Goodbye

Kenji and Koat met outside when the sky was black for their final conversation. They had sat in the grass for years and spoke, but tonight they stood. Koat would step out of the backyard through the side gate in just a few moments. He would walk towards freedom, even if he would only get to experience it for a short while.

"The other two think you already left," Kenji said quietly.

Koat nodded and looked out at the stars. They seemed so much closer tonight, almost like he could reach out and grab them.

"That's good. I wanted to speak with you alone. I-"

Koat stopped speaking as he heard a yelp come from the house. Kenji looked down at his feet after hearing his brother's cry. Koat looked over to him, waiting for some kind of reaction. Yuji's cries continued.

"Kenji. You have made me a hopeful man after all these years. Even when I was trapped, my dreams lived on through you. Going to school, making friends, you did all of that. I believe you'll become the best of all of us."

Koat paused momentarily, waiting for some kind of reaction, but Kenji's head stayed lowered.

"But, eventually, you'll face different challenges than mine. You'll have to stop cowering in the face of danger. I know that's not who you are, but sometimes it will be who you must be."

Kenji's eyebrows began to furrow as Koat continued.

"Your brother, he needs you. You have to protect them, Kenji. Don't forget about your siblings on your way up. They're the ones who will truly be there for you. Will you be there for them?"

Kenji nodded, feeling ashamed of himself.

"I want to be brave, Koat. I know I should go up there and help him, but my legs just won't move. I'm scared of what will happen to me."

Koat stepped toward the side door. He walked through the grass that he had always kept perfect. He passed by the brick that he had swept and kept dust-free. He placed his hand on the door he had mended year after year.

"I know what that feels like, Kenji. I believe you'll turn out better than me." Koat said, finally stepping through the door towards his future and end.

Kenji's face became wet from his tears, and he stared at the door that shut closed, cutting him off from his oldest friend. He turned his head toward the stars his dear friend adored so much. To him, the stars seemed to be farther away than they had ever been. They seemed impossible to reach.

As he stood there, Yuji's cries echoed out.