Family Visit

“Welcome.”

The shop attendant said. I had finally reached my destination, a flower shop. After a very eventful moment outside, stepping into this place made me feel very melancholic. Any feelings I’d previously had were gone. I wasn’t just wondering around aimlessly today. Every place I went to had a purpose.

“I’d like to order the usual.”

“Understood.”

She smiled slightly, with a hint of sadness behind it.

After a little while, she arrived with a bouquet of flowers. In this arrangement were black and red roses that stood out among the rest.

“Thank you.”

After paying, I headed out. Once again, standing in front of the shop I would frequently visit. I began to walk down the sidewalk; onto the path I’d take every time I came here. Feeling the wind blow ever so slightly, I slowly made my way up the hill in front of me. At times like this, I couldn’t help but take in the scenery around me. The sun going down from the height of its peak, to the flowers in full bloom, and the people happily talking to one another as I pass them by. It made me reminisce about the past. For that reason, I chose to walk each time I came.

After walking for what seemed like hours, I made it to my destination. Before me stood a grave. As usual, I took away the dead flowers and began rearranging the newly acquired flowers in their place. Next, I placed three items I had gotten beforehand. A bottle of sake, a piece of chocolate and a cream puff.

“It’s been a while…Mom, Dad…Izumi.”

I couldn’t help but paused for a brief moment, letting memories of them flow through my mind. Dad would always enjoy a bottle of sake on his days off. Sitting outside and enjoying the beauty of nature. Mom on the other hand had gotten enjoyment from eating sweets. Her favorite was chocolate, so of course she would indulge anytime she had a bit of extra money to spend. My sister Izumi was similar, always going for sweets herself. Unlike mom though, she preferred cream puffs more. It’s kind of strange. Seeing as they’ve been gone, I’ve started to enjoy these things more. Maybe it’s a sense of nostalgia. The taste or perhaps the smell, bringing memories of the times we were together.

I then pulled out an item from my pocket. As if trying to distract me, a gust of wind suddenly blew by. Swaying my hair in its direction. I slowly begin to open my hand, revealing the item I had taken out. It was a keepsake from my sister, her charm bracelet. Mom and dad had given it to her as a birthday present. I don’t remember what year that was, but she had always wanted to make one for herself. Now, it’s something I keep to remember them by.

So as not to lose it during my visit, I decide to put it on.

“I doubt you’d believe me if I told you, but I had a bit of a funny encounter today.”

I chuckled and began to smile. It wasn’t something I thought was funny at the time, but when something that random happens. I couldn’t help but to laugh at how ridiculous it was. That’s because I knew they would have tried to turn it into laughable moment for me. I began telling them all about the things that had happened since the last time I visited. Including my meeting with Haruka and Shizuku. Before I realized it, the sun was starting to set.

“I guess it’s time to go.”

I made sure to clean up the area. Ensuring there was no mess I may have left behind. Before leaving, I took a final look at their grave.

“I’ll visit again.”

I began my walk back, finally leaving the grave site. No matter how much time passes, I still can’t forget the last time I saw them.

“Ahhhhh~! What am I thinking!?”

I ruffled my hair with both my hands. Sigh~. I can’t keep doing this to myself. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help these emotions. It’s just not that easy for me. No matter what I do, I still get hung up on it after all these years. I know they wouldn’t want this, but without one of them to actually tell me that in their own words. I feel like I’m stuck in place.

I wish they were here. I wish I could speak to them. I wish I could at least get a sign from them. Something that would tell me that it’s okay. I know I’m asking for the impossible, but I’m stuck because of it. I can’t help but to wish for a miracle sometimes. In fact, if I could have an impossible request become reality.

“I wish someone would come into my life and ….”

I cut off my sentence. I can’t keep being wishful. Nothing good comes from it. Nothing has happened before and nothing will happen now. I continue walking down a now empty street, as the leaves rustle. I wonder how many times I’ve passed by this area. Taking in this scene really does help to calm me down for some reason. It’s almost surreal at times. Just as I was basking in that moment, I heard a loud roar echo into the sky.

“RAAAAHHHHH!”

For a few seconds, I froze in awe. Maybe it because of my pause, but curiosity got the better of me. I decided to go in the direction of the roar. The closer I got, the more I could hear others as well. The sounds grew louder and louder, until finally. I arrived at a park.

“Is that all you got!?”

The scene in front of me was honestly astounding. If I hadn’t been there to witness it myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. Several guys were sprawled out on the ground, knocked unconscious. The ones still standing were tattered and exhausted. From their appearance, they seemed to be part of a gang. Numbering about 20 or so in total.

At the center of them all was but a single girl. She wore a distinct jacket, causing her to stand out far more than the others. If that wasn’t enough, she had an individual held above her head. Within a matter of seconds, she sent them flying towards those in front of her. I stared with admiration. The strengthen you’d need to pick up someone is already amazing in itself, but to be able to toss them like they were nothing. This was a sight to behold. She stood, unwavering in the face of the countless enemies before her. It was then, when I could see her face clearly that shocked me the most. Of all people, it was Haruka. The girl I had met earlier today, standing at the center of this very scene. To think I’d see her again like this.

“Come at me!”

She screamed, clearly provoking them.

“This girl…! Get her!”

Hearing the order, everyone surrounding her rushed to attack. The first to do so swung a bat, swinging straight from behind her. As if seeing the attack, she dodged and instantly countered. Several more guys followed up, each getting taken down from one of her punches or kicks. While some were armed, others were unarmed. Even with the overwhelming difference, she was clearly winning. She showed off more than what seemed like simple street fighting. She seemed almost knowledgeable to an extent. Even throwing in a few throws from time to time.

It was then that I noticed. She started to amass blood on herself. All from the defeated foes who now laid powerlessly on the ground. This started to make it seem like a bloodbath. She was single-handedly destroying anyone that came at her. A powerhouse unlike anyone I had ever seen. At this point, I didn’t think anyone would be able to stop her.

“Police! Stop where you are!”

As if to argue my point, the police had arrived to the scene. Several of them had started to surround the area, trying to block off the exits.

“Tsk. Fall out!”

The gang members scrambled to escape. Some getting caught, while a few others helped the unconscious members to escape. Haruka had also made a dash for it. As she did so, she turned in my direction and our eyes met. It was brief, but I could see a smile on her face as she went out of view. Escaping among the havoc. I guess that’s also my cue to leave. I don’t want to be questioned or even worse, accused of being involved somehow. I’ve had enough of being falsely accused for one day.

I began making my way home, eventually finding myself going downhill once more. Passing all the stores I had previously visited again. By the time I arrived home it was night. I opened the door to my house and made my way in. Placing my belonging on the table, I made my way to the bedroom and flopped onto the bed. I laid face down, too exhausted to take off my clothes.

“Sigh~.”

What a day. I’m not even entirely sure what to make of it. Now that I think of it, did Haruka purposefully avoid coming my way? That can’t be. Why not just come towards me instead? They hadn’t blocked off that area yet. It doesn’t make any sense. I bring my hand close to my face and take notice of the bracelet I still had on.

“I wonder how everyone else would have reacted.”

Would they have been as mesmerized as I was? Maybe shocked perhaps? Thinking about the day’s events, I close my eyes. Drifting off into a deep slumber.