Cat's Cradle 5

It's frightening how things changed in a span of six months. The first time I came here Shinosuke was still in great form. He might be laying off with the women (which was good) but this was unprecedented. As if fate itself didn't intend for him to stop, this sudden sickness caused the epitome of manly charm to fall so low. From my last visit, this was expected, but those that knew him longer than I did would surely be surprised.

It might be a challenge to his commitment on staying faithful to Asako or perhaps it's to show him the bonds he made in his life. Turned out aside from his servants, only Fuyumi, his daughter, was there.

Apparently, the common cold had somehow evolved into a dangerous disease. Fuyumi didn't give any specifics and we didn't push her given she's barely hanging on, but she said the family physician was the best guy there was.

Too bad even if the best of the best were summoned, the verdict remained to the gods. This was, unfortunately, everything we could pray; that they show him some mercy.

Kiyoko insisted her visit wasn't announced and that only the two of us were there… for now, at least. Too bad we can't dwell on it for long as there's another problem: Madam Asako.

The most important person in Shinosuke's life wasn't there.

“Fuyumi,” Senna emulated the calm of her stoic self yet the way she firmly gripped her half-sister's shoulders was the manifestation of her new, and maybe, true self.

The girl buried her face on Senna's chest. Frankly, if I'm in the same position, I would've broken down already. She only muttered ‘mother’ in between her sniffles and sobs.

“We'll try to convince Madam Asako,” I butted in.

“Take the car,” Fuyumi's muffled voice said.

Well, it's still morning and we'll be squished in the morning rush. Good thinking despite the pressure.

“You've done great to hold out this long, and I want you to keep it up some more, okay?” Senna said. “I'll go with Akito just in case. We'll be back with Lady Asako. Promise.”

I gave the two some space for a quick sister bonding moment before the chauffeur took us to the madam's residence. Fuyumi might not know their real relationship yet, but I'm sure it'll work out given their chemistry.

“Don't tell me you're jealous?” Senna said to me. She wasn't Kiyoko nor was she one to tease. She's just genuinely curious. Guess some things never change.

“Don't be ridiculous.”

“Haa… not that I know the feeling. Although, I think I preferred if you've said yes. A bit.”

We arrived after thirty minutes when I'm pretty sure the commute would've taken around an hour or so. This guy was built different. To think he tore through the streets without offending the law. My respects, master chauffeur.

I was about to ring the doorbell when Senna went in without any warning. The situation was urgent but… sigh, guess there's no point arguing with her decision on this one.

I just shook my feet to take my shoes off and princess-carried her (she got used to it at this point) to the dining room where the madam was supposedly washing the dishes. I knocked on the counter in the off chance she might get frightened, but when she saw it's just us, she returned to the task at hand.

“Isn't it too early for that? Even we're not that bold during our days,” she said.

Okay, I think I know what she meant by that but Senna walks slower than a turtle out of habit. Besides, we’re used with the setup what with all those times I ferried her from those crossings.

“Ahem,” Senna cleared her throat rather forcefully. Did she just… blush?! Really? “I'm sure you've heard from Fuyumi.”

“My appearance wouldn't be that miraculous as to cure a man. If he survives or… then that's it.”

“He's your husband! Aren't you worri—”

“And it's time for you to learn that adult relationships aren't so simple.”

Those words that came from the same woman who harbored a grudge for two decades definitely hit home. I mean, if there's anyone out there who had the right to say that, one of those would be the madam.

I noticed she's just running the faucet without actually doing the dishes. Might that be a hint that she's dying to go?

“Senna,” I said. “I think the madam has a point. Besides, we also have to take into account the misfortune thing.”

Senna faced me, mouth agape with incredulity that turned into exasperation. “Akito, are you being serious right now?”

Even the madam was surprised at Senna raising her voice at me like that.

“Look,” she said. “I just wanted Lady Asako there since it might be the last he'd see her beloved which also might be my father. Something so simple shouldn't be spelled out anymore!”

She held her chest and tried calming herself. “Ma'am please. Perhaps just for your daughter. Fuyumi really needed the support.”

“…”

“I'll do what I can. I'm a Hoshii, I… I can at least do something about your circumstance.”

“Uh…”

Senna glared at me then softened her expression back to her stoic self.

“One thing has been bothering me,” I said, scratching my neck. “About the curse. What and why is that thing happening anyway?”

The madam finally turned off the faucet. After drying her hands, she lifted her pointer finger and directed it at Senna.

“I've thought it over myself,” the lady began. “However, the only thing that made sense is because of that girl.”

“Huh? But wasn't the curse happening for just three years? Senna's around twenty.”

The madam scoffed at my deduction. It's correct and it made sense for me, but I might be missing the point.

“She's right, Akito,” Senna calmly agreed. “When I took a look at some of the parts of the string room, it just… locks me out. However, earlier, I was finally able to get something.”

She gripped her cane tightly. “Mother… Yukina may have done the impossible. She managed to tinker with fate.”

While it's true that Yukina might be a prodigy, all that stuff remained unconfirmed theory in the end. I mean, Kiyoko and Senna herself stressed out that the future was something the gods had planned. It's not like we could—

Then, it hit me.

A certain statement from one of the many conversations we've had.

‘You don't need to be me to notice something jarringly off if that happens.’

My hand nervously reached out to Senna. Her hand met mine and drew it closer to her neck.

‘I'm ugly, Akito… If there's something you could trust me with, it's this one.’

With a bitter smile, Senna said—

“Does it make sense now? This… everything you've seen up until this point… you might as well consider it as part of mother's plan.”

An elaborate curse that spanned twenty years consisting of people both alive and were about to be conceived.