Nakano
It's been three days since the call about Yui's accident, and I still haven't gotten up the courage to visit her, or even call to ask if she is alright. I have instead "resolved" to selfishly berate myself in hopes that I can free my conscience from the weight of guilt. But why should I be guilty? I didn't do anything… Or did I? I'm not even sure anymore.
Sitting on the ground with my knees pulled up to my chest, I look down at my cellphone and groan. I want to call Ui; I need to call Ui. I simply have to know if Yui is going to be okay.
I reach for my phone. Slowly, calculating each miniscule movement. Dreading each second until I pick up the phone and find Ui's number.
…
…
…
"Hello?"
I swallow the newly formed lump in my throat, and attempt to speak,
"Hi, Ui, it's Azusa."
"Azusa? Oh, I can't thank you enough for telling the hospital to call me. I wouldn't have known about the accident if you hadn't."
"It was nothing, it was the least I could do…"
"No really, I can't thank you enough. But…"
"–but what?"
"I just wondered why you didn't… you know… visit Yui…"
I wait a moment before replying. It was such an unexpected question, I have no idea what to say…
"I don't think Yui would want me to―Ah, that's what I was calling about in the first place, I wanted to know if she is alright or not."
"Come see for yourself. It's not like she is still mad at you. Do you really think she would hold a grudge this long? After all, it is 10 years later."
Tainaka
Fuck, my ribs hurt like a bitch… I can't believe that asshole did this.
I finish my cigarette and flick it onto the ground, crushing it with my heel. I then make the marvelous decision to smoke another. I reach into my front shirt pocket and pull out the pack of cigarettes I had bought a few days prior. I shake the pack and the last stoge falls out into my hand. Great, I have to buy more. I light my cigarette, letting the dim light of the Zippo cascade over my features. In my peripheral vision, I see a raven haired woman standing and staring in my direction. Psh, she probably thinks I'm some freak for crouching on the curb, smoking a cigarette. Maybe she thinks I'm homeless or something. I sigh and run my fingers through my amber hair. I look down at my feet and take a long drag from my cigarette. I hear faint footsteps coming my way. They are vaguely familiar, almost comforting. I don't look up until I see two feet planted right in front of my face. Does this chick know what personal space is? Just as I look up, about to give this pup a piece of my mind, I notice her eyes. Eyes that make my own widen in pure surprise before she speaks,
"Where've you been?"
No! No, not now! I can't see her now. It's too soon. Too soon; only 10 years later...
