Yuri had driven them to a log cabin in the woods. It was on a hilltop with a distant view of the Mimaki Village outskirts. The surrounding aged trees, dense fern and scrub bushes created a cool and pleasant enclosure.
They would be able to keep an eye on activities and, hopefully, insight of when it was safe to return. As well as be safe from harm.
"This used to belong to one of our friends." Yuri said sorrowfully to Aiyama-san. "We'll be safe here for the time being."
Aiyama-san nodded, understanding what he meant by 'used to belong'.
She helped the others into the cabin, which was dry and comfortable.
The older twins wasted no time in entertaining their younger siblings with an invented game of Go. They had set up a game on the mats in the main room. Using pebbles they had handpicked near the front porch.
Aiyama-san opened the shoji panels to reveal a wide back porch. Melodic chirping created a soothing atmosphere.
"We'll be safe here. Aside from our friend, only Rocko knows this place." Yuri reassured Aiyama-san.
"I've no doubt." She smiled in response.
She checked on the children. Her heart feeling at ease to see the elder twins bring happy smiles to the younger one's faces.
Except Shouta who soberly sat to one a corner near the open shoji doors.
His round teary eyes stared out to knotwood, bamboo stalks and evergreen trees that swayed against the breeze. He was doing his best to keep his tears from falling and his emotions in.
"You're a strong boy, " she calmly said as she sat next to him.
"Hina-chan didn't die?" Shouta bit his lip.
She sighed and prayed that a miracle had happened. A lucky hand that would guide Hinata back to their side, safe and sound.
"I'm sure he'll be fine." Tears slipped from her eyes.
Shouta stared at Aiyama-san, like he was looking up to his own mother whom he suddenly lost. He climbed onto her lap and rested his head on her chest.
She smiled as she wrapped him with a mother's hug and rocked him gently to sleep.
Miki-chan pouted at the sight of her mother sharing her care to the other boy. She boldly crawled to her and claimed space by her side.
Aiyama-san chuckled with understanding as she extended her cuddles to her daughter. Lulling both children to sleep.
Meanwhile, Mei-san was helping Kou settle onto one of the futon's, she had laid out for him in a side room.
The sprints down the mountains had exhausted him more than the others. She couldn't imagine what he was going through. But saw that his blindness placed an extra strain on his body.
"I'm okay Mei!" Kou snapped with frustration, pushing away her aid.
Mei-san sighed. She loitered near his side as he fumbled about his kimono to ensure it was still on.
Kou's hands found the edge of the futon and blankets. He hastily climbed beneath the blankets to sleep.
Mei-san discreetly helped his head to the best part of the pillow and readjusted the blankets. So they would keep him snug and warm.
"Stubborn fool," Yuri said from the doorway.
He stared at Kou's sleeping body. Doubting that the man was actually asleep, but trying.
"You're still worried about us," Mei-san said as she tenderly stroked Kou's cheek.
"Like my worry will mean anything." Yuri grumbled.
Mei gave him a deep scowl.
Yuri sighed and hobbled into the room to sit next to her, near a partially opened shoji door.
They sat to the sounds of rustling leaves and melodic tinkling from the hanging fujin wind chime on the door's eaves. A feature of the cabin, which had withstood a test of time.
"Heavy winter time. A white, tall flower bounces. Before the best friend." Yuri coolly recited a poem that Eiji would quote to him whenever he needed a mood lift.
To this day, he had no idea what it meant. For some strange reason, it would calm him. He hoped it would do the same for Mei.
"Is this your clever way to say you accept us?" Mei chuckled.
"I guess." Yuri sighed. "We're both broken men Mei."
He looked to his fake foot, feeling sad that Chikafuji-san wasn't around. He had underestimated the man's value based on his looks. There was no doubt, especially after his sacrifice, Chikafuji-san was a man of exemplary honor.
"What was fighting the war like?" Mei-san gingerly asked.
She wanted to know. To understand. Be a meaningful strength to Kou to ameliorate his pains.
Yuri nodded his head. He could sense what his sister was after.
"Lots of guns. Noise. Bad smells..." His voice quivered and trailed to silence.
He was able to hold back his traumatic tears with a few deep breaths.
"Okay Yuri. I think I understand," Mei-san said. Not wanting to press further.
Seeing the pained expression on Yuri's face was enough of an answer for her.
Savor smells of cooked chicken and potatoes graced their noses. They both knew those smells weren't what they seemed.
Aiyama-san politely knocked on the door and poked her head into the room to call them for dinner.
"I'll place a bowl aside for Ishikawa-san," she said as he beckoned for the other two to join her.
They left Kou sleeping peacefully to the soothing breeze and lulling sounds from nature.