"What do you want for Christmas, Shion?" asked Karen
"Anything is fine." Liar.
It's been 5 years since he left and I haven't forgotten him at all, I always relive my first kiss with him when I'm not doing anything particular, my mind just seems to be drawn to it within the sea of my memories. It can be cruel sometimes, when something pulls me back into the real world.
No.6 is better now, it still feels strange without the wall but we managed to get back on our feet. Many people were killed that day so I built an orphanage to look after the orphans and the child I saved. I named him Daichi, great wisdom, he has grown healthy and strong, I feel like a parent and everyday is enjoyable.
I still miss him though.
However, no matter what I think, I can't leave the orphanage and Daichi behind and it would break my mother's heart to know that she can't see me. It would be selfish of me to leave such an important part of my life to look for someone I might not see again. I don't even know why I feel so strongly about him. I have contemplated over the years, wondering if I was in love with him, or just curious like the night I sheltered him from being captured.
I still don't know.
CRASH! The sound of the plate brought me back to the Christmas party we were having. I ran from the balcony I was on and to the living room.
"Hana, don't pick up the plate, you might cut yourself." I made my way quickly towards the girl. "Are you alright?"
"Hai, Shion-sama. I'll get the broom for you."
Tooku no yama no itadaki de
Yuki ga toke
Nagare tonari buna no mori de midori ni somaru...
Nezumi's song. It was coming from the balcony I just came from.
This time I ran faster, stumbling more than once.
He was sitting there, back facing towards me and his legs over the balcony edge, singing as though he didn't just appear in front of me, as though it was just another of those days 5 years ago, when I return from an errand.
Unconsciously, a tear trailed down my cheeks as he turned to face me.
"Merry Christmas!"
I could only whisper his name breathlessly, afraid that he would disappear if I made any sudden movements.
"Do you like your present, Shion?" a voice asked from behind me.
Mom...?
"Shion, I know that you haven't really felt happy these 5 years. Go with Nezumi, I can take care of the orphanage and come back to visit once in a while."
Slowly, I wrapped my arms around my mother's petite figure. So small. Could I really leave her?
"Don't underestimate me, Shion-chan." I smiled, how could have ever doubted her, she raised me all by herself. "Thank you, this is the best Christmas present you have ever given me."I hugged her as tight as I could before jumping of the balcony with Nezumi by my side.
"Welcome back Shion." Nezumi said, smiling.
This is truly the best present I have ever had.