Chapter 1: The Choice
Coffins. No one will ever be fond of them. Who would? Seriously, who would? Hiroaki was forcing himself to look at these unbearable things. Tomorrow his younger son will be laid in one of these hateful chests forever. They did not fit. They just did not fit. Takeru was a child, a butterfly, a gem of life and hopeful innocence. A coffin was a symbol of death and pain, an everlasting goodbye between loved ones. They did not just fit. But it was all true. Why did it have to be my son? A voice inside him raged. Why did it have to be my son? Why? Why? Why?
One particular coffin caught his attention. Pure crystal shone with molten gold. Exquisite, flawless craftsmanship. The cost was obviously a violent headache, but Hiroaki did not care. Takeru deserved the best. Anything for him and the rest of his remaining family to see Takeru's sweet face one last time. Takeru's face…Hiroaki's face twisted in pain and heartbreak at the thought of it. Even in death, Takeru still looked so peaceful…so innocent…so pure…one might thought that it was merely an angel who had fallen into a deep, restful sleep and will be awaking up sooner or later. But that look of peace was nothing but a lie. It was then that the lights were switched on.
"Honey?" Hiroaki turned to face his family and the funeral director.
"Are you okay?" Natsuko's voice had lost its strength. The once beautiful woman now looked tired and drawn; her wonderful calm eyes had turned from sapphire-blue to ruby-red.
"Yeah, I think so." Hiroaki avoided his wife's eyes.
"Did you find something?" The funeral director asked.
Hiroaki nodded. "This one."
Everyone could not help but admire the beauty of the coffin. It was really a masterpiece.
"It is a fine choice." The funeral director mused. "It speaks of your deep feelings for the deceased."
As Hiroaki turned to leave, he noticed that that his family was hesitating. The coffin held their undivided attention. Uncertainty was written on every face.
"You guys don't like it?"
Natsuko shook her head. "No. It's just…what if Takeru…what if he liked something else?"
"Natsuko…"
"Mom's right." Yamato said quietly. "I mean, how do we know for sure? He's the one who was to be in it forever."
Hiroaki could not bring himself to think about it this way. It was far too painful…too overwhelming. The last thing any of them needed was a breakdown. He had to stay strong for all of them. Yes, Takeru will want that. With a kind but firm tone, he decided to end the discussion. "Guys, maybe it wasn't such a good idea, you coming along."
Yamato sighed. "It is fine, Dad. It's just…"
"Mr. Ishida, I'm sure that Takeru will want us to be here." Patamon spoke suddenly. "We love Takeru as much as you do."
"Still, you shouldn't have to deal with this kind of stuff."
The funeral director's brow furrowed. "If you'll like a few more minutes to decide…"
"No." Hiroaki said quickly. "It's fine. It's done. Please, guys, it's the only way we will be able to see him one last time."
Everyone looked confused, but then it clicked. It was the only coffin that was not opaque. They finally nodded. "Okay."
Hiroaki turned to leave. A strangely quiet Michel laid a reassuring hand on his daughter's back as they headed after Hiroaki and the funeral director. But Yamato barely registered it. His eyes were fixed on the coffin. Patamon burst into tears. "Yamato…" Not knowing what to do, Gabumon hugged Yamato as lovingly as he could. But it brought no comfort to the Child of Friendship. No, absolutely no comfort at all. Tomorrow he will have to say goodbye forever to the one person he loved most in this world – his little brother.