One day, Marlene was watching some of the children by the stream. Emi was making crowns of flowers with two smaller girls named Sina and Lila. Some of the boys, Yoshiro, Takumi, Susumu, and Ryota, were playing catch. Marlene was just enjoying the day. It had been nine months; she'd be due any day. Then, she heard a splash, and then a scream from one of the girls, Izumi. She had fallen into the brook, and the current was dragging her downstream.

"Help! Help!" She cried. Marlene had to save her, but it was hard for her to move so fast. She began to run as fast as she could and climbing over rocks, but Izumi was carried too fast downstream.

Yuji was going to come down to the creek to visit Marlene and bring her and the children a picnic lunch. He saw Izumi in the water, and Marlene running after her. "Marlene isn't going to get to her in time!" He thought, and dropped the lunch basket. Its contents spilled all over the rocks.

He sprinted down to the bank and jumped into the rushing water. He grabbed Izumi in his strong arms, and she held onto him. She was so dreadfully frightened, but he assured her that he would take care of her.

He swam with her to land, and ran, carrying her to her home. He knocked on the door, and her mother, Organa answered. Yuji set her down on the bed and told her what happened, and Organa thanked him. He told her that he was going to get Dr. Vim to look after Izumi's health. And so, he ran to Dr. Vim's house and told him what happened. Dr. Vim grabbed his instruments and rushed off to Organa's house.

Yuji was concerned about Marlene, so he went back down to the bank, still soaking wet. She was holding Sina in one arm and Lila by the hand. She looked so worn out, but so did Yuji.

"How is Izumi? Will she be all right?" She asked.

"She'll be fine; I have Dr. Vim looking at her now. Are you okay, honey?"

Marlene sighed, and she sat back down. "Yuji, I think..."

"What? What's a matter?"

"I think it's time!"