To Protect

Touko-san… Shigeru-san…

It's spring again. The seasons go by so fast. It was also spring when you first welcomed me into your home. Before that, I've never known the warmth of having a family. I wanted to grow up faster. I wanted to live alone. I was miserable, sad and lonely. But because of your kindness, because I've felt kindness, I too want to be kind. I don't want to be selfish. That's why I must leave.

Please don't worry about me. I'm at a safe place. They're acquaintances of Natori-san's. They're good people. They'd teach me about a lot of things. That's why; you don't have to worry about me.

Thank you for everything, Shigeru-san, Touko-san. Please remain in good health.

Natsume Takashi.

A drop of tear escaped from Natsume's eye and fell on the letter he just finished writing. It smudged the letters a little so he thought he should at least rewrite it before he leaves. But as he searched his desk for a clean sheet of paper, Nyanko-sensei appeared by the window of his room.

"Oi, Natsume, aren't you done yet? It's just about time for Touko to wake up," the cat said.

The boy quickly wiped the trail of the tear from his face and neatly folded the letter. There's not even enough time for me rewrite this, huh? He neatly folded the letter and put it in his pocket. Touko-san, Shigeru-san, I really do want to stay here for as long as you'd have me. But as I am now, this is the only thing I can do. "I'll be right down, Sensei."

Natsume tiptoed down the stairs and into the dining room. He wanted to leave the letter on the dining table so Touko would see it right away and not bother her anymore by having her make his share of breakfast and bentou. He just hoped she wouldn't call a search party after him though.

He looked around the room and traced his fingers on the table's surface. I sat down on my seat and imagined Touko-san happily talking about her day and Shigeru-san listening intently as he picks up his bowl. They'd get into a little fight but it somehow it would still feel cozy. A family's warmth? Natsume smiled a little at the thought. Last night was the last, I guess.

He got up and headed towards the front entrance. On the way there, he noticed something beside the phone. It was a photograph- a photograph of the three of them and Nyanko-sensei. It was taken with Shigeru-san's camera. He said he wanted to take a picture as a family and went so far as to have the camera fixed. The frame was of plane brown but the picture itself is what matters. It's proof that they're a family.

Family, huh? I've stayed with a lot but this is the first time I've felt part of one. This is the first time I've felt that I don't want to leave. Tears were forming in his eyes. He took deep breaths as to not let them fall. He reached into his bag and made sure he had the copy of the photo with him. Shigeru-san made sure he had a copy of it too. Unlike my parents' photo, I think I'd be staring at this one all the time.

Natsume turned to the empty hallway, took a deep breath and with one final bow, he whispered, "Thank you for taking care of me!"

Author's Notes: First of all, I apologize to all those who reviewed on my other stories but didn't get a reply. I originally meant to reply to everyone but somehow I couldn't. I hope you aren't too mad and would still review this story. I'll try my best to reply to everyone.

So... Why do you think Natsume needed to leave? And where would he go?

Thank you so much for reading! :D