"Yusuke! Where the heck have you been again?!" My mom's furious tone pierced through the dilapidated front door, it look like a jumbled mess. Soft light rays streamed inside through the little holes in the roof, creating an eerie glow.
Mom stood there, holding a long stick in her hands, ready for action.
"I was just hanging out with Hana in their backyard!" I blurted out, panic etched across my face.
Should I approach her and explain? Nah, better to stay out of range from that stick.
"Yusuke Akuma! Get your butt inside right now!" She barked, preparing for an attack.
Oh great, she used my full name. Sends shivers down my spine.
I couldn't help but force a wry smile, turning my head towards Hana standing beside me.
"Did you hear that? One more warning and I'll be seeing the pearly gates," I nervously scratched my neck and let out a laugh.
Hana chuckled.
Man, I could stare at her face all day long.
Seeing her laugh made me momentarily forget about the stick's wrath waiting for me.
"Yea I thought so. Good luck, and I'll catch you tomorrow!" She gave me a final wave and turned away.
I watched as her boots trampled over muddy cans, bottles, wet papers, and water darker than the night.
And here I was, standing barefoot, no boots, not even slippers. Covered in mud from head to toe.
I blinked, sliding my eye left and right, taking in the scene—scrap tents, sticks as makeshift poles, clothes as roofs. Little kids scampering around barefoot, playing in the trash and mud.
This is where I grew up. It ain't always been squeaky clean and it will never be. But hey, as long as I got my mom by my side, that's all that matters. She's like my rock, my ride-or-die. Life may throw its curveballs, but having her with me, it's like having my own superhero in the chaos. I don't need fancy stuff or a picture-perfect existence. Just her love and support, and I'm good to go. She's the real deal, the whole package. And that is everything I need.
I turned my gaze back to my mom, still standing there, waiting for me, with a smile that almost reached my ears.
"I had a blast with her! We picked fruits, ate those sweet brown-circle things, even fed their sheep!" I skipped towards her, sharing the highlights of my day.
She smiled as I got closer and closer.
Yes! I'm in the clear—
Or so I thought.
Without warning, a quick strike landed on my rear, but she kept smiling like she hadn't done a thing.
"What was that for?! You're grinning like you didn't just whack me!" I winced, rubbing the spot where the stick landed.
"It's for disobeying me. I told you not to stay out late. It's dangerous outside at night." Her smile remained as she stepped inside our humble abode.
Dangerous outside... Dangerous at night... Can this scrap heap we call home protect us? Even I could tear it down with my bare hands. Are we really safe here?
The smile faded from my lips as these thoughts crossed my mind.
"Dinner's ready. Don't wait for another strike," my mom's voice called out from behind the curtain that served as our front door.
I mustered a smile, pushing those thoughts aside.
"Alright! I'm starving tonight!" I dashed forward.
We had our typical evening routine. After dinner, we make our bed together, shared stories, and even engaged in singing my all-time favorite song.
And with that, here comes another day.
I head straight to Hana's backyard, waiting for her to step outside.
I find myself sitting under a tree, feeling the cool and gentle breeze that you can only experience out in the countryside.
I can't help but wonder what the city is like. They say it's full of towering buildings and lights everywhere! People bustling about, giving it a vibrant atmosphere! I really wish I could visit the city someday.
Lost in my thoughts, I gaze at the distant mountains, watching the grass sway in perfect harmony.
When I grow up, I'll find a good job and make loads of money. That way, Yumi and I can travel to the city and have the time of our lives! I want to repay her for all the kindness she's shown me and the years she spent raising me.
"Yusuke!" a voice calls out from behind, coming from Hana's backyard.
"You're early today! Did your mom kick you out?" she says, walking towards me with a mischievous smile on her face.
Her yellow eyes shine like the sun.
Her long black hair dances in the wind, adding an elegant flair to her neat dress.
"Hah, me? Getting kicked out? I can find a secret door in our house in every nook and cranny," I reply, and we both burst into laughter.
And so, we start our day.
We go fishing in the nearby lake, using our bare hands. I manage to catch 10 fish, while Hana only catches one.
We venture into the forest, hunting down a rabbit. I catch 5, while Hana comes up empty-handed.
As the day comes to an end, we find ourselves being chased by a cow. Hana stumbles, and I quickly divert the cow's attention to give her time to get back on her feet.
"Phew! That was a close call with the grim reaper!" she exclaims, laughing and trying to catch her breath.
"Yeah! And my knees were screaming for help!" I reply, plopping down on the grass beside her.
We lie there, basking in the fading sunlight.
"Oh, I should head back now. Don't want to face the power of the stick again," I say, getting up from my spot.
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to witness that either," she replies, taking a seat.
I chuckle at her remark.
"Goodbye, Hana. See you tomorrow!"
"Bye, Yusuke!"
And we both part ways, heading in opposite directions.
After a few minutes of walking on the smooth grass, I find myself stepping into the familiar muddy terrain.
I can't wait to tell her about today! She will be surprised that I managed to catch a 5 rabbit today! It beats her high score!
"There! I saw it running over there!" a man with a torch in his hand shouts, pointing behind me.
Suddenly, a group of about 15 men armed with rakes, machetes, and torches come rushing past me, their light casting eerie shadows in the dusk.
What's going on? Is there a fight? Where's Yumi? Is she safe?
I turn my head and sprint towards our house, pushing the curtain aside.
"Yumi! Are you here?!" I shout, trying to catch my breath.
"How dare you call your mother like that!" Yumi's voice echoes from the cooking area, tucked away in the right corner of our small abode.
I feel a bit relaxed as I hear, Yumi, my mother's voice.
But I can't see her, as another curtain separates the kitchen from the living room and decided to approach her.
"What's all the commotion outside? Is there a fight? What happened?" I ask, approaching the curtain.
As I pull it aside, my eyes widen with horror. I want to scream. I want to run. I want to grab something as a weapon. But I'm frozen in place, staring at the creature standing before me.
"What's wrong, Yusuke?" the creature speaks.
It has Yumi's voice, but I'm certain it's not her. I-It's not my mother!
Its mouth is bloody, droplets dripping down. Its wide smile reveals long, sharp fangs.
"Y-You're..." The words tremble out of my mouth as my entire body shakes.
"Yusuke!" a loud voice calls out from outside.
"Get out of the house!" the voice insists, while the creature continues to stare at me, hunger printed on its face.