense of authority… or perhaps just from someone else’s lips…

“I understand, Sir. Thank you…” John nodded his head respectfully towards Mr. Aoi.

Sky’s heart felt such deep relief and joy after her father said those words! He had accepted Johnny. Her Johnny! Of all the would-be suitors she’d ever considered in the past, only John had passed her dad’s test of character. She wanted to jump across the table and hug Johnny with all her strength! But she had to remind herself of her mom’s warning.

“Patience, Sky… Mom and Dad have accepted Johnny. That means they won’t argue if Johnny and I keep seeing each other. Things will change when I turn eighteen… when that happens…”

“Alright, everyone! Let’s leave all the serious talk for later and let’s enjoy our meal!” Mrs. Aoi turned to look at Sky and winked at her. This made Sky blush. “John-san, before we take our meals-”

“It’s alright, Mrs. Aoi. I know.” John finally smiled again and put his hands together just like Sky had taught him.

This made Mr. Aoi laugh loudly, which caught everyone by surprise!

“You are indeed an interesting young man, Keikan Roads!” Mr. Aoi emulated Johnny’s gesture and looked at his wife and daughter.

Together, the Aoi Family and their new family friend, John Roads finally said:

“Itadakimasu!”

“This is nice…” Johnny thought to himself. He never had dinner like this before… like a real family. Someday, he hoped to have this as well… a family of his own.

8:32 PM

After dinner, Sky and her mother were huddled in the kitchen washing the dishes. John and Mr. Aoi were speaking in the living room about the particulars of what John had done regarding the landlord incident and what other precautions they had to take. As an Officer of the Law, John suggested they report any wrongdoings or suspicious money transactions they might notice whenever they paid their rent to the landlord - this in order to report it to the direct authorities to further bring the hammer of justice upon the criminal. John also offered his card to Mr. Aoi.

“If ever I may be of assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate you call me, Mr. Aoi. I promise to do everything in my power to help you.”

Mr. Aoi, impressed by the young man’s dedication, nodded and accepted the card, handing his own to him as well. “I may not always answer the phone, Keikan Roads. But if anything were to happen here in my home or…” His eyes lingered towards Sky who was being followed by her mother as they approached the living room.

“I promise, Sir. I’ll keep her safe.” John said quietly towards Mr. Aoi.

As soon as Sky and Mrs. Aoi approached, Johnny stood up and announced his intention to take his leave for the night. Sky looked disappointed by this and approached him.

“Johnny! It’s not that late you know! You can stay a little while longer, right, Mom?” Sky was about to turn to look at her mother but the look in John’s eyes made her stare into them.

Was… Is Johnny sad? She’d only seen that look in his eyes when he first looked at her family picture with her parents.

“Sky, your parents came back early and are here for you. Spend some time with them while you can…” He looked sadly into her eyes, “You have that luxury…”

As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Johnny was right. Her parents had made sacrifices and went through a lot to be here right now. She was able to enjoy this time with them. It was a luxury she had.

“I-I understand, Johnny…” She said softly. It took all of her strength to not hug him and try to comfort him.

“Mrs. Aoi, Mr. Aoi, thank you for your hospitality and a wonderful dinner.” John, in a show of respect, did his best to try and bow properly towards them. “I’ll talk to you later, Sky.”

Sky watched silently as Johnny carefully left the apartment like a soldier who had walked away from a battle. When she turned around, she saw her parents sitting beside each other talking in Japanese.

“Dear, I believe John-san is a wonderful person. The struggles he encountered throughout his life and overcoming them with such diligence.” Mrs. Aoi smiled warmly.

“Hm!” Mr. Aoi nodded. “To march on despite his burdens. Truly remarkable. He is very brave.”

Sky sat down next to her father who looked at her and smiled. She rested her head against his shoulder and hugged her legs together. Johnny had been accepted by her parents, right after he’d gotten his makeover earlier in the day. Would they have accepted Johnny if he still wore the clothes of Officer Weirdo?

Just then, the silence of their apartment was softly interrupted by the sound of a guitar playing. Sky recognized it, since only Johnny played the guitar in this apartment building. The song he played was soulful and melancholic. It touched Sky’s heart… he only played his guitar in such tunes when he was hurting…

It was Isao Aoi, the stoic head and the Mind of the Aoi Family who listened and spoke gravely.

“Ela-san, that young man…” He spoke as he looked deeply into his wife’s eyes. “He really is a noble soul.”

Eleanor Aoi, devoted wife and the Heart of the Aoi family smiled at her husband and turned to look at Sky.

“I agree. Sora-chan, be nice enough to extend an invitation to John-san to join us for dinner from time to time.” Sky noticed the warm smile and knowing wink he gave her.

When the Heart and the Mind agree, perfect balance is achieved.

I don’t know about you… but I need a tissue…