It's been awhile since my mother's death. I could still remember those hands gripping onto my own, cold and stiff. Those dark hazel eyes seemed to look past me. Merely just staring towards the ceiling, her words are fixed in my heart, "you're a good child…" she whispered. "I couldn't have been more proud of you than I am right now."
I slowly locked my gaze to hers. "Mother." I replied, "I'm sorry things had to go this way." Her eyes looked back towards at me.
"Sorry for what?" Her voice echoed with confusion.
"Dad's death. Your soon-death. Uncle's disappearance. My brother's and sister's leaving. Our whole family's going to break up."
Her gaze softened. "Oh. Haru." She smiled weakly. "Maybe you should move in with your aunt. Sell the house and live a happy life."
Haru. My mind whispered. She hasn't called me that in ages. After my mind went back into sense, my mind began processing what she just had said.
"What?!" Shock vibrated through my mind, "no way I want to live with her, let alone sell this house."
"Koharu." My mother responded slightly wearily. "I'm tired, you know it, I can't take care of you forever, you're still a teenager, you don't even know how to take care of yourself fully still."
My gaze lowered. "If you wish, mother." I said. "I'll pack my things now."
Perfect timing.
My mother nodded quietly and weakly, soon fell back on the bed and fell asleep. When I checked on her again, she was long gone. But strangely enough, her body had disappeared too. A crumpled slip of paper was found on the bed after my mother's body disappeared. Slowly, I picked it up and stared at it. Nothing. Blank. I stared at it in confusion, but never mind, I was still going to bring this mysterious thing with me. Maybe it has a connection with my mother's disappearance as well as my uncle's.
I slipped outside onto the streets and took a few steps forwards. I looked back, was I ready for this? Leaving all my dreams I built when I was younger and heading off into a new life. Perhaps everyone had a time to grow up. I scolded myself for being afraid of what was out there in the open,outside world.
"Theres no time to be afraid, Koharu." I mumbled to myself. I wandered around the streets for a while, taking in every single detail. "It's beautiful out here." I breathed, realising time was slipping, I hurriedly dashed off to the ancient, rumoured mansion my Aunt lives in.
...
When I reached the mansion gates, I was greeted by some of the servants. "Welcome, young master."
Young master? My mind laughed, something is wrong about this. I nodded quietly and head in, admiring the tall stone fountains in the yard, the tall maple trees and the gentle breeze. It was pretty luxurious yard, probably cleaned and cared for every day. Smiling to myself, I decided that it couldn't be that bad living here.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Cleaned wooden floors and a small gentle breeze blew the curtains softly through one of the open windows. I saw a woman sitting on a chair, facing away, talking with another woman, perhaps a maid.
"Aunty?" The words came out of my mouth, slipped out like water dripping through my hands. The tall woman looked back and smiled.
"Oh… Well the young master's finally returned?"
Young master. The word echoed through my mind. Without questioning the words, instead I asked her where my room was.
"Oh. Not even a quick introduction? It's rare to see you." She said softly. She then waved her hand towards the other female beside her. "This is Yae. She'll be your private assistant for now." Yae bowed slightly to show her respect. Her long black hair slipped over her shoulders.
"Welcome, Young Master." She stated. "Please follow me." She whisked me off into my new room.
It was a large room. A bed in the middle of it and a window that was covered with silk white curtains. Small decorations were placed around the room. "This once was the Master's room." Yae's voice piped up from the soothing silence. The master. My uncle perhaps?
"If you have any other questions about this place. Feel free to ask me." She fell silent. "Of course you can call me if you need help." She bowed again respectfully and strode off.
I dumped my luggage onto the floor and glanced at the clock. Noon. I groaned and unpacked my belongings carefully, I was beginning to think that this wasn't a good idea at all. Good thing it's not too far away from the school I go to.
After unpacking all my belongings, I was feeling a bit hungry. After all, I did miss lunch, so I went down the wooden stairs and found my way to the dining room.
"Young master."
The voice startled me and I jumped. But it was only my assistant, Yae. "Yes, Miss Yae?" I replied, calming myself from the sudden appearance.
"Your meal is placed on the table."
Nodding slowly, I paced over to the dining table. On it was placed my meal, but there was nothing to eat it with. "Isn't there a spoon? Or any cutlery?" I queried her. Yae nodded and turned to a drawer.
She pulled out to things that looked like two sticks.
"Chopsticks?" I murmured to myself. Seems like I have to deal with it. I guess Japanese blood runs through the family here.
After the meal, I spent the time in the mansion, getting to know the others and remembering where which rooms were where. It was a tiring day.
Finallly, it was night. I snuggled under the soft silk blankets over the bed. Breathing softly, I was about to fall asleep.
Tink.
A crisp, pleasant and beautiful sound filled the air.
It was quiet, but loud enough for me to hear.
Tink.
The player seemed to be testing it.
Tink.
Eventually, it was placed into a melodic rhythm which slowly turned into a song. Strangely, it seemed to miss half of what it had before. Maybe because it was a duet's song not a single players.
But what had happened to the other person?
I never knew.
To the song, I fell asleep like if it was a lullaby. It was gentle and calm, soothing me quietly.
When I woke up in the morning, the song had already stopped. And I heard my Aunt call my name.
"Koharu, Koharu! Breakfast!"
"Yes, Aunty." I shouted back at her.
Maybe I could get some answers from her.