Prologue
The four year old boy sat silently on a chair too big for him. It was dark brown, kind of comfy. Those kind of chairs you see in offices of doctors and lawyers and whatnot. He felt restless but knew he shouldn't move. His parents were beside him; dad on the left, mom on the right. His dad looked impatient and irritated, wanting to get whatever they doing over with. (What were they doing anyways?) His mother just looked tired, had wrinkles in places she shouldn't have at her age. She held a sleeping infant in her arms.
"I'm taking him with me.
"I won't let you."
"You don't deserve him."
"I don't deserve him? You're never home!"
"I have work! I come home enough to see him!"
"He doesn't even know you!"
"That doesn't compare to what you did! That child in your arms is not-"
"YOU- don't you dare say it. It's your fault! Think about it! When was the last time you stepped into his room and kissed him goodnight!?"
Both parents stood up, seemingly ready to take the argument to the next level. The little boy stared up to his parents. His dad's expression was unlike his usual laid back one, he was angry. His mom was ready to throw a punch as she carried the baby in one arm. The boy shut his eyes, willing the yelling to stop. He covered his ears. Please, please, please, someone make them stop.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed his arm and he was pulled roughly off the chair. "Come on boy, we're leaving this goddamn place." It was his dad.
The boy, surprised at the force his dad used, pulled away but with no avail. He turned to his mom, pleading that she would do something.
But she didn't. The look on her face was confusing to the little boy. She seemed angry, sad, hopeful and disappointed all at the same time. His dad led him out of the office, he obediently complied. He glanced at this mom once more, with the same pleading look. Mom, don't want to go...want to stay...
She turned away. The baby in her arms started to wail.
"Shhh, don't cry..."
Her voice faded as the little boy was pulled further down the hallway.
And that was the last time Echizen Ryoma saw his mother.