After three more days, we were released and brought into court. We thought we didn't have family, but we were told that we had an uncle and aunt who lived in London and had heard about our situation. They dropped the news on us after the trial, but they could only bring one of us with them. My brother was angry, while I was devastated; they were going to separate us. How would we fulfill our promise if we wouldn't be together?
We were in a meeting room, my brother and I standing side by side, holding hands tightly while facing our aunt and uncle. They scanned each of us with a strict look on their faces, judging and comparing us. Finally, with a quick glance and nod, they came to a conclusion without making a sound.
"Osamu, come here," Aunt said, holding up her hand for him to hold. I felt Osamu flinch beside me but quickly looked straight into her eyes, which held anger and slight fear. He looked composed, but I knew he was holding himself back from shouting at them.
"I'm sorry, but I will not leave my brother. If you want me, you have to bring my brother too," Osamu said with a calm yet irritated tone of voice. I looked at my older brother with tears starting to develop in my eyes. I held my brother's arm tightly with both of my hands, almost desperate.
I watched how my aunt and uncle looked at me with an annoyed expression. "We will not be taking someone who is not worthy of bearing the Balenciaga name." Their words hit me hard as I felt myself trembling, a hurt look in my eyes. My brother started speaking towards them with anger showing through his voice, but my mind began to block out their conversation. Their words were painful, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was the truth.
My brother was always braver, stronger, smarter, and more confident than me. I looked up to him, and I wanted to be just like him. Compared to him, I was just a crybaby, shy, average, and weak. How my uncle and aunt could tell with just a look told me everything I needed to know.
My mind came to a decision. It was for the best for Osamu. Aunt and Uncle were nobles; they would be able to give Osamu everything he needed and wished for. He deserved a normal life, not suffering beside his weak brother who cried at almost everything that crossed his path. He deserved this chance, even if it meant I would never see him again. As long as he lived happily and grew up in a loving home, it would be worth it.
With this thought, I slowly stopped crying and let go of my brother. He suddenly stopped what he was saying and looked at me with confusion and concern, sensing my sudden change of behavior. "Sato, what's wrong?" he asked, giving his full attention to me and purposefully ignoring our aunt and uncle.
I wiped the remaining tears that slid down my face and took a deep breath before looking at him. I forced myself not to show any emotion and put on a mask that showed the opposite of what I was feeling. "Brother, you should go with them," I said slowly, trying to stop my voice from trembling. It wouldn't be convincing if I sounded on the brink of tears.
My brother looked at me with wide eyes, shocked at my sudden declaration. "Satoshi, what are you saying? There's no way I'll ever leave you behind. Don't you remember our promise we made to mother?" Osamu exclaimed, showing concern towards me.
"Aunt and Uncle have a lovely home where you'll be able to live. They'll be able to feed you all the food you want and give you the best education in London. I'm happy as long as you live a comfortable life," I said, showing a small smile towards my brother.
"No, I can—" I held my brother's hands tightly in my own. "Please, brother, don't worry about me. This is your chance to learn how to play the piano with the best instructors in London! You'll be performing on stage as a professional in no time!" I said enthusiastically. "And just because we're apart doesn't mean we can't see each other! I know we'll meet again and start creating music together, just like father and uncle have."
I suddenly brought my brother in for a hug. I felt him shaking but embracing me back. I knew he probably saw through my facade. However, we both knew that no one would consider our opinion on the matter. Whether we liked it or not, they would have to separate us.
"I promise to learn the piano and save up a lot of money to come see you as soon as possible," he whispered low enough so only I could hear. I nodded while slowly releasing my hold on him as I heard a cough coming from my uncle. "It's time." And with those two words, I watched my brother's back become smaller and smaller until I couldn't see him anymore. Tears formed in my eyes and flowed down my face.
In that moment, I realized that the sound of silence wasn't just the prelude to the beautiful song pieces I had heard various musicians play. It also signified the end of it.