Chapter 9: Out of Time

Makoto was awoken by her alarm much earlier than she was used to. She tiredly smacked it to turn it off, slowly sitting up in her bed.

“Damn it, I’ve gotta go back to school today. Well, at least I get to see Airi.” she thought to herself.

She slipped out of bed and grabbed her uniform before heading off to the bathroom. After what felt like forever, she exited the bathroom and made her way to the kitchen.

“Good morning Makoto.”

“Hi mom.”

“Hungry, sweetie?” her mom asked.

“Yeah, what are you making?”

“Pancakes. How many would you like?”

“Four, I guess.”

“What’s wrong? You seem upset about something.”

“It’s nothing, mom. I just don’t wanna go back to school.”

“Well, think about it this way. You only have the rest of this year and next year before you graduate. Besides, you should enjoy yourself. Your teenage years and time at high school are supposed to be some of the best times of your life.”

“Are you sure about that? It doesn’t feel that way.”

“I’m sure. To be honest, I wish I could go back in time and relive my high school days. Getting into trouble with my friends, being free to do whatever I wanted to without having to worry about working or parenting, it was amazing.”

“Ouch, I’m right here you know.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. All I’m saying is that you should enjoy these last moments of freedom. Once you graduate, you’ll have more responsibilities and if you don’t go to university, you’ll have to find a job somewhere. Once that happens, you won’t have any freedom until you’re old and gray.”

Makoto stared up at the ceiling in thought. It was true what her mother said. She was free. Once she graduated, she’d be on her own, trying to figure out what to do with her life.

“Here you go sweetie. You’d better eat fast so you aren’t late for school.”

“Thanks mom.”

Later that day at lunch, Airi and Makoto went to the rooftop to get away from everybody else.

“Hey, Airi?”

Airi looked over at Makoto while shoving her face full of a sandwich.

“Hmm?”

“What are you gonna do with your life?” Makoto said, resting her arms on the railing and looking off into the distance.

“What do you mean? Like, after we graduate?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’m not really sure. My parents are retired so I could just live with them until I marry someone wealthy, but that’s not really something I want to do.”

“So what do you want to do then?”

“I think I want to become a writer.”

“A writer? Like, a novel writer, or a manga writer? Oh, or maybe a writer for a video game?”

“I’m not really sure. I’d love to make a manga, but I can’t draw very well. I think maybe writing for a video game would be fun.”

“Seems like you’ve figured out what you want to do then…”

Makoto stared up at the clouds. Airi stood up and walked over to the railing to join her.

“I’m guessing you asked because you don’t know what you want to do, am I right?”

“Yeah. I was talking with my mom this morning and it made me think about my future.”

“Well, you should always strive to do something you enjoy. You like working out, right? Maybe you could be a gym instructor or something.”

“I do like staying fit, but it’s not something I’d want to do as a job. Sure, it might be good to get a job doing something you love, but if you’re forced to do it, then it wouldn’t be fun anymore. The fun is in having total control over what you do, not having somebody else tell you what to do.”

“Hmm. It sounds like you want to boss people around then.”

“Hey, that doesn’t sound too bad. I’d have to get some low level grunt job first and work my way up though. If I was some rich kid whose dad gave them a high position in the family company, things would be different, but I’m nobody special.”

“Hey now, don’t talk that way. You are someone special. To me.”

“Look Airi, I’m touched, and that means a lot to me, but that’s not going to get me anywhere in life.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure something out Mako-chan. Besides, we still have a whole year ahead of us before that time comes. For now, let’s just worry about each day as it comes to us.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thanks Ai-Ai. I needed to get that off my chest.”

“Happy to help.”

The two continued to stare off into the clouds until lunch was over.

After school, Airi and Makoto were about to leave when Airi’s phone started ringing.

“Hi mom, what’s up?”

Airi suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. Makoto looked over at her to see what was happening. A combination of both dread and horror washed over Airi’s face.

“Hey, you ok? Airi?” Makoto asked worriedly.

“Ok… Bye mom…” Airi said as she hung up.

Airi walked a few feet away to a large tree and sat down, burying her face between her crossed arms. Makoto quickly came to her side.

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

“It’s my grandpa… They said he just passed away.”

“Oh, Airi… I’m so sorry.”

Makoto wrapped her arms around Airi to comfort her.

“Can… can we go somewhere else?” Airi asked through the tears.

“Absolutely. We can go wherever you want.”

“I want to go home. Please come with me.”

“Of course, anything for you Airi.”

The two made their way to Airi’s home. After a quick hug from her mother, Airi went up to her room, Makoto following closely behind. They both sat down on the side of Airi’s bed.

“Can I lay down?”

“Sure, I’ll move.”

Airi quickly grabbed Makoto’s arm.

“No… Stay. I want to lay on your lap.”

“Oh, ok. Go ahead.”

Makoto sat back down and Airi laid her head on her lap, staring up at her and the ceiling. Makoto stroked Airi’s hair to help comfort her.

“You gonna be ok?”

“Yeah, I just need some time.”

“Take as much time as you need. I’ll even stay over tonight if you want me to.”

“Thanks. I don’t think I’ll need that though.”

“If you do, don’t be afraid to ask. You know I’d do anything for you Airi.”

“I know. You’ve always been that way.”

“Just rest, get your mind off of everything.”

“It’s hard. I just can’t stop thinking about it all. It happened so suddenly. I mean, we all knew he didn’t have much longer left, but nobody thought he’d go so soon. I just wish I could see him again.”

Makoto thought to herself for a bit before speaking again.

“Would you like to?”

“What do you mean?”

“We go back to this morning, skip school, and go visit him in the hospital.”

“No, I don’t think we should.”

“Why not? He used it to spend more time with you, remember? Don’t you want to do the same?”

“Of course I do, but…”

“But what?”

“We’ll know what’s going to happen. I don’t know if I could keep it together knowing what’ll happen to him.”

“I won’t force you to do it if you don’t want to, but if you do, I’m going with you.”

Airi sat and thought for a bit before handing the Timeagotchi to Makoto.

“Here. You do it.” she said before wrapping her arms around her.

Makoto pressed a few buttons on the device.

“Ready?”

“Ready.”

Makoto pressed the button and a flash of light engulfed the two. They then made their way to the hospital where Airi’s grandpa was staying.

“Ah, Airi. And you brought your friend Makoto too. Shouldn’t you two be in school right now?”

“Well, yeah…” Airi looked down in melancholy.

“So, it’s my time, isn’t it?” he asked.

“Huh?”

“Why else would you two come visit me out of the blue on a Monday morning? If you’re here, I guess that means I’m in my final hours of life.”

“Grandpa…”

“It’s ok child. I knew this day would come eventually. I do not fear death, but I do fear loneliness. I’m just happy I got to see you two before I go on.”

Airi ran over to her grandpa and hugged him. Makoto looked off in the other direction, trying to keep her emotions in check.

“I just wanted to see you one last time. I wanted to say goodbye.”

“It’s ok, it makes me happy to know I won’t be alone when I die.”

“Hey, can we brighten the mood please?” Makoto said while holding back tears.

“Yes, let’s. So, how have you girls been getting along?”

“Pretty well, old man.”

“Yeah. Makoto and I went to the beach the other day.”

“The beach? At this time of year?”

“Yep. There weren’t that many people. We practically had the whole beach to ourselves.”

“Ah, I remember when I was around your age going with your grandma to the beach together. She thought it was because it was hot out and the water felt nice, but really I just wanted an excuse to see her with less clothes on.”

“Gross, old man.”

“Hey, I used it as an excuse to see you in a bikini, remember?”

“Ah, so that’s where you get it from then. You’ve got a real pervy family. Are all of you rich people like that?”

“Haha, her mother was nothing like that as a teenager. I guess some things just skip a generation. Now then, what was that about wanting to see your friend in a bikini?”

“Oh, well you see…” Airi started.

“We’re not friends anymore.” Makoto said bluntly.

“Hmm, well if you aren’t friends, but you still stay so close to each other… Ah, I see how it is. Well, I’m happy for you two.”

“Thanks for understanding, grandpa.”

“Don’t mention it. As long as you’re happy, then I’m happy too. So, tell me some more about this beach trip of yours.”

“Ok, so get this…” Airi started.

Airi, Makoto, and Airi’s grandpa talked on and on about the pairs beach trip.

“So she got you from the roof? Looks like somebody wasn’t staying aware of their surroundings.”

“Shut it old man. You think I don’t know that? It was embarrassing.”

“Haha, well, it happens to the best of us. And you having to be carried after hurting yourself? You need to be more careful, young lady.”

“Sorry grandpa, I’ll be more careful in the future.”

“Good.”

He looked over at the clock. It was about noon now.

“Only a few hours left, I suppose.”

“Yeah…”

“Hey, let’s not think about that right now grandpa. We’re supposed to be having a good time.”

“You’re right. Even though I’m almost out of time, I need to make the most of it.”

“So, what do you want to do then gramps?” Makoto asked.

“I’d like to go outside.”

“Outside? In your condition?” Airi asked out of concern.

“Yes. I’d like to get some fresh air before I go. See the birds, touch grass one last time.”

“Alright, I’ll go ask for a wheelchair then. Be right back. Mako-chan, keep him company.”

“Got it.”

Airi left the room and made her way down the hall.

“Miss Takeda, I’d like to ask something of you.”

“Sure gramps, ask away. No need to be so formal about it though, Makoto is fine.”

“Please, take care of Airi for me once I’m gone.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve seen the look she gives you, and you to her. It’s clear how much you two love and care for each other. You’re a strong person Makoto, and Airi needs somebody like you in her life. Please, continue to take care of my Airi for me after I pass on.”

“You’ve got it old man. I’ll keep her safe no matter what, and that’s a promise.”

“Thank you. Those words mean a lot to this old man. Airi’s lucky to have you.”

“I’m really nothing special. Besides, I just can’t stand to see the ones I love get hurt, especially her.”

“Such a kind soul. Even underneath that tough exterior, you house a heart of gold. Keep that kindness with you and never lose it.”

“Sure thing.”

“Alright, I’m back.” Airi said, pushing a wheelchair through the door.

“Well, let’s get going then.” Makoto said.

The girls helped Airi’s grandpa into the wheelchair and Makoto pushed it. Airi wasn’t strong enough to do it.

The three went for a short walk around the nearby area. They looked at the trees and the clouds, laughed at the sight of a cat trying to catch a bird, and took some time to notice the finer things in life, like some beautiful flowers growing on a bush nearby the hospital.

After that blissful moment, the three knew time was running out. They went back to the hospital and got Airi’s grandpa back into bed.

“Thank you both for taking me outside. I’m glad I could experience that one last time.”

“Grandpa…”

“It’s alright Airi.”

“I’m going to miss you.”

“I will too. Don’t cry though. You still have your Makoto to take care of you once I’m gone. Give her the love you’d give to me.”

Airi looked down in sadness before looking back up, determined.

“Ok, I will. Thank you for everything, grandpa.”

“Yeah. Thanks for making Airi happy, gramps.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Airi’s grandpa laid back and started to close his eyes.

“Grandpa?”

“I’m just feeling tired is all. I need to rest. Makoto, remember our promise.”

“Always.”

Airi’s grandpa finally closed his eyes, drawing his final breath.

“Well, that’s that I guess…” Makoto whispered.

“Yeah…”

“You gonna cry? It’s ok, I’m here for you.”

“No, I won’t cry. We gave him the best send off he could have hoped for in here. He’d want us to be happy.”

“Right. Well, I guess we should go let the nurse know he’s gone.”

“Let’s go.”

Hand in hand, Makoto and Airi left the old man behind. They didn’t shed any tears. They still felt sadness of course, but they smiled through it all because they still had each other.