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Chapter 4: Embracing Freedom
At the meeting, as I had expected, the members of the Sohma family decide to leave forever from this place. The estate will be put on the market in the very near future, and the proceeds will be split between those who will need to vacate their homes.
Hatori and Kureno arrive home soon after the meeting finishes, and I am not surprised when they appear at my room.
I look at them and say, "I'm assuming you've heard from the others."
Neither makes a sound or motion.
"I meant everything that I said."
Hatori remains expressionless but says, "I'm sure you did," before he walks out of the room.
Kureno lingers for a moment, but soon leaves without having said a word.
Hatori and Kureno arranged for a traditional ceremony. As the current head, I find myself thrust to the forefront of an event in remembrance of a person for whom I had no warm feelings. However, now freed from his icy grip, I have cast off any bitterness, and have difficulty suppressing my joy. I am not surprised by the absence of some of the Juunishi, Kyo, Kagura – most likely because of Kyo – Rin, and Haru. Rin and Haru disappeared soon after the Sohma family meeting, possibly together. I have not seen them since, but I sincerely wish them the best. Kyo left for Shishou's dojo, and Kagura followed him there. Shigure is at the ceremony, which was unexpected, but, when I asked him why, he smiled and simply responded that it might be useful for a novel, I merely shook my head in response. No one, including myself, offers a eulogy. I have stated what I wanted to say, and others will make their own decisions.
The fortune divided and the estate vacated, the Sohmas begin to lead their own lives. Momiji's father had an apartment furnished for him in one of his buildings, and Momiji offered to let me stay there. Onii-san, who also chose to live in an apartment, asked me to join him as well. Although my relations with him have improved, I chose to share the apartment with Momiji; but – after much prodding from him – I promised to visit Onii-san often. Kyo and Kagura remain at Shisouh's dojo, though I do not know if they will continue to stay there. Shigure returned to the Sohma property where the four of us lived before, on the land where Tohru-san pitched her tent. Hatori chose a small, traditional home, while Kureno now lives in a modest apartment. Heero and Kisa returned to their families' houses, though I am sure that they will eventually have a home of their own. Ritsu returned to the hot springs, to help his mother it its management. I have not heard from Haru or Rin, but I am confident of their well-being.
Now, here I am, placing the receiver down on the phone, finished with an important call to my high school, having learned the latest address provided by Tohru-san. I turn around, surprising Momiji.
"Yuki, what's going on?" Momiji asks as he looks at me with an inquisitive expression.
I smile and say, "I'm going to find her."
He looks surprised at first, and then somewhat sad, but finally smiles and says, "Good luck, Yuki."
"Thank you," I say as I pick up my wallet and exit the room.
On the way to the location described in the address, I pass through the marketplace where we met two years earlier. I smile as I pass by the small grocery store where we shopped and the smoothie store.
"Oh, Sohma-kun, I can take care of that, you already have bags that you're carrying!"
"Delicious! I love strawberries!"
Today – at last – I may see her again.
I approach the building and walk up the stairs to the apartment number indicated by the school. I take a deep breath and knock on the door.
I hear a female voice from inside say, "Ah, I'll be right there!"
I remain silent as I hear quick footsteps approaching. The door opens, and she stands before me.
"Sohma-kun!" she says with a look of surprise.
I smile and say, "Hello, Honda-san."