One year has passed since Reiko found Yuzuyu's mother, and today, Kippei is walking her home from school, unaware of what waits for them at home.
"So, Yuzuyu, how was kindergarten?" asked Kokoro as she walked with them.
"It was great, me and my friends had a lot of fun," said Yuzuyu who was smiling while holding both of their hands.
"Well when we get home, we'll help you with your homework," said Kippei as they walked up to the house. When they walked inside, they found the rest of the family in the living room.
"What's going on?" asked Kippei.
"Kokoro, could you please take Yuzuyu to her room, we need to talk with Kippei for a minute," said Misako.
"Sure thing," said Kokoro.
"What did I do this time?" asked Kippei as he sat his bag down by the doorway.
"Yuzuyu's mom was found dead in a car wreck last night, we got the call while you were at school," said Satsuki.
"What, are you sure it is her?" asked Kippei in a low voice so Yuzuyu would not hear.
"We verified the body just a few hours ago," said Miyako.
"Let me be the one to tell Yuzuyu," said Kippei as he looked up stairs while trying not to cry.
"Are you sure?" asked Reiko.
"I'm the one who was put in charge of her, she'll take it better from me than anyone else," said Kippei.
"He has a point," said his mom. Kippei then walked up the stairs and into Yuzuyu's room.
"Kippei onii-chan, can you play now?" asked Yuzuyu as she colored in a book.
"No Yuzuyu, I have something to tell you, and it's not going to be easy," said Kippei as he sat down on her bed.
"What is it?" asked Yuzuyu.
"The police called earlier, they found your mom in a car crash," said Kippei. Kokoro automatically covered her mouth in surprise.
"Is she alright?" asked Yuzuyu whose eyes showed that she was worried.
"Yuzuyu, your mom did not survive the crash," said Kippei who was still fighting back the tears.
"No," said Yuzuyu who was now crying.
"I'm so sorry, Yuzuyu," said Kippei as he held his arms out for her.
"Kippei onii-chan!" said Yuzuyu as she ran to him, crying into his shirt as she clung to him.
"Hey Yuzuyu, is it alright if Kokoro hugs you too?" asked Kippei as he noticed her crying through his own tears.
"Sure," said Yuzuyu without moving.
"Thanks," said Kokoro as she moved over to them, and hugged the two.