Somewhere in the Middle: Akiko

Standard Disclaimer. Yumi Hotta, I bow before you. Obata is supreme. I don't own HnG.

I keep thinking over and over, 'he's the same age as my Akira.' I can hear my husband and son scrambling about in the sitting room. Kouyo has just hung up the phone after calling for the taxi. Akira is sweeping the go-ke back into their bowls. He had accidentally knocked them over when his father had told him the news.

I hurry back into. I'm carrying Akira's favorite sweater and a warm winter's coat. Kouyo catches my eye as I enter and I shake my head at him. I won't be going the hospital with them. That poor boy doesn't need to be surrounded by strangers right now, just friends.

My son is trembling slightly as I hold his coat open for him to shrug into. I think he is remembering his father's own brush with death over a year ago. I give into an impulse and zip Akira's coat up for him and then tie the hood stays. It's been over a decade since I last helped him dress himself. Perhaps I too am remembering last year's awful summer day.

Akira's serious eyes gaze deeply into mine. He senses my disquiet. I smile to reassure him and induldge myself a little more by touching his cheek lighty.

"Take care of him." I whisper to my son, as Kouyo returns to the room after changing into a warmer over robe.

He nods to me and then pulls his gloves on while heading towards the door. I think he intends to wait outdoors for the taxi. As if by willing it here, it would somehow arrive more quickly. I follow him to the door and stop beside my husband. My fingers itch to reach out and touch him too. I wipe some non-existent lint from his broad shoulders.

After so many years together Kouyo seems to understand me well. He reaches up and takes my hand in his own.

"I'll keep dinner worm for you." I say.

My husband nods and squeezes my hand gently in his own. "Even so, I don't know if he will be able to eat anything." He nods his head at Akira's still form. He was already waiting at the garden's gate. "He worries greatly for his friend Shindo."

"He's a good boy." I respond. I'm not sure if I am talking about Akira or the Shindo child. "Take care of him." My voice is pleading. 'Kouyo, do you hear what I can't say? This is all too much alike that terrible summer's day.'

The impersonal phone call. The awful sinking sensation in my stomach. The panicked departure from the house. The stinging eyes. Far, far too familiar. I wish I could spare that poor boy the pain he must be feeling right now, lying all alone in that hospital bed.

I think Kouyo does hear my unvoiced words for he smiles compassionately at me. He squeezes my hand once more before letting it go to reach for an umbrella. They will need it the nights are still to warm for snow.

I stand at the door, watching my family, until the taxi comes.

I think Akiko was Touya's mom's name.I didn't remember what disk of the anime it was on, so I couldn't verify. This peice is meant to start showing the emotional side of the problem. Again, if anyone is confused please letme know and I'll post the time line for you.

Thanks for reading!