Release

Chapter 1: No More Tears

I watched him numbly as he flew away; I hadn't yet grasped reality. A few tears made their way down my cheeks, but I refused to show more than that. The front door was left ajar, and I made my way over and closed it.

My footsteps were heavy as I trudged up the stairs. My whole body was weary with emotional torment. I laid on my bed, refusing to cry. I held my breath for a minute, so the feeling was forced to pass. I then I heard my door creak. Mom opened the door to my room, and she peered in.

"Panny?" she said softly.

I forced myself to show no emotion.

"Are you okay?" she questioned.

I gave a chuckle, "Of course, Mom. Goten will visit. I'll see him again."

She gave a sad smile, "Okay Panny. Dinner in ten minutes."

And with that, she shut the door.

I turned over onto my side and peered at my nightstand. A picture of Goten rested upon a stack of books. Obaa-san had it developed in black and white. He wasn't smiling but his face held a thoughtful expression. It's my favorite.

I could not believe he was gone. Uncle Goten. My Uncle Goten. The whole thing was Dad's fault. All Dad's fault. Yeah I knew what Goten did was wrong (he took me to a bar and I'm 17), but Dad gave Goten a choice that was ridiculous. He either had to abide by all of my father's rules, which include no staying out after 11, always calling when being late, and all that kind of shit, or…he could leave.

I don't blame Goten for choosing what he chose. And I know he didn't want to leave me. Which is why I am not going to cry. I have already forgiven father. Him and Goten are not angry with each other, but he is not allowed to live here for a while.

I sighed and sat up. Now, who was I going to talk to?

Just then, the phone rang, startling me.

I reached for my phone, "Moshi Moshi?"

"Hiya Panny!" a cheerful voice greeted me.

"Goten!" I screeched. My eyes instantly watered, "Where are you at?"

"Oh, I live in an apartment in downtown Satan City. It really nice."

My heart broke at the thought of him living over 3 hours away, but I realized that he was happy. I involuntarily sniffled.

"I miss you, Panny," he said softly, "and I'll visit you tomorrow."

My ears perked and I smiled but a strangled sob managed to escape my throat anyway.

I heard Goten swallowing thickly and I knew he was forcing back tears, "Listen Chibi…,"

She gave a slight smile at her nickname.

"Don't you cry for me anymore. I'm still able to keep in touch with you and I can visit you and everything. Nothing has changed, Pan. Nothing. I want you to hold together and be strong. For me. I can't handle it when you cry."

He cleared his throat, "Now promise me, Panny, that you will continue on with your life, and you won't get down or depressed. Promise me."

I closed my eyes and tears rolled down my cheeks, "I promise, but I'll still miss you."

"I'll miss you, too, Panny, and goodnight."

"Goodnight Goten."

And we hung up. And I went downstairs and ate dinner. And I didn't cry.

A/N: Yeah, I know its short, but I have to make sure people like it before I continue it. : )

(this story has a special meaning to me, so it may not make much sense to you. This I apologize for.)