It wouldn't be until October 2002 that forensic scientists could say with certainty that they had identified the remains of Hotaru Koga. He was given a traditional Japanese funeral at a graveyard in his home city of Yokohama, with the Iwasaki family in attendance. He was cremated, and his widow arranged for Chikao to be presented with a small urn containing part of his ashes in recognition of their lasting friendship.
Knowing that his friend ultimately received the dignity of a proper burial eased the burden on Chikao somewhat. But seeing the sons left behind growing up without their dad to play football with them or take them for walks through the city's nature sanctuary filled him with regret once more. He gave each of them a tight hug on behalf of their departed father, hoping it would help their own emotional recovery from the terrible loss they had suffered.
Though young and not experienced with comforting people regarding bereavements of this sort, Minami gave her father as much reassurance and emotional support as she could. In the privacy of their home, the urn given pride of place on a shelf containing various family photos, Chikao allowed himself to weep, something men are always told not to do, but especially in Japan. Healing would take many years, and he would never be exactly the same person he was before tragedy reared its head. But his family were there beside him, just as he had endeavoured to be there for them whenever they needed him.
Dedicated to all those who lost their lives during the terrible events of September 11th, 2001, and to all of the casualties, military and civilian, of the interventions across the Middle East and beyond that have followed over the last 20 years.
People of many nationalities, of many faiths and of no faith, have suffered as a result of terrorism. Each loss should be mourned and remembered. And blame for these deaths should be placed not on whole nations, or faiths, but on the specific groups and people who consider the wilful destruction of innocent lives an acceptable means of achieving their goals.
Please be respectful and do not respond to this work with any kind of xenophobic or reactionary sentiments. We should all want peace and prosperity for all peoples, and for an end to violence, hatred and oppression in all forms wherever it may be found.
I hope this story was interesting to read. Thank you for your time and attention.