My sleep was disrupted by the infectious laughter of Sakura and Souske, their playful scheme echoing through the air. Blinking open my eyes, I was greeted by the delightful sight of my children engaged in a lighthearted and utterly amusing wake-up call. The cozy townhome revealed itself gradually as I shook off the last vestiges of sleep. The medium sized bedroom had calming light green walls, emanating a serene atmosphere. The queen bed, where Souske and I slept, and the full-size bed for Sakura, each having their own unique touches, created a harmonious space. The attached master bathroom, adorned in all-white marble with black chrome accents, matched the pale green tea color of the main room, contributing to the tranquil ambiance.
I moved gracefully between the morning rituals, attending to the details of my children's hygiene, even if most days I could barely manage my own. As I brushed their teeth and combed their hair, I orchestrated a symphony of morning preparations, ensuring Sakura and Sousuke were properly prepared for the day ahead. Taking a moment for myself, I gathered my long, wavy locks into a casual bun and applied a touch of facial oil, a subtle act of self-care amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities. The reflection in the mirror conveyed a mix of weariness and determination, a testament to the challenges faced and the unwavering love that fueled each meticulous gesture.
Heading downstairs, the tantalizing aroma of fresh breakfast greeted us as Hime, humming a cheerful tune, had already begun preparing the morning meal. I received a cup of tea from her, a simple yet comforting gesture that added warmth to the morning routine. As we gathered around the breakfast table, the familiar exchange of "good mornings" and "how did you sleep" echoed through the room.
Hime grinned at Sakura and Souske, who were already eagerly digging into their breakfast, "Did you two sleep well?"
Sakura, her mouth full of cereal, nodded enthusiastically, "Mhmm, really well!" Souske, mimicking his sister's nod, added a playful giggle. Hime chuckled, "Well, that's fantastic to hear. And what about you, Hikari?" I took a sip of the soothing tea, savoring the moment, "I slept better than I have in a while. This new beginning must be working its magic." Hime nodded in agreement, "It's like a breath of fresh air, isn't it?" she said with a content sigh.
Hime and I have always been close, but we had yet to reach this depth – in fact, only over a year ago, we didn't speak for six months. The passing of our grandfather Osamin laid heavy on our hearts, each for a dichotomy of feelings. As we sat around the breakfast table, the smell of Hime's cooking filling the air, I couldn't help but reflect on those difficult times.
I carry the haunting memory of a vision that unfolded while I was driving one crisp August afternoon, a premonition that foretold the impending loss of the man who had been our anchor. In that vision, I saw myself suddenly in a vast white void, where I walked to the right, grabbing a cup of water and walking to the left, placing it on a light brown wooden table where there was a photo of my grandfather, bathed in the soft glow of a flickering candle. The symbolism struck me with an intensity that forced me to pull over, tears streaming down my face as I grappled with the crushing realization that I was being shown the inevitable. Hours later, the call from Hime confirmed the heart-wrenching truth. Bracing myself, I felt a wave of emotions surge within me as I waited for Hime to make her way to my home.
As I swung the door open, Hime's face was a canvas of sorrow, her flushed cheeks telling a tale of an endless cascade of tears. "Hik... Hikari..." Her voice wavered, each word laden with the weight of a reality too heavy to bear. "He's gone! He's GONE, HIKARI!" With those words, she fell inside, and we crumpled to the ground, embraced by a shared sorrow that threatened to consume us whole.
"I know..." I whispered, my voice a fragile thread that barely held my unraveling composure. The magnitude of the loss pressed upon us, a crushing force as we clung to each other, the final threads of our connection with the world now severed. What does one do when the very reason for every action, every purpose, is abruptly taken away? The vision that had tormented my thoughts transformed into a raw, tangible reality, etching the profound impact of Osamin's passing into the very core of my being. The world felt emptier, colder.
The concept of death often feels like a distant, abstract truth, something universally acknowledged but not fully comprehended until it becomes a profound personal experience. This understanding is magnified when it claims the life of someone as cherished as a parent. The initial encounter with the permanent absence of a beloved person triggers a flood of emotions. Nostalgia for shared moments, the enduring love that defined the relationship, and the realization that this cherished connection is no longer physically present all intertwine, creating a complex mix of feelings that transcends the boundaries between the living and the departed.
Osamin was the steadfast lighthouse in the tempest of our lives, the only positive male figure who illuminated our world with unwavering love. He played fair, ensuring that neither Hime nor I felt like outsiders in a society that often cast us aside. His lessons were simple yet profound, teaching us to find joy in life's uncomplicated moments and to take pride in our authentic selves. His charismatic spirit and infectious humor made him a beloved figure not only within our family but among friends and acquaintances alike. Osamin had the remarkable ability to forge connections wherever he went, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.
Hime, the eldest grandchild, was left to handle most of the legal affairs, only to end in Umero's manipulative attempts to control the situation. It was a painful chapter in our lives, one that left us angry and detached from each other and everyone. The weight of the stress and sadness left us to drift apart for the first time in our lives. I couldn't even remember the last talk Hime and I had before we didn't speak for those months, But I most definitely know how we reconnected.
Hime interrupted my thoughts, asking if I was okay. With a gentle smile, I reassured her, "Yeah, just spaced out for a bit." I turned to Hime, gratefulness swelling in my heart, "I'm thankful for yoOoOou!" I sang to her, Hime raised an eyebrow at me "And I you, of course, where did that come from?' she questioned "Can a sister not appreciate the amazingness of her sister anymore?!" I gasped mockingly. In the midst of our exchange, Sakura chimed in, calling us silly, prompting Sousuke to burst into laughter. In that moment, the weight of grief momentarily lifted, replaced by the laughter of my children and the warmth of Hime's presence.