Yasuchika woke feeling groggy and weak. He seemed to be in a different room now.
He could hear the beeping of the monitor and as he looked around, he noticed something strange.
"Father?" He called out.
"Yes my son?"
"Where's Mitsukuni?"
"He was pretty worried about you and after you had your operation I sent him to see his friends." There was something different about his father's voice, it was pained.
"What operation?"
"We found a donor for you. You almost died last night. We were both so worried."
"Can you call him then, so he knows I'm okay, he was right."
"His phone is here, but I'm sure he knows. The doctor should be in to check on you soon. Just rest my son." Chika was too tired to reply and was soon back to sleep.
He would wake shortly to be examined by the doctor.
"Chika, I'm going to listen to your heart and make sure that it's working properly, you'll notice the new tube, it's keeping fluid from gathering in your chest and lungs for now, when you're stronger we can deal with those but right now, you're going to be on bed rest. As soon as we're sure you can handle it, we'll try to have you sitting up in a chair." The stethoscope was cold against his skin causing him to shiver.
Chika remained still but looked over at the recliner where his brother had slept to find Usa-Chan propped up against the back of the chair.
"Father, why didn't he take that rabbit, he always takes it with him." Chika asked weakly.
"He was upset, it must have slipped his mind."
"If he was upset, that's not something he would forget. Tell me."
"I have."
"Chika,I'm afraid you won't be able to continue with your karate, it could put you at risk if you're injured but eventually, you can get back to some activity. Your new heart is working very well and I'd like to have you stay a few more weeks just to be sure.
Chika wasn't listening, his eyes were fixed on the stuffed animal. Tears filled his eyes.
His father held his hand.
"Yasuchika,Mitsukuni loved you very much, we were losing you and the only option was to take you to surgery, Mitsukuni was the only match we could find in time. Take care of the heart beating inside of you now,by doing so you'll be taking care of your brother." Chika was devastated.
"He left a letter for you,and I spoke to his friends, I wanted to wait until you were better so it would be less of a recovery but I could see that you knew."
"Father,why would you let him do that?"
"It wasn't an easy choice, to lose either way you, I know you don't believe it but I do love you."
"I want the letter." Chika demanded. His father handed it to him.
Chika read it tearfully.
Dear Chika-Chan,
I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise to spend more time with you. I know you're going to be angry and hurt but it's not your fault or our father's. I want you to live, and always know that I love you.
I did this because I wanted to.
please get better and have a good life, make it what you want it to be, that's very important to me.
Usa-Chan helped me through a lot, he's going to need someone to take care of him now, I know you don't really like cute things so it's okay if you decide to find him another home. Maybe Takashi would take him, please don't be too upset, I promised I would take care of you, the doctor said my heart is really strong well, it's yours now. So it should work really good for you.
Remember how much I love you Chika-Chan, and that I've always been proud of you.
You know, my birthday is coming up, and the best gift you can give me is to be healthy.I hope that you're better soon and that your life is full of good things.
I love you
Mitsukuni
P.S. I'll say hello to our mother for you and give her your love.
Chika reread the letter not wanting to believe it, how could his brother leave him like that, why did he do something so stupid, so final?
"Father?" Chika sobbed.
"Yes my son?"
"Will you give me Usa-Chan please?" His father stood up and took hold of the toy lovingly and handed it to his son.
Chika pulled the rabbit close.
"I'll take care of him Mitsukuni, I promise."
A/N I'm sorry everyone.
