2/8/17: Finally got around to editing this and fixing grammar mistakes. I hope I fix everything orz
Kokone was only five years old when she had first heard of spinocerebellar ataxia. She was awaken by the arguing of her parents one summer morning, and she no longer knew what to do. The fights between her mother and father had began in the early spring of that year. If she ever understood the conversations, all Kokone knew was it has always been about her eldest sister.
Miku was, and still is, Kokone's favorite person in the world. She was ten years older than little Kokone, and in Kokone's eyes, Miku was perfect. With long, teal hair tied in twin tails, cerulean eyes that sparkled with life, and a soft, slender body, Miku was adored by all who met her. As a small child, Kokone had decided that she wants to be exactly like Miku.
When Miku began high school, Kokone noticed a physical change in her. Starting in the first week of school, Miku fell constantly. Often, she lost her grip on the items she held. Miku walked into walls. Her footing was uncoordinated. When Kokone had realized it, Miku had to visit the hospital many times.
When the arguing woke her up, Kokone jumped out of bed and went to the room where her sisters slept in. Although she had really wanted to, Kokone couldn't wake Miku up, for the latter was in a medical condition. Instead, she climbed to the top bunk of the bed and crawled on top of Lapis. She poked the older girl until she opened her eyes. That moment, the argument had worsen, growing louder each second. When she heard them, Lapis was then wide awake. Understanding why Kokone woke her up, Lapis climbed out of bed and left her room.
Kokone remained in bed. Her parents were still arguing. Then a voice that was once soft spoken yelled at the two. Suddenly, Kokone could hear Lapis clearly.
"If you don't want us to know anything about Miku's condition, then do a better job keeping it a secret!"
Silence arrived for a short period of time. Then, Kokone heard a door open, and two boys walked by the bedroom. The smaller boy simply went by, but the older boy noticed Kokone.
"What are you doing in Lapis-nee's bed?" her brother, Kiyoteru, asked while he walked towards the bed. "Come down," he kindly commanded her while extending his arms towards her. Doing what he had told her, Kokone went to climb down and allowed her brother to grab her and place her on the floor. The two left the room, never waking Miku. They had traveled to the first floor, where they were greeted by their mother.
"Please, come to the table," their mother, Meiko, told them and led them to the room where Lapis, their brother Kyo, and their father Kaito were at. Kiyoteru took a chair next to Kyo, and Kokone sat in between Kyo and Lapis. Kaito and Meiko stood on the other side of the table.
"We have some very important news to tell you," Kaito began.
"It concerns your older sister Miku," Meiko spoke next.
With a pause and a glance at the faces of the four children, they continued simultaneously.
"Your sister, Miku, has spinocerebellar ataxia."
Kokone has been wide awake long before her parents could open their eyes from their slumber. She had longed for this day to come. On this day, Kokone begins her first day of high school. With beaming excitement, Kokone shot out of bed.
As dawn arrives and the sun rises, Kokone does her bathroom necessities. She then proceeds to cook breakfast for herself and her parents. The sun finally peaks from the horizon when she finish cooking. Placing the food at the table where she had first learned of her now deceased sister's illness nearly ten years ago, Kokone returns to her room.
Only ten minutes were spent changing into her school uniform. It's not new clothes for Kokone. In fact, she desires to wear the seifuku that once belonged to her two older sisters. Kokone believes she can feel the presence of Miku and Lapis with her. Looking at the mirror, Kokome admire herself and spun around in her uniform.
In several minutes, Kokone return downstairs and her parents are awake at last. They notice the food on the table and stare in awe.
"What a wonderful meal my daughter has prepared!" Kaito exclaim.
"You must have been awake for a while, Kokone," Meiko comment before sitting down. "You didn't have to, dear. Today is your first day of school."
"I couldn't sleep," Kokone told them with a smile. "I felt like cooking for all of us."
"Isn't our daughter amazing?" Kaito sits down and ask his wife. "Don't we have the greatest children in the world?" When Kokone sits down, he cheer happily, "Itadakimasu!" Meiko and Kokone repeat him. They eat their meal and continue their conversations.
"Can't you believe it Meiko?" Kaito ask. "Kokone starts high school. Kyo is in college. Kiyoteru begins his career."
"Lapis is continuing her studies to be a doctor," Meiko continue for her husband.
Kokone has been the first to finish breakfast. "I'll be heading out!" She exclaim.
"Wait, Kokone!" Meiko shouts to her daughter. "Remember that your older siblings are visiting today. Your father wants a family photo. Don't stay out too late," she reminds her.
"Okay," Kokone nods. "I'm heading out!" She cheers and ran to the door. She sits down, placing her school bag and art bag next to her and put on her shoes. When they were on, Kokone grabs her bags and stood up.
"Goodbye!" She cheer and left her home.
Never had April felt so wonderful to her. The wind lightly brushes against Kokone as she runs. The rays of the sun bring warmth to her. Kokone keeps jogging to her favorite place, up on a hill where she saw the entire town. When she finally reach it, she took her phone out and took a picture. With a smile, she speaks as if she is not alone.
"I'm starting high school today, Onee-sama."
Putting her phone away, Kokone pulls out a book with the word Diary and the name Miku on it. Holding it close to her heart, Kokone looks up at the sky.
"Please, watch over me as I start my new adventure, Onee-sama."
With those words, Kokone left her favorite spot and went on to her way to school. As she did so, she thinks of Miku, her elder sister, who may be smiling over her little sister and protecting her from the dark. Perhaps, Miku is there, shielding Kokone from any pain. It has been a little over three months since Miku left, but Kokone still feels her presence near her. To Kokone, Miku is still living inside her. With that belief, Kokone believes she can overcome everything.
AN: I had written this a long while ago, earlier this year, and I decided to give this a shot. I'll try my best to update this weekly, as long as school doesn't become too much. I will also be working on my other two fanfics as well. Hope you enjoy!