Road Trip! Part 4

We returned home after a long day at the beach. We were exhausted beyond comprehension. We decided to have a barbeque in the open air and to just relax for the last leg of our trip. Yuki helped her sister prepare some of the desserts and salads while Yuta, Hiroshi and I tended to the fire and meats. We wanted the last night there to be relaxing, to just enjoy each other’s time together without needing to go out.

“Here, pal.” Hiroshi said, handing me a can of beer.

“I’m not going to accepting any more after this one.” I said to him.

“Can I drink?” Yuta asked us.

When the food was settled on the fire, the five of us sat outside, admiring the stars above. I wondered when I could return to Japan after I completed my studies. I wanted to return as soon as possible, to see Misako (and the others, naturally). I needed to enjoy my time as much as I could, the year had six months left, I needed to focus on the now, and not the future.

“David, what do you want to do when you finish university?” Misako asked me.

I did not know, but I had a goal in mind.

“Probably work in the business world. Or do something in the watch industry.” I replied. “What about you?”

“I want to help out Uncle Mitamo’s business.” She replied.

It was a great goal, she was determined to move directly into the watch industry. I was proud she had a straightforward goal in mind.

“And you, Hiroshi?” Misako asked him.

Hiroshi held his hands above his head, giving into fate:

“I honestly don’t know. I’ll probably work for my father, though, I don’t want to.” He stated.

I understood Hiroshi, though his father was filthy-rich, he wanted to do his own thing in life. Yuki yawned during our conversation, I already knew she wanted to become the best martial artist the world has known, there was no need to ask her.

“I want to fight aliens.” Yuta exclaimed.

We laughed. The little boy had to keep his innocence for as long as he could. The real world was terrible, filled with disaster, pain and misery. But life also had happiness, joy and family. It was not all terrible, we all had to go through our ups and downs. I hoped Yuta would never experience pain; I wanted him to be the same little boy with energy for the rest of his life.

After our late dinner, Yuki and Yuta took themselves off to bed. We had an early day coming for us, but Hiroshi and Misako decided to stay up a bit longer with me.

“I’m glad to have you both.” Hiroshi said to us.

“Same, friend.” I agreed.

“I like David more, but I like you too, Hiro.” Misako added.

Hiroshi stood up like a butterfly, he spread his arms out towards us.

“Hug!” He commanded.

“Hell no!” I replied.

“Yeah, no.” Misako agreed.

Hiroshi leapt in my direction, he held my arms and tossed me to the floor.

“What are you doing, you ape?” I screamed.

“Wrestle! Wrestle!” He repeated.

We tussled on the floor, with Misako looking over us. We laughed the rest of the evening, playing and fighting like we’d been friends all our lives. I knew the next day was going to be difficult, I had a plan I’d yet spoken to the two of them about. My brain told me to look one last place for the pocket watch. I hoped my instincts were correct, for the location was going to be traumatic for Misako.