IN THE END
By: Chiki Yumeshisa

Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin………all original characters are mine to claim….

AN: ugh. I'm terrible, I admit. I apologize for the late update, everyone! Please don't be angry, I have my reasons. Please enjoy – thank you for your reviews and encouragements!

CHAPTER 21

- The Weight of the World -

What it meant to me, will eventually be a memory of the time I tried so hard….

We slept well into the afternoon of the next day, the first real rest I had gotten since my anxiety attack a week before.

I awoke to the feel of my bangs being pushed away from my face. I liked the feel, so I let it go on for longer, trying not to open my eyes so that the person doing it would not stop. But curiosity got the better of me, and I opened my eyes to find Kaoru, absently stroking my forehead, her other arm draped loosely around my waist.

My head lay partially on her shoulder, my arm also loosely around her waist, to my absolute embarrassment. When I stirred, she looked down at me. I thought to glance away, but then she smiled lazily.

"Good morning." She said, quietly.

"Ah….good morning, Kaoru-san." I said, uncertain how to respond.

Her fingers stopped playing with my hair, and I was surprised to find myself a bit disappointed. "Are you feeling better?" She asked, cautiously removing her arm from my waist. I did the same and shifted slightly so that I wasn't leaning my weight on her shoulder.

The events from the night before flooded back. It made my head hurt just thinking about it. "Better." I admitted, slowly getting up. "I'm sorry for troubling you."

Kaoru also sat up out of bed, stretching a bit. The shirt she had changed into belonged to me, the dark blue material clinging loosely to her petite form. She had plaited her hair into a single braid down her back, and despite the fact that she had just woken up, she looked great compared to me. I must have had red rimmed eyes with bags underneath.

"Don't be silly, Kenshin. I told you, that's what friends are for. If ever you need anything, you can always call me." She glanced down at her fingers, which were nervously toying with the bed sheets. "In truth, I was so happy that you trusted me with your thoughts….."

A strange feeling surged in me, but I couldn't tell what it was. The way she looked so forlorn and bemused, confused me. Half of me wanted to hug her, and the other half wanted her to go away.

I had to change the subject, and fast.

"I must have ruined your vacation." I told her, getting out of the bed and rubbing out my cramped muscles. I had gone to bed in an old t-shirt and boxers, apparently. I couldn't remember changing from the hospital robes, but I felt my face flame when I realized I was parading in front of a woman in my under clothes! Kaoru just giggled. I couldn't help but glare, reaching into my dresser drawers and pulling out any random pair of pants I could find.

She made a small sound with her throat. "It's not really a vacation." She said. "I have to go back to Tokyo tomorrow anyway. I have marks to grade and submit in by the end of this week. A new term is starting right after the break, you know."

I smoothed out the pants before struggling into them. Just as I was slipping them on and about to say something, my dad walked in freely, without bothering to knock.

"Hey, kid, are you - " He cut himself off when he realized that Kaoru was in the room with me, and that I was half undressed. Oh God! Of all the times he had to walk in! How I wished he could have at least let me have known he was coming!

"Oh, I'm sorry," he drawled, no doubt enjoying my embarrassment as I quickly did up my pants and smoothed my shirt down. Kaoru was giggling non-stop now. Right….make fun of my situation, why didn't she. "I thought you would never make a move." He taunted, seeing as he had already baited me.

My glare had no effect on him, though, and I ended up sputtering protests, causing him to chortle and Kaoru laugh. She was blushing though, and blushed harder when he baited her too, saying that she looked cute in my outfit.

Taking the closest pillow I could get a hold of, I threw it at him. "Get out, and leave us alone, dad!" I growled.

Dad caught the pillow easily, and ducked the next one that was chucked his way. "Us?" He asked, playfully. He was not so successful at dodging the last pillow though and it caught him square in the face. By this time, Kaoru could not contain her laughter any longer and was freely cracking up behind me.

I couldn't help but laugh too because her laugher was infectious. I grinned in triumph. And even more so when I saw the look on Dad's face when he got hit. I laughed until my sides hurt, and I could hardly breathe. It hit me then that I hadn't had a good laugh in months. It felt so good, I didn't care how much it hurt – I wish it could have gone on forever. With all the recent events, I had forgotten what it felt like to be happy; to joke around.

You should lighten up a bit, Himura-san! You're always so cold and polite, so frigid and ritual. Have you ever thought of just letting go once in a while?

Kaoru was gasping for breath beside me, the two of us having crumpled on Kenji's bed, not able to hold our laughter in. She was right…I had to let go once in a while. And at the moment, it felt wonderfully good. Problems melt away with laughter……

The good feeling didn't completely disappear, even when we settled down enough for my father to announce, "Your son is awake and asking to see you. They will let you talk to him, but not too close. And you can't ask him anything that may be too strenuous." He made the last word sound terrible. I couldn't help but wonder what would be too strenuous.

Kaoru glanced at me. "Will you go?" She asked, pushing herself off the bed and swiping the mess of her bangs away from her face.

"Of course I'll go." I said, quietly. Even if I could not see Kenji's face, I still wanted to hear his voice.

"Is it okay if I go with you?" Kaoru asked, hooking some hair behind her ear.

It would be good if Kaoru came. Then, Kenji would see that she didn't hate him after all; that she would be willing to visit him in the hospital. And, with the verdict of 20 meters distance, I would not even be able to be in the same room as him. As frustrating as that was, at least Kaoru could speak for me.

I nodded, and Dad announced that he would drive us there after a quick bite to eat. Kaoru began to search for her own clothing, so I left the room to give her some privacy as she changed.

Mom was just starting to leave the kitchen when I saw her. She seemed to plaster a smile onto her face as if for my sake. I knew she was not too happy with me. After all, I hadn't left them with any warning, having hung up on the answering machine. She must have surely panicked seeing a pool of blood by her front entrance.

She began to back into the kitchen once more, saying cheerfully, "Oh, Kenshin – are you hungry? I will prepare you something to eat before you leave."

"Mom….." I began to say. I was about to offer to help, but that was not my real intention.

Running away…again.

"Hmmm?" Mom began tying her robes back.

"I'm sorry." I blurted, uneasily.

She froze, dark eyes sliding toward me.

"I'm sorry….." I said again, for good measure.

Mom seemed to be on slow motion for a few moments but that vanished almost too soon. I was already resigned to hearing a huge lecture and scolding. And it began.

She turned to face me fully, angrily tugging the knot she was making tight. "Do you have any idea how worried we've been!?" She asked, slowly. Sometimes, she could be just as scary as dad when she was mad. It was all I could do not to run away.

"Imagine how I felt, being approached by a police officer, telling us that one of my boys was seriously injured! Do you have any idea how worried I've been?!" Her chest heaved in her anger, and I flinched back for a moment, fearing she would reach out and slap me.

She didn't though, but she was hardly able to control herself. "Then I saw all that blood – and no one had any explanations! I didn't know who was at fault, or why it even happened. If your father hadn't calmed me down, I swear I might have had a heart attack.

"While he got to go to the hospital to see you two, I had to stay here, and wait for the news. No night has ever been longer for me, and you can bet I could think of nothing else. Just because you are my adopted son, Himura Kenshin, does not mean that I don't consider you a real one! I'm still your mother!"

Her voice had gotten shrill and thin, as she struggled to stop herself from crying. I felt terrible. "I can't believe you didn't leave me a message or even call me!"

It was never my habit to give hugs or kisses or anything like that. Maybe when I was little I did, but once I reached the age of a teenager, I began to distance myself from those intimate things. I guess it was different between parents and a girlfriend.

So now I found myself in a fine predicament. I ended up giving my mother a hug feeling ill at ease. "Mom….I didn't forget you….." I started to say. "I'm really sorry….I really, really am. But I was in a panic – I was in a rush to get Kenji to the hospital. It's my fault I didn't get the chance to even leave a message. I always end up screwing up everything."

She never responded, just hugged me to her so tightly, as if never wanting to let go, crying. After a while, she said,

"I'm selfish in a way…I am somehow glad that it wasn't you that was stabbed. But as a father yourself, you must know how I feel."

"And doubly worse." I agreed, ruefully. I closed my eyes, the soft smell of her perfume filling my senses. "If you want, you can slap me." I offered, "If it will make you feel better."

She pushed away then, sniffing. "Don't be silly. Just……"

"I know, mom, I know." I interrupted, before she could get all emotional on me again. "I'm still up to eat something," I said, hopefully, changing the topic. "If you want, I can help….."

Mom was back to wringing her hands in a fret. "Oh, my goodness! I almost forgot. Let's get you something hot to eat before you go. Your son is waiting for you. So you just sit and let me take care of it."

Reluctantly, I sat down on one of the chairs, watching her. I didn't want to argue any more, lest I tire myself out some more. Well, come to think of it, this was the first time in days that I felt refreshed and like I had actually slept well.

Kaoru joined us a little later, looking refreshed and as she always did – pretty and well dressed. She gave me a small smile, and sat down too, to another great meal by my mother. I had the chance to formally introduce Kaoru, and mom was giving me looks throughout our little meal.

When we were done and Kaoru was out of earshot, mom pulled me back a step. "Kenshin, dear, is that girl special to you?"
What a way to word it!

I felt myself turn crimson. "Mom!" I cried, aghast.

She tugged on my sleeve, insistently. "Really, Kenshin – I mean it. Is she special to you?"

What was it with women, wording themselves so cunningly? It was all I could do not to sigh and roll my eyes. Great, Mom was in on the gig too it seemed, and there was nothing I could do about it.

"She's just a friend." I said, giving her a taste of her own medicine.

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Really? So she gets the phone call to go to the hospital before I do?"

And she cornered me while she was at it!

I opened my mouth to retort and answer, but there was nothing to retort. My jaw sort of just hung open, in discomfort. Mom decided to continue her assault. "If she was the one that was stabbed, would you care?"

A sort of fear stabbed through me then: if Kenji was stabbed, maybe Kaoru would be the next target if she was seen around me. And for some strange reason, I did not want her to get hurt. Especially on my account.

I don't know why I felt that way. Maybe she was someone special to me after all. At that moment, Kaoru turned around and called my name. Mom released my sleeve and gave me a little push forward.

When I caught up with Kaoru, she asked, "What happened?" I think my face was still red.

"Nothing." I murmured.

She giggled knowingly. "Oh, Kenshin…..you let everything just get to you. But, you're cut when you blush." She turned and began to walk ahead. That caused me to flame red again and leave me speechless one more. I ran to catch up with her, a smile tugging on my lips.

Dad dropped us off in front of the hospital, leaving us because he still had some things to deal with at his store and of course, make some arrangements about my case. He swore he'd win and bring down the injustice. All I wanted to know was who had done the stabbing and who had done the accusing.

Kenji had been re-located to the fourth floor for recovery and special attention. A few people were standing outside of his room, most likely there to pounce on me if I broke the given rule. I had to carefully – and forcefully – rein in my anger and hurt, lest I lose all control and lash out. Their eyes watches us as we neared.

Kaoru's shoulder bumped me in a small nudge. I looked down at her and she was looking up at me with a reassuring glance.

"Ne…you will tell me everything?" I asked, hopefully.

She nodded. "Yes…..everything. But I think, for now, I will just let him know about the case. I don't think asking him outright what happened to him will be safe; especially in his condition."

I had to reluctantly agree. After all, that was what court was going to be for. But I was dying to know. And I wanted to be sure……

When we reached the floor, Kaoru walked ahead. I stopped and she gave my arm a squeeze before entering. All I could do was stand by the window looking into the room and watch as Kaoru pulled a chair over to sit by the side of Kenji's bed.

I saw him open his eyes and turn his head slightly to look at her. Disappointment was clearly written on his face when he saw who it was.

Kaoru started speaking then, and I heard Kenji's angry voice faintly as he demanded, "Where's my dad?"

She put her hands up as if to subdue him. I could see her protesting with him, and he settled down with a glower on his face.

To my great relief, Kenji was looking a lot better than he had the night before. Freshly bandaged and most likely bathed, his condition had greatly improved. They had wound his forehead and most probably stitched his wounds. He must have been in pain.

I saw Kenji speak a little but all in all, Kaoru seemed to do most of the talking. They must have had only five minutes because a doctor entered the room, stopping them. He spoke briefly with Kaoru for a moment before ushering her out. Kenji looked pissed and tried to get out of bed.

That idiot!

He winced and fell back with a cry. Several nurses ran in to attend to him.

Kaoru exited the room slowly, her face worried and pensive.

"H-how was he?" I ventured to ask.

"He'll be fine." She said, quietly. "He was looking for you. And I told him all that was going on. I was about to ask if he had the mind to clear you during trial, but I was interrupted and I had to leave."

I nodded, watching as Kenji continually put up a fight against the doctors. "Let go of me!" he screamed. "Let go of me! Kamiya-sensei; Dad! Don't leave me!" He sounded frantic. "Dad! Dad!!"

How painful. I didn't move. I couldn't move.

His big dark eyes stared at me through the window. I saw something I Never wanted to see – betrayal – as the doctors finally managed to inject him and he collapsed back, sedated.

Hands clenching into fists, I took a step forward before I felt a hand on mine. Kaoru. She shook her head, biting her lip.

"I can't just - !"

"- You have to, Kenshin, or you will never win that case."

Her words were like a bullet to my chest. She was right, of course, but Kenji's desperate cry rang in my ears. I had to close my eyes to fight off the image of his disbelief as I walked away from the window.

No….no! I couldn't be defeated like that. I would fight back.

I would not lose. I made up my mind.

"Tokyo…." I murmured.

"Huh?" Kaoru asked.

"Tokyo….I will return there as soon as possible." I said.

Kaoru blinked in surprise as we headed down the stairs. For some reason, my ankle had begun to hurt so I limped down them, trying to endure the pain.

If Kenji could do it, then I could too. Although, I had to wonder, at this point, who was suffering more.

Kaoru, realizing my limp, helped me down the stairs, one hand on my arm and one on my back. "I thought you would like to stay here as long as you could with Kenji." She said, quietly.

"I would." I admitted. "But he's not the only one I am worried for."

She gave me a quizzical glance. "Really? Who?"

Of course I wasn't about to tell the truth.

"My father and mother – if Kenji was targeted, then for sure they will be too. And not only that, maybe my…friends."

Kaoru pursed her lips and for a moment, I wondered if she had caught on to my meaning. I guess she didn't because she instead asked, "Well, why don't you file a report that someone is after you?"

I sighed. "There's no evidence." I said, finally reaching the bottom. The pain had dulled down to a throb. I bent down to check on it, wondering what I could have done to twist it and make it hurt.

Akira had never openly made a threat where there were any witnesses. Nor did he make one via paper or email. Word of mouth – and it was his word against mine. Now that he was quite accomplished in his job, I had no possible way I could win. And at the moment, there was no evidence that this case involved that bastard anyway. Oh, excuse my language – I meant, friend. Sarcasm drips here.

"I guess I'm stuck just waiting for the trial." I said.

"Won't Kenji be mad?" She asked.

"He's always mad." I pointed out. "Whether it's my fault or not."

Kaoru rolled her eyes. "You two are impossible…..but anyway, if you are bent on returning to Tokyo, I can give you a lift. Remember, I leave tomorrow."

Oh right – she drove. "You came here all by yourself?" I asked, incredulously.

"Please do not take me lightly, sir." She said, seriously. "I do know how to drive long distances on my own." She raised her eyebrow at me, as if challenging me.

"I used to." I protested. "But after I quit my job at the hospital, I was forced to give up my car and take the bus."

Gee, now she probably thought of me as a loser. Since when did I ever aim to please? And Kaoru of all people! "If you don't mind me tagging along." I said, grumbling.

"I don't mind." She said, grinning. "I'll come pick you up at your house then." She took out her cell phone, letting me use it to call home and ask for a ride. Dad agreed after some arguing. But since I was limping, he reluctantly gave in. How loving of him.

We dropped Kaoru off first, in front of Soujiro's little apartment. I saw a woman standing at the top of the stairs on the porch, a small bundle in her arms. No doubt, that was Vivi. She had shoulder length dark brown hair and was wearing all pink. I hadn't seen her in years so I gave her a small wave from the window when her eyes met mine.

She beamed, using one arm to wave back. Her baby must have started wailing then, because she turned her attention to it.

I never got to speak to her then to even congratulate her. Dad was in a rush, so he dropped me off, with little said between us. He knew that I had not been able to speak with Kenji anyway. I would have only been able to give him a vague idea of what had gone on in the hospital. I was quite surprised that he didn't ask me for details and glad at the same time. I don't think I wanted to tell him how I felt.

Kenji's cries still rang in my head.

Mom was upset that I had to leave the next day, but I had made my decision and I wasn't about to back out of it. I promised her I'd visit again after the case was solved. That night, we had another huge feast, even if it was just the three of us. Despite my mother's silence towards me, it was her way of saying goodbye. She hated saying it.

I managed to get a good amount of sleep that night, much to my relief. Until my dreams turned into nightmares. Kenji was getting stabbed in front of my eyes and there was nothing I could do. I was being held back by Kain and Akira's laughter rang in the air. I screamed and screamed, but no one came to help. Sanosuke and my friends were in some sort of other room right next to mine, and they could not hear me.

Jerking hard out of my sleep, I woke up to the feel of someone shaking me. Mom was dressed in her night robe, her hair in curlers. She was sitting on my bed and Dad was just halfway in the door.

"What in the world is wrong?" He demanded.

"Are you okay?" Mom asked at the same time.

Their words flew past me, as I concentrated on breathing properly. I guess guilt and fear had different ways of creeping up on someone. But why did it always have to happen to me?

"Kenshin!" Mom cried, shaking me again. My head lolled as she did so. I couldn't gather my bearing as fast as I wanted to.

When I finally did, I muttered, "I'm sorry…..I just had a nightmare….."

"Well, that's obvious." Dad snorted. "Honestly, waking us up like that at this hour in the morning. I can't believe a grown man like you still does these things."

He was right, as always. But, I felt myself get angry. "You don't know the hell I go through!" I said.

Dad did not reply, and Mom smiled faintly, her face puckered into a worried look again. "Are you sure you want to leave today?" She asked. "I mean, being all by yourself in Tokyo……"

"I'll be fine." I said curtly.

"Why do you keep lying to me?" Dad demanded. Damn. I couldn't keep anything from him. I had used every excuse in the book, not telling him the truth of why I was actually going back. Work, resignation…..anything. I would rather not have him gloat and make fun of me.

I swiped my arm across my forehead, removing the beads of sweat there. I decided not to answer, not wanting to look at him or mom. Eventually, they decided to go back to bed when they realized that I wasn't going to give them a suitable answer. Normally, dad would have pounded me in for my insolence, but I think they were just so tired as it was.

Unfortunately, I could not go back to sleep. Of course I couldn't. The weight of the world seemed to rest on my shoulders. And the laughter in my dreams seemed to mock me, even in consciousness. I covered my ears against it, unable to block it out.

"I really appreciate this….." I said, quietly, slipping into the passenger seat next to Kaoru. She had come early, much to my relief. Having sat through a very tense breakfast and parted with a tearful farewell, I felt I could not take it any longer. I was going back to Tokyo, as far away from Kyoto as possible.

"Don't mention it." Kaoru said, putting her car into gear. She looked over her shoulder, as she carefully backed out of the driveway.

Mom waved as we slid onto the road, the wheels of the car crunching as it hit the rocky pavement. Construction had started up on the sidewalks a couple of days ago, it seemed, but hadn't continued due to weather conditions. It looked like another rainy day was ahead, with the way the sky looked dark and foreboding.

"Be careful, you two! Kenshin, take care of yourself."

I rolled my eyes at her call, and buried my head into the sack I had rested on my lap, in embarrassment.

Kaoru called a final goodbye, before driving away. "You're parents are wonderful people." She said, quietly.

"They're always like that," I groaned, not lifting my head from its buried perch. Thus, my voice sounded muffled. The worn material of the bag felt soft against my cheek. I had had this bag ever since my first trip to Tokyo.

"I wish my parents were like that." Kaoru said, turning out of the vicinity. We passed by the library, and I took a last glimpse at it before it too, disappeared out of view.

I lifted my head, in curiosity. "What do you mean?"

"My parents fight all the time." She said, amused. "I think they only stayed together for my sake." She sounded sad. "Don't get me wrong – they both loved me, but they just didn't love each other."

Despite the fact that her family had troubles, Kaoru was still sweet and considerate – strong and optimistic. I found myself staring at her again, in fascination once more. I almost missed her next words because of it. " 'Never give up' – that's my motto. Even when everything seems so impossible."

The motto of a child. The truth of the matter was, life would always be difficult, and no matter how hard one worked, not everything turned out the way one wanted. Unfortunately, I was a victim to that. However, despite the truth, I still liked Kaoru's ideal over mine.

I leaned my elbow against the little ledge of the car's window. It was open just a very little, allowing a small breeze to come in. I think Kaoru knew that the flowery smell of her car's air freshner was a bit too strong. I think I would have gotten sick because of it.

The tune on the radio suddenly switched to one of Linkin Park's songs. In The End, if I was not mistaken. I couldn't help but listen in on the words of the song. Even if I was not the best in the English language, one sentence jumped out at me: 'It doesn't even matter how hard you try…..'

How true! It seemed no matter how hard I tried in anything, it amounted to nothing. I failed in being a parent, failed in trying to be a doctor, and failed in trying to move on.

I remember studying so hard to find a cure for the cancer, working so hard to get the treatments…..but nothing worked. Yuki died anyway. My heart began to race at the memories and I shoved them away.

Kaoru jolted me out of my reminiscing. "Hey, Kenshin….when you get back to Tokyo, what will you do for two weeks? You'll be all by yourself…."

She was worried that I'd think too much, most probably. I was already doing that now, so I guess she had every reason to worry. But she had a point: what on earth would I do with my remaining two weeks? The three days I had spent in Kyoto had not been very fun. In fact, they had been the worst ever. It made returning seem terrible.

"I guess I'll….uh….." What was I going to do?

Drink.

Yeah, I'd probably resort to doing that, just to forget. Sake could come as a very handy tool sometimes.

"You could stay at my place!" She offered. "So that you won't be lonely….." She trailed off, turning pink when she realized exactly what she had said. "I mean….! I didn't mean it like that, but….you're always welcome to share company and…..well, you know, if ever…" She was babbling now, digging herself deeper into the mistake that it was amusing. I thought to be mean and let her continue, but I saved her by saying quietly,

"If you wouldn't mind…..."

In her surprise, she jerked the steering wheel to the left, so that the whole car swerved dangerously. Gasping, I reached out to steady myself, placing my hands palms down on the compartment in front of me. Behind us, a car honked its horn at us.

"Really?!" She cried.

"Kaoru-san, please be careful!" I said, breathlessly. The car behind us passed us, the driver sending out colorful words as he flew past. Kaoru ignored him completely.

"You'd really come over?"

I was afraid of what she'd do if I agreed, but I nodded anyway. Her recklessness was likely to be the death of me. I prepared myself for another crazy swing, but it never came. She was grinning from ear to ear.

"You could stay in the guest bedroom," She was saying. "It's small but it's decent enough. But I have to warn you that my cooking is not the greatest……"

"That's okay," I murmured, watching as the traffic congested ahead of us. It always seemed to do so when Kaoru was driving. "I'll take care of it." Tearing my gaze from the street, I glanced over to her. "Do you mind if I stop by my place for a moment, to get some….necessities?"

Kaoru nodded. "Sure thing!"

The radio blared the last the ending of the song, but by that time, neither of us were listening.

I mused over how strange it all was. Of all the people I chose to have company with, it was Kaoru. I just couldn't get over my amazement at how I used to avoid her at all costs, but now, I was agreeing to stay with her for two weeks. I could have chosen to stay at Sanosuke's, but I guess I wasn't up to his raging at me. He would go on and on about how he had warned me not to go, and how he know this was bound to happen. Then he'd go crazy and what to beat the crap out of whoever did the attack.

Of course, he'd get even more upset when he found out that I had no clue who did it, and when I told him of the verdict. I knew Sano all too well.

The answer – no, I was not about to spend two weeks with Sano.

Even though he was the closest person to me, I just didn't feel up to his overprotectiveness. I would take Kaoru's naïvete any day over a lecture.

Returning from Kyoto was much faster than the trip to Kyoto. I was most glad when we were back in the familiar grounds of my neighborhood. Despite the rainy season in Kyoto, Tokyo was nice and warm, which meant that in the few days we were gone, my lawn looked to be in need of some serious cutting.

I guess I hadn't paid much attention to the maintaining of it ever since I had started to think about going to Kyoto. I'd be leaving the lawn as it was until two weeks were up, it seemed. By that time, the grass would be as tall as me, and my neighbors would not be in the least happy.

When we pulled to a stop by the curb of my house, I realized that a car was parked in my driveway. It was definitely not my father's, or Sanosuke's. Stepping out, leaving Kaoru in the car waiting, I ventured forward to get a better look at the vehicle.

It was a nice, sleek, black color. From where I stood, it looked to be an expensive one. A lawyer perhaps? Already on my case……or maybe some vendor, peddling their goods at my door.

But when I finally reached the car, I was shocked to see a BMW.

The image of the car from so long ago flashed in my mind, bringing with it bad memories. If it was here, then for sure, he was here too!

And sure enough, standing on my porch, stood Kain himself.

To Be Continued……..

AN: And that wraps up this chapter. Again, I'm sorry for the late post. Please do leave me some feedback though, it's greatly appreciated!