The townhome loomed before me, a refuge amidst the wreckage of shattered dreams. Hime, my sister, awaited me at the doorstep, her features mirroring mine but with a slighter frame and nose piercing that always caught the light. Together, we began the process of unloading the remnants of our life from the cars. Boxes filled with memories and the weight of the past year's struggles, a heavy burden we carried up the stairs. As we maneuvered through the narrow hallway of the townhome, Hime's presence brought a sense of familiarity and support. She understood the struggles, the heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of a happy family that seemed to elude us. It was a relief to have her by my side.
The atmosphere shifted when our mother, Yuriko, arrived to drop off Sakura and Souske. Yuriko's arrival cast a shadow over the moment, her detached demeanor a stark contrast to the emotional upheaval within me. Sakura and Souske bounded towards me, their smiles temporarily lifting the heaviness that clung to my heart.
"Thanks for helping, Mom," I greeted Yuriko, trying to keep my tone neutral despite the tumultuous emotions churning within. Yuriko responded with a dismissive wave. "Well, I figured I'd help since you always seem to need it." – The words hit me like a punch to the gut, a reminder of the times I had to turn to her for financial assistance, especially when Kyosuke failed to fulfill his responsibilities. It stung, and I felt the weight of judgment in her words.
Hime shot me a sympathetic glance, knowing the history of our struggles. Yuriko's lack of empathy and the blame she placed on me for my traumas and loss of family only intensified the wounds. As Yuriko continued, a bitter undertone laced her words. "Maybe now that you're living with Hime, I won't have to keep bailing you out. It's about time you learn to stand on your own." I forced a tight smile, concealing the hurt behind my eyes. Hime, however, couldn't contain her frustration. "Mom, that's not fair. Hikari's been through a lot, and she's doing her best."
Yuriko's gaze shifted between us, a mix of annoyance and indifference. "She wouldn't be in this mess if she made better choices." The tension hung in the air, a palpable reminder of the strained relationship between Yuriko and me. The weight of her judgment settled on my shoulders, a burden I carried even as we attempted to rebuild our lives.
Hime, sensing the tension escalating, took charge by calling the kids and asking them to go upstairs to play for a while. The kids, sensing the atmosphere, complied, leaving Hime, Yuriko, and me in the living room. Hime's irritation was palpable as she turned to our mother. "Mom, you need to watch yourself. Hikari did everything she could to make up for Shogo and Kyosuke not stepping up. You know it as well as I do," Hime asserted, her eyes reflecting a blend of frustration and protectiveness. As per usual, when confronted, Yuriko attempted to change her tune. "Oh, I was just kidding. I'm happy you two are living together. It'll be good for Hikari to have some help," she said, attempting to mask her true feelings with a facade of casualness.
Hime's sharp gaze bore into Yuriko. "You and I both know it's not about 'help.' Hikari shouldn't have to shoulder everything on her own, and you know she did her best. Your comments aren't helping anyone." Yuriko sighed, feigning nonchalance. "Well, I'm just glad she has you now. Maybe things will be different." Hime's eyes narrowed, seeing through the familiar facade. "Just be honest for once, Mom. Hikari needs support, not judgment."
As the confrontation lingered in the air, I felt a mix of gratitude for Hime's defense and a deep weariness from the emotional strain. Yuriko took her leave with a casual wave, her insincere smile still lingering. As she exited, I couldn't shake the heavy weight of our strained interaction. Sakura came down shortly after, asking about dinner. Realizing the lateness of the hour, I assured them it would be ready soon.
Hime, observant as always, noticed the exhaustion etched across my face. "Hikari, go and bathe. I'll take care of dinner and get the kids settled. You need a break." Grateful for the reprieve, I accepted her offer. Upstairs, I filled the bath with hot water, the steam rising like a comforting embrace. As I soaked, my body relaxed, and I found myself drifting in and out of sleep. The water cradled me, a brief respite from the turmoil that life had become. After a while, I reluctantly emerged from the warm cocoon, feeling renewed. I adorned a black silk robe and matching slippers, the luxurious fabric a contrast to the turmoil within. Descending the stairs, the aroma of pizza wafted through the air, and I found Hime in the kitchen, a determined look on her face.
"I've got the kids to bed after they ate," she informed me, a reassuring smile on her face. "I also made some green tea. Let's go sit on the porch and talk."
We made our way to the porch, the moon casting a gentle glow on the world around us. The garden sprawled before us, a haven of tranquility. Lush greenery framed the space, vibrant flowers adding a touch of color. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hum of the night creatures created a serene symphony. Sipping on the warm green tea, Hime and I settled into a rhythm of conversation, the moonlit garden providing a backdrop to our shared reflections. The night unfolded, and as we talked, a sense of calm settled over me. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of familial connection, I found a glimmer of hope amid the challenges that lay ahead.
"It's frustrating how she always pins everything on us, even when she knows the truth," Hime remarked, a tinge of annoyance in her voice. "But you know, sometimes We just have to remember she's just a child herself. She won't evolve because she doesn't want to." I nodded in understanding, acknowledging the truth in Hime's words. "I get it," I said, my voice tinged with a mix of understanding and lingering hurt. "But it still stings, you know? As a mom myself, I know I have to do better for my kids. It's tough when your own mother doesn't feel the same."
Hime met my gaze with a sympathetic look, a shared understanding passing between us. We both carried the weight of unmet expectations, the echoes of our mother's shortcomings reverberating in our hearts. Yet, in that moment, amidst the quiet of the night and the serenity of the garden, we found solace in each other's company.
"Well, you know the one good thing that ever came of Itachi and Yuriko meeting?" I teased, a playful smile on my face. Hime chuckled, "Us being sisters." We both laughed, the sound carrying into the night. Gratitude filled my heart as I turned to Hime. "Thank you for being so supportive, for helping me find strength even when you're going through your own struggles."
Hime's eyes softened, reflecting the deep bond we shared. "We're in this together, Hikari."
With that, we shared a hug, the warmth of familial connection grounding us in the midst of life's uncertainties. We finished our tea and, fortified by the strength found in each other, turned in for the night, ready to face the challenges that awaited us in the new chapter of our lives.