The funeral hall was decorated with fine materials and there was a memorial alter. Thanks to Mr. Nakamaru.
There wasn't a single person to pay their respect as she stood there in the room alone.
Tears stream down her face while she stared at the large portrait of his smiling face. All of it was too unbearable for that fragile heart of hers.
She places down a white chrysanthemum in her dark color clothing a contrast folded pleated black lace dress with her hair tied up in a neat bun.
It was difficult to breathe when witnessing her brother in the casket." Hideaki." She whimpered and fell to her knees trembling and hesitating to touch his face. Her chest ached painfully and was so angry at the world for bringing her so much misfortunate.
As the day darkened the streetlight turned on.
"I will see you soon, Hideaki."
She walked down the steps after leaving the gravesite and then stood along the side of the road while multiple vehicles road past.
"A world without you….is meaningless."
She closed her eyes and followed her feet to take the final step into the street hoping to be reunited with him once again even in death.
Beep!
"Get out the way!" A woman shouted out of the window.
This is not supposed to happen. It startled her
Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand and yanked her out of the street. She looked up at the back of the head of the male figure and already knew who he was.
" What are you doing here, Mr. Nakamaru?" She asked, then snatched her hand away.
He explained," I sent the chauffeur to retrieve you from the funeral hall and he notified me of your every movement. Good thing that he did! --- Kotori, what is going on with you? You could've killed yourself." He was worried.
"That's the point!" Resentment blossomed within her.
In front of him was a person beyond repair the color faded from her eyes. He realized that his actions has driven her to the edge and couldn't help but to feel responsible.
"If I could switch places with you I would…I promise." He thought.
"Your brother left a letter behind for you."
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She sat down in the backseat with an envelope in her hands then slowly opened it and unfolded the paper as she began to read it.
"Your brother left a letter behind for you."
LETTER
DEAR, SWEET LITTLE SISTER <3
Do you remember we would always fight when we saw each other faces? That's a good memory too! You taught me that love is unconditional, and it doesn't matter what impairment I had I can find happiness through the dark days. I was sincerely happy for the years that we spent together, and I am glad that you're my sister, I wouldn't want anyone else. Even if I'm alone or going through something difficult you brought me happiness and I wanted the dream I had with you to come true. I hope that I'm not causing you too much pain, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I kept this a secret from you I hope someday you will forgive me. I won't be here for the days to come, and I want you to know that I love you and I will always love you…. Please live for me."
Being with you is my most precious treasure
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'Living is too much of a luxury
She hides away her face to hide any facial expression then a droplet of tears dripped down from her chin and hit the letter.
"He must've planned this all along and written this in advance." She spoke and her voice slightly cracked.
Kyosuke can't stand it when women shed tears. He put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her closer to his chest for comfort." I will always be there for you
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Meanwhile, at the villa, a woman in her mid-forties walked up the road with a suitcase in a raincoat from the harsh weather of heavy rain and strong winds. It was getting darker and more difficult for her to see clearly.
A vehicle stopped in front of the villa and the bright lights flashed as she stood on the porch waiting for someone to come. It almost seems as if she were waiting for an hour or even longer.
Kotori opened the car door and then saw a woman approaching her from the shadows. She froze and took a step back.
"It's me your mother! Ai Haru. I know I look a little different, but I missed you so much, my precious daughter."
Kotori dreamt of this moment for a long time as her mother wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace it was what she always yearned for in her mother's affection. The years of being mistreated and abused. She hope that all of that pain could magically disappear with one embrace but she was living in a child's fantasy when a parent would kiss their child's wound and the pain was gone.
She didn't feel one ounce of happiness and the long tight hug held no significance.
She closed her eyes battling with conflicting emotions and overwhelming sadness.
Kyosuke had the umbrella over the two then spoke," Let's go inside before someone gets sick."
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Kotori was suspicious of her mother's intentions. She watched her very closely as her mother admire the home.
"I'm proud of you, Kotori. All that hard work finally paid off." Her mother says relieved then sat down on the couch and looked around amazed of the size of this place.
"The servants are not here now, but I can brew up some tea. Is black tea, okay?" He offered and directed his attention toward the guest seating down.
"Of course! I would love that son-in-law." Her mother says in a delightful tone and watches him walked into the kitchen then spoke," The things I would do to him if given the opportunity. How did you even capture such a fine man? You're not even that attractive. – I thought it was a rumor, but it seems like it is true that you married a rich man. I mean, LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT RING ON YOUR FINGER! It must've cost a fortune. I bet you slept with him to get him to marry you. I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree." She chuckled.
Kotori places her hand on top of the ring embarrassed and ashamed. She couldn't stand the statements and comments that her mother was making but decided to endure it a little longer. She took a deep breath and mustered up the courage and blurted." Mother, Hideaki is no longer here." Her heart ached.
She was mentally preparing for what was about to happen next.
Her mother was rather calm and held no remorse. She spoke with a slight smile," Oh, I already know that! I came from my vacation early to receive the $20,000 payout from the insurance company. —I'm going to apologize for leaving you with the debt but I'm not sorry I just hope you have no ill feelings towards me and that you find closure somehow."
Kotori was rendered speechless and clenched her fist tightly.
After a while, Kyosuke returned with the beverages." Since Kotori's brother passed away, I think it would be a good idea to stay and keep her company. I can't really trust her here by herself."
" I would love to." Her mother answered.
Kotori felt sick to her stomach watching the two talk and get along.
"Allow me to help with the luggage." He offered and picked up the belongings then the two walked upstairs.