Warning(s): None, if you're not counting an excessive amount of fluff.
I think we need a pleasant break from Keiko's POV to check on our other characters.
SPECIAL THANKS TO A FEW PEOPLE AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER:
Interlude
"Kei," Nanami whined poking my back. "Why did you invite Kimiko over?"
Keiko swatted her hands away with her fork, the annoyance was clear as a sunny day on her face. "I simply wanted to meet this friend of yours that knows me so well. Besides, it's only proper that I get to judge who you're apparently hanging out with." She looked sideways at down at Nanami. "Especially since it appears precious Nanami worked oh so hard to not tell me."
Nanami flinched back and hung her head in shame.
Keiko didn't feel an ounce of shame or guilt. 'She brought this upon herself,' Keiko thought.' I had deemed Nanami reliable enough to not take the duties that I had entrusted to her lightly. Obviously, I was wrong in that judgment.' Keiko gave a particular hard stir to the contents in the bowl.
Oddly, Keiko couldn't help but feel betrayed and somehow stepped on.
Nanami fiddled with her fingers nervously. "I didn't mean to hide her from you…"
Keiko's head grew comically big with a tick mark on her forehead. "But you did!" She grinned, turning back to the stove, wickedly down at Nanami and stirred the whipping cream particularly hard.
When a glob of cream flew out the side of the bowl they both stopped bickering to watch it fall. When it splatted onto the wooden floor Keiko hurriedly pointed to it. With a less-than-stellar star, she instructed Nanami not so kindly, "Don't just stare at it! Clean it up and quickly!"
Nanami not liking the tone she'd used glared up rebelliously at Keiko. "Why should I do what you ask?! It's your mess anyways!" Her cheeks puffed out angrily.
Something snapped in Keiko then. She slammed the bowl down onto the counter and scowled at Nanami in a way she's never done before.
Nanami took a step back scared of the look on her older sisters face. She knew Keiko would be mad once she found out about Kimiko since she hid it for so long, but she hadn't really meant to hide Kimiko.
"I'm not asking you, dummy! I'm telling you! So hurry up!" Keiko sneered before turning back to the stovetop to get the meat off before it burned. Though she turned back around quickly once she heard sniffles.
Nanami stood staring at Keiko in horror with fat tears rolling down her cheeks. Keiko's grip loosened on the rag she'd picked up to hand Nanami.
Noticing that Keiko saw her, Nanami brought her hands up to firmly pressed over her mouth to stop any sound from escaping.
Keiko's mouth opened and closed, the guilt quickly tore through her body with a zealous vengeance.
Nanami quickly ran to the bathroom and locked herself in feeling oddly enough like a complete failure.
Never had Keiko been so mad at her and Nanami felt so hurt that she'd get so upset just because she'd made a friend. It wasn't fair at all, Keiko had Ein….so why did she have to be alone?
At that moment Nanami just wanted her mom to burst through the door and hug her. Because if mom was here then Keiko wouldn't be so mean and tired.
'It'd all be better if Mommy was here.'
Nanami hugged her legs close to her body and cried. "I hate her. I hate her."
Meanwhile, Keiko stood over the stove with her inner emotions in a wild turmoil.
Chapter 10: Arc II Winter Wonderland
I'd met Kumimi at the tender age of seventeen and we left behind our none-approving families in the dust. We had dreams of a nice cozy home, Kumimi always wanted a two-story house with grand flowers, I preferred just a simple kind.
Less likely to draw attention to ourselves with the simple kind.
We'd also agreed it'd be me to die first because of my dangerous habits.
I'd guess it'd been a good year since I'd last been to Kumimi's grave. We'd shared a nice wine, Kumimi never had a taste for beer, and I told her all about the girls and my adventures with the girls. I left out the parts about my personal events at the casino's because I'm sure if she heard about my recent dealings she'd pop out of the grave and choke me dead.
Never in my life would I have expected Keiko to run away to her grave, simply because there was no reason to. If she wanted to go I would have taken her.
I had searched high and low for that girl and I still couldn't find her anywhere. My brain kept telling me there was no way, logically, I'd searched all of Tokyo in the past two hours alone.
My body didn't even feel tired, even after a full day of work, then watching the performance, and not to mention I'd stayed up waiting for Keiko to get home.
I checked the time again and found it was near four in the morning.
With only one place left, I could think that Keiko would be, I found myself at Kumimi's gravestone.
The Gods above most of have been smiling on me for once. Keiko's small body stood out in contrast to the dark dreary place. In fact, her orange outer coat is the only reason I even noticed she was there. Though it seemed like she wanted to blend in completely and be left unbothered.
Breathing in relief I stepped behind her and placed my hand on her shoulder to comfort her but instead, I found myself on the ground. I exclaimed in pain when she delivered a swift kick to my groin area. Which resulted in curse words and phrases that would put a sailor to shame and
At that moment I didn't know if I should be proud that my daughter knew how to defend herself, worried, or mad that she was gone mostly all night and lied to me.
I settled on a mixture of everything.
I opened one eye, through the pain in my jaw from her upward palm press and groin-killer kick, to see she was already feet away from me with a sneer on her face.
My soul rejoiced when she realized who I was.
Quickly rushing over to me, Keiko dropped to the ground and hugged me around the neck tightly.
"Dad, I'm so sorry! I thought you were a pedophile."
Still not fully recovered, I wrapped an arm around her waist and pushed myself up. I winced. "Yes, because a pedophile would definitely be looking for little girls in the graveyard," I spoke sarcastically.
Keiko let me go in favor of rewarding me with a deadpanned look. "And you would know?" She arched a brow.
"Hey now, young lady. Don't you turn this around on me." I said defensively. "You lied and ran off."
If I wasn't watching her closely I would have missed the flash of pain in her eyes before it quickly turned cold with pure hatred.
The look stunned me because I never expected to see it directed towards me, not from one of my daughters.
She made to turn away from me but I caught her by the shoulder. "Wait." I took a closer look at her clothes and if I wasn't a seasoned person to notice these types of things I would have missed them entirely.
Her clothes, though faint smelt of something vanilla. Which was strange because Keiko hates the smell of vanilla, she'd never wear the perfume. So it was some sort of food that smelt of vanilla. Her outer coat had smudges of dirt and green stuff that I recognized all too easily. There were scrapes on her legs that look from a fall also there was a small bump on her forehead.
Hot anger flushed my body and my protective daddy senses went into overdrive. All the evidence pointed towards a confrontation, especially with her violent reaction to my small touch.
Gripping her shoulders, I spun her around fully to face me. Upon seeing my face and eyes I knew Keiko also knew she was in trouble.
"What happened?"
She paused slightly and looked at my coat pocket that contained my cigarettes.
Narrowing my eyes, I knew she was prepared to come up with a lie. "Keiko, this is serious. If somebody hurt you, you have to tell me." I made sure I had her captured with my eyes. "I promise they'll never touch you again." I pronounced each word with grave truth.
I'd kill them before they had the chance.
Now, Keiko ever since Kumimi die-passed, ever since Kumimi passed she'd tried to be the big girl around the house. I knew she was taking on more responsibilities than I should have let her. She's just a child but...she's so smart, and I'm not. It was far too easy for me to just let it flow. She seemed to know what she was doing and I didn't.
So imagine my surprise when Keiko's normally put together and strong face crumbled and tears that I hadn't seen in years rushed down her uncontrollably.
Something in my face must have tipped her off because she touched her cheek. When surprise morphed onto her face my heart broke.
Kumimi would know what to do in these situations.
I brought her tightly into my arms and held her close to me. She, in turn, gripped onto my body tightly, just a bit too tightly, and I felt a rush of pride at my first daughter's strength; even if she was in danger of collapsing my back. I also realized her clothes were slightly damp with a heavy heart.
Not able to run my fingers through her as I'd normally do with Nanami when she'd need comforting, I settled on rubbing soothing circles onto her back and placed my shin onto her head.
"Keiko," I whispered. "I know I haven't been there as much as I could have." I released a heavy sigh and closed my eyes. "I….you see I'm not like Kumimi. I've never been ready for anything, I'm like a rock. I want to stay in one place, but...certain things keep me from coming home sometimes." I held her closer, I don't know if it was for her sake or mine at this point. "I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm just making up excuses. I also do not expect you to forgive this foolish young man. But please….trust me to protect you and Nanami." I know how stupid I must have sounded. How could I protect them if I couldn't even make it home for dinner most nights?
Nanami...Keiko, they are the sun and air to me. I'd be dead without them. Not because I rely on them but because they keep me having something to come back to...without them, I'd have nothing to fight for.
Keiko was silent in my arms for a full minute, besides her occasional sniffles. I didn't mind, it wasn't like I expected her to answer me right on the spot.
"I can't forgive you...net yet." her words might have been muffled by my clothes but I swore she might as well have been shouting to me. "But...if anybody deserves I chance to have my forgiveness...it's you."
I didn't know what to say to that or what Keiko was thinking about at that moment, so I just continued to hold her. I could only pray that she believed me and that my embrace spoke my feelings towards my eldest daughter.
Keiko shifted in my arms to stare me in the eyes with a sheepish blush on her cheeks. "I would say I love you but I'm not that type of girl..so here." She kissed my cheek and I smiled.
Keiko Momozono doesn't just kiss anybody's cheek. I knew she accepted me and loved me back.
I waited a moment to let my bliss soak in.
"Don't think I've forgotten. I fully expect a full explanation."
Keiko sighed in disappointment before stepping back from me. She started to clap her hands sarcastically. "Great job Dad, you ruined the entire mood."
I stepped back and dropped my hands to my side with a lopsided smirk. "Something I've been told I have a natural talent for."
Keiko grabbed onto my hand and entwined her fingers with mine with a heavy blush of embarrassment. "Let's just go."
We both spared Kumimi's grave one more look before leaving and suddenly I felt as if she'd been with us the entire time.
Maybe she was watching over our girl until I got to her.
I'd guess this would be the first time that I left Kumimi's gravestone with a heart lighter than before and a smile. A real smile.
…
"So, I was thinking,"
…
"Oh dear."
"Watch it, young lady, you're still in trouble."
Keiko shrugged her shoulders. "I'm sorry, it's a force of habit."
"I was thinking that we should all hold hands when we go out-"
"I'll have to respectfully decline. Strongly."
I sighed and scratched my head. "I thought as much."
When Dad and Sis walked into the house I immediately turned off the TV, not wanting to get caught with it on, because she always says there's no reason for the TV to be on late at night.
But mainly so I could focus on Keiko, and not the cute bunnies on the cartoons.
I went to stand up from the table and embrace Sis only for her to hold her hand up for me to stop. I couldn't see her eyes because she had her bangs lowered.
My mind immediately thought she was mad at me again, so I shrunk back to the table and turned to face the opposite wall.
The silence inside the room became tense, with me sulking in front of the table. I sneaked a glance back at Keiko to see she was walking to the bathroom without her house slippers on.
I noticed her socks were wet.
My eyes widened in surprise before shooting Dad concerned and scared looks. Keiko was super crazy on not walking around the house without the house slippers and she hates wet socks. Once Sis shut the bathroom door behind her, I turned fully to Dad.
"What's wrong with her?" I demanded in a tone that even surprised me.
Dad heaved a heavy sigh, the kind Keiko makes, but worse. He scratched his head, walking past me. He patted my head before a huge yawn escaped his mouth.
I frowned at his silence. "Dad…"
"I think your sister is just tired." He seemed..off when he said that. But it was Dad so I couldn't tell, he's great with masking his emotions and stuff like that. "She just needs some rest."
Well, that's what Keiko said anyways.
Pressing my lips into a firm line I refrained from assaulting Dad with questions because I knew he had to be tired from searching for Sis.
With that thought, I watched how Dad laid his head down and fell asleep not even a minute later.
Hearing the shower, I moved to my futon that was a few inches away from Dad's. I paused once I noticed Keiko's futon was still rolled up in the corner out of the way. Moving silently I unrolled the futon and placed it a foot from mine, she never did like sleeping close to me.
Ignoring the pang in my heart, I got it ready for her to sleep in. Rubbing my hands together, I moved to my own futon and quickly got underneath the covers. The small heater that was inside the corner blowing hot air didn't do much against the icy cold.
I hid my face under the covers, so maybe the cold would leave.
I don't know how long I stay like that but I heard the bathroom door open and close. It was silent for a few seconds before I heard the rustling off her futon moving.
Thinking that she was moving it further away from me, I felt like crying.
"Nanami."
I peaked my head out at the small voice.
The red glow from the heater cast a small amount of light on her face. Just enough for me to notice the strange expression on her face.
"Can I sleep beside you tonight?"
My heart almost jumped from my chest and my grin felt like it was splitting my face in half. I nodded excitedly moving over in my futon.
She slumped over in relief before quickly moving her futon beside mine and she got underneath my cover before putting her own cover on top of mine.
Knowing how Sis hated being touched, I didn't snuggle up to her.
She might leave me if I do.
My heart tried to burst from my chest when Keiko wrapped her arms around my shivering form and pulled me close.
"We need to get that central heater fixed." her chest vibrated when she spoke.
I didn't say anything because if the central heater got fixed she wouldn't hold me. I powered through the shame and embarrassment I felt at those thoughts.
But….Sis is so warm, soft, and firm when she holds me. I felt like a child once again and I prayed the central heater never got fixed.
With Dad on the right of me and Keiko on the left, my body quickly stopped shivering as violently as it was.
Keiko still held me close and I didn't say anything, scared to ruin the moment. I only regretted that my body wouldn't intense itself.
"Are you going to leave as Dad does now?"
Keiko reared back at my question. "Why would I do that?"
I hugged her tighter. "Cuz you're always mad at me and you're stressed...One day you're going to disappear for days on end too." If my fingers dug into her she didn't say anything then. "I'll be alone."
"I won't ever leave you Nanami." she pressed her forehead against mine. She then lowered her voice as if to tell me a big secret. "I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't have you."
My eyes got bigger. "Really?"
She smiled at me in a way that made me feel loved. "Really...the main reason I get up every morning and do my best is for you. If I was to leave my world would be dark you see because you're the light that guides me home every day."
I wasn't crying.
She pulled the covers up higher on us and I inhaled her sweet scent of strawberries.
Keiko hadn't smiled at me like that since Mom died and I couldn't have been happier. I don't care where she went, as long as she comes back to me.
When I first saw more than grey strands flowing from Keiko, I'd first thought they were just Nanami's mixing with hers because of their close proximity. But no, Nanami's bright and vibrant strands contrasted the darker shades following from Keiko.
My eyes narrowed in concentration as four of Keiko's once greyish strands flickered to pink and green. These strands were centered near the heart and head.
Pink strands meant affection and love towards others while green represented focused near the mind meant growth and renewal.
Something happened that as her in a better mood than I could even remember.
Closing my eyes then reopening them, Keiko strands faded away
"So...where were you yesterday night?"
I watched as Keiko lifted another spoonful of soup to her mouth.
Sweat gathered at her brow, her cheeks, normally dark color, had turned a butchy red now. Her hair she always kept brushed and maintained was messy. She didn't have on her usual clothes but this time she had on that ugly granny dress that was super warm. She opened her puffy eyes to stare down at the soup. She then coughed, which shook Nanami from her position buried against her side. "It's bland." she held her hand out in a gimme motion. "Soi sauce."
I scowled at her but still passed the sauce anyways because she was sick and I was raised to not be mean and to have a heart. "You can't just demand stuff, Keiko."
"No, she can't." Momozono said in a half-hearted attempt to scold her, "Kei, remember your manners." he was too busy flipping through TV channels to really care.
"Of course Dad."
I sighed wondering why I even bothered. It was vaguely quiet as we all watched the TV.
Letting my mind wander off, I thought about the clothes in the window of shops I'd passed by going with Dad to see one of my cousins. They were so cute and girlish but I couldn't afford them.
I hope Dad's sleeping. He's been working so hard to keep up the dojo and the house.
My hands started to fiddle with the ends of my clothes as I thought about getting a job.
Keiko cleared her throat, "There's a festival at the Hana shrine two weeks from now."
Their Dad only hummed in acknowledge meant and Nanami didn't say anything because she had fallen asleep.
Tapping my chin, I thought about the name because it sounded so familiar. "Oh, Rin-chan is going."
Keiko's lips curved into a small smile. "Great, maybe we can all go together."
…
"The hell is wrong with your face?" I asked completely creeped out.
Her smile dropped and she felt around her red face. In her sickly raspy voice, she asked, "Is there something on my face?"
"N-no." I stammered out completely shocked. It was strange Keiko suggested I go anywhere with her.
Here I thought she didn't like me. It must have something to do with where she disappeared to last night.
I could feel her eyes staring into the side of my face but I was determined to not look at her.
The red lanterns lit the walkways around the shrine as people walked past me. My eyes roamed from stand to stand as I waited for my friends to arrive. I stood off to the side smoothing down my dress every time a cute boy's eyes ventured over to me with a small blush.
None of them came over to talk to me.
It's been a week since I'd last seen Nanami and Keiko. Ein had called and told me that they were going to meet me here. I hope Keiko is feeling better, I've missed them.
I didn't have to wait much longer as I heard Keiko's and Ein's bittering from a distance. I turned and waved them over excitedly. I saw Nanami walking beside another girl I've never met before.
As they stopped in front of me Nanami pulled the girl closer. "Rin-chan this is Kimiko-chan. Kimiko-chan this is Rin-chan." Nanami introduced.
I gave a small bow. "It's very nice to meet you." and she returned the gesture.
The girl now named Kimiko turned to stare at Keiko and Ein nervously. I smiled and shook my head. "I've found they're always like this. It'd be best to just let them figure it out. In the meantime, I saw some delicious looking okonomiyaki at the yatai down this way." I pointed towards the crowd of people and smiled excitedly.
My mother doesn't allow me to eat junk food at the house so whenever there's a festival or event it's the only time I get to have those unhealthy foods I crave. And waiting for them to get here only made me more anxious.
Nanami ran up beside me and Kimiko wasn't far behind. "Yatai food is the best!"
Keiko tapped Nanami over the head with her fist as we walked through the crowd of people. "I thought my cooking is the best?" She asked looking down at her.
"Yatai food is the second best!"
Keiko crossed her arms with a sigh and I giggled at their antics. She then looked at me. "Rin-san, where are you going."
"To a heavenly okonomiyaki yatai," I replied smiling a bit too widely.
"She really likes fried foods huh?" Ein whispered to Keiko and she nodded back with a, "I suppose so."
My face flushed and I tried to defend myself. "It's the only time I get to have fried foods." I fiddled with my fingers.
Ein waved me off. "It's fine. Though, I'm feeling more like Takoyaki." She turned and waved us off. "I'll meet back up with you guys later."
"Okay, don't get lost Ein-chan!" I called after her. I then turned to Keiko. "What will you be having?"
She tapped her chin thoughtfully before looking down at Nanami and Kimiko. "What will you two be having."
"I want ikayaki/yakitori." Nanami and Kimiko answered at the same time.
Keiko hummed thoughtfully. "I'm in the mood for yakisoba actually."
I smiled. "It seems like everyone wants something different tonight."
Keiko looked around and her face brightened with recognition. She turned back to us and pointed down the street. "I see a yakisoba stand right there. I'll be back really quick."
Then she was gone.
I stood in line as Nanami and Kimiko gushed about the types of games that'd be at the festival. I let them talk for a minute before I pitched in an idea.
"Kingyo sukui is a popular game. I'm sure this festival will have it." I said encouragingly to them.
After that Kimiko and Nanami began talking about kingyu sukui until Ein got back. Then we went to find an ikayaki yakai. After that was Kimiko's yakitori yatai, sometime after that Keiko met back up with us and we played a few games.
Of course, Ein and Keiko had to compete with each other for mostly each one.
"I challenge you!"
I resisted the urge to slap my forehead as Ein declared this passionately to a smug Keiko. Keiko had won the last challenge on the super ball sukui so I should have expected them to compete on the kingyo sukui.
"You're just going to lose again," Keiko stated as if it was a fact. I sweat dropped as literal flames entered Ein's eyes.
I moved my hands in a pacifying manner, not wanting the entire festival's attention on us. "Ein-chan please…"
"Two rounds please sir!" Ein presented the yatai owner with the money and I just gave up.
"Ne, Rin-chan." I looked at Kimiko to see she looked annoyed.
"Yes?"
She hesitated for a second watching Nanami cheer on both Ein and Keiko. "Is Keiko-chan always like this?" Something in her tone made me frown.
My brows pinched. "I don't get what you mean."
She shook her head just as the competition between Keiko and Ein concluded with Keiko as the winner.
I laughed as Ein looked ready to chew through bricks as Keiko glowered superior manner.
"I'll like to challenge you next." Kimiko declared stepping forward. Keiko paused before shrugging her shoulders.
"As long as you pay for the two rounds."
Kimiko played and as her hand stilled before moving swiftly she scooped a fish into her bowl. Keiko was still struggling with her first one. Ein and Nanami 'ohed' and 'awed' as Kimiko beat Keiko thoroughly.
The same was said for the second round.
My frown came back when I noticed the certain glint to Kimiko's eyes as she turned to stare at Keiko. As if her victory meant more than just that.
"Good job, Kimiko-chan." Keiko clapped her hands twice in applaud.
"Hahaha! Nice job avenging me Kimiko-chan! She totally sucks compared to you!" Ein high-fived her and Keiko stood up annoyed.
"And just think about how badly you lost to me."
I sweatdropped as they glared daggers at each other. "Come on you two...not here." Near the kingyu sukui yatais are normally the most traffic because people liked to watch others play.
"Kimiko-chan, you should play Rin-chan next," Nanami suggested with eager eyes. She really is a sweet girl. Nanami is the one that originally wanted to play and she hasn't even gotten to play yet.
"Then the winner can face me." Her head got big with self-pride.
I laughed as Keiko and Ein poked her head on both sides. "Watch it kid your heads getting a bit big."
Nanami crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks. "Meanies."
It's been two days since the Winter Festival at Hana shrine, and today was going to be spent finishing any undone summer homework, school shopping, groceries, and cleaning.
I currently walked around the apartment with a small notepad in hand, writing down the things we'd need to restock on. Nanami was at the dinner table watching TV with Dad as they worked on folding the clothes.
As I walked past the fishbowl thirty minutes later I paused noticing the fish was still floating on top and not eating the food bites I'd had to pay for.
"Nanami," I called out. "Is Pichon sick?" I asked truly concerned. Not because I cared about the fish but the fact that I spent precious money on getting the food and rocks to go on the bottom of the fishbowl. Surprisingly rocks in the city are hard to find besides inside the park.
Besides nobody will notice if a handful of rocks are missing from beside the pond.
Nanami stood up and walked over to me confused before smiling. She bent down to eye with the fishbowl on the kitchen counter. "Pichon just sleep like that." She said happily with huge eyes.
Narrowing my eyes I looked a bit closer before I winced. If I was a weaker soul I wouldn't have been able to say the next words.
"Pichon's dead."
I think I shouldn't have said it so nonchalantly as that. Damn, I'm not good with these kinds of things!
On another note, I know you're probably wondering what and where is Keiko's and Tomoe's meeting. And I'm not revealing it till a later date for plot reasons! I hope you will stick with me to find them out.
Response to Review(s)
xPricefieldx: Yay! That was exactly the reaction I was hoping to get out of the reader! It's such a relief to know that I succeeded. T-T
SarT1991: I was thinking the beginning may have confused some people, but I'm glad it got cleared up. :) I'm working on making sure my story is not grammar mistake ridden, and thank you! The chapters can get a bit long. *Smiles sheepishly*
Cherry3Fairy: Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! The long descriptions of the characters not related to the main plot still have relevance to the side plots and stories inside Keiko. I hope you continue to read and enjoy!
SPECIAL THANKS TO First Ten Favorites:
Angella1012, Otakuversion2.0, CherryBlossomSuki, LycorisXMyosotis, jemmagirl, EverlastingXTC, yukicarr, XxlaniidaexX, FanfictionAnimeLover, jess271506, quack-chan, and Just-An-Average-Dude!
First Ten Followers:
Otakuversion2.0, LycorisXMyosotic, EverlastingXTC, NightlyRowenTree, yukicarr, XxIvyMoonxX, XxlaniidaexX, FanFictionAnimeLover, Jess271506, and quack-chan!
First Reviewer and Still Active reviewers:
MadokaMagica1998, NightlyRowenTree, xPriceFieldx, Miss Meep, iram0123, Angella1012, MaggieMangle!
From Me: To these people I have announced thank you so much for helping shape Keiko into the story it is today! Keiko started out a bit iffy and ridden with mistakes, though, with words of encouragement and silent encouragement, I was able to push and strive to better Keiko for you. Whenever I go back and rewrite an entire scene I do it for you. Whenever I stress over word choice, character actions/personalities, and update schedules I do it for you.
Ultimately, Keiko wouldn't be much of anything if not for you. You've read this far and that's what I care about most. I write for you to enjoy and feel emotion. I write for your entertainment because I love when I make other people happy or feel something from my words. It's amazing and exhilarating, you help keep me happy and going.
Thank you...
P.S I didn't go back and edit my words to you because I wanted them to feel raw and bare because I'm truly floored. T . T
