Preparation

"Go back to bed, Yoh. Hana couldn't sleep," Anna said, cradling her fragile son in her arms.

"But he's crying. What's wrong, Hana?" Yoh replied worriedly.

"I told you, Yoh. He couldn't sleep," Anna shifted her body weight repeatedly in an attempt to keep Yoh from coming closer, "Go back to bed. Everything's fine now."

Yoh stared at the two for a few seconds more then reluctantly walked back down the hallway. Anna waited until she could no longer hear his footsteps and slowly loosened her grip.

"That was too close, Hana," she crossed her legs and rubbed his arms.

"Mama, maybe you're wrong. I don't want you to leave us," As he spoke the tears refilled his eyes.

"You're right, Hana. I guess I don't know what will happen. Let's just hope for the best. But for now, I don't want your father to know about it," Anna held him tighter and he nodded his head in acknowledgment.

---

"Are you sure you'll be okay here by yourself?" Hana asked as he and his father headed for the front door.

"Of course, Hana. I won't be alone for long. Tamao is coming over, remember?" Anna smiled at him warmly and held out her arms. Hana approached her and gave her a hug.

"We won't be gone very long anyway. We're just getting a few things and then we'll be back," Yoh said from the door.

Anna rubbed her son's head and held his hands, "I'll be just fine, Hana. Now go with your father."

He obeyed his mother's wishes although he wanted to stay with her. Yoh seemed pleased that Anna had such a happy demeanor. He smiled at her sheepishly and led Hana outside.

Anna sat on the floor for a few minutes as if waiting for them to come back. As she stared at the wall she began to drift off into a daydream.

"Anna? Are you in there?" Tamao called from outside. Anna quickly opened the door and smiled.

"It's so good to see you, Tamao," she said cheerfully as she led her into the house.

"It's been too long, Anna," Tamao replied, "Where are the boys?"

"They went to the market. Come have a seat. Let's catch up," Anna said.

---

"So what's on your mind?" Yoh asked. He and his son had been walking for a while in silence.

"I don't know," Hana lied.

"You're worried about your mother, aren't you? Don't be. She's fine," Yoh smiled at him but knew he wasn't convincing.

Hana couldn't look at his father. Knowing he was unaware of the situation ate away at his stomach. Maybe I should tell him, he thought to himself, "We should probably get back, Papa," he whispered instead.

"You're right, it's probably late. Let's go."

---

"Anna?"

Tamao had been waiting for her to return from the kitchen for too long. She decided to go find her.

"Anna, where are you?" She called as she made her way down the hallway and to the kitchen.

Just before the entrance she stopped short. Discovering Anna's motionless body face down on the kitchen floor sent chills down her spine. Tamao couldn't breathe for a few moments as she stepped closer.

"Anna?" She whispered, her voice quivering uncontrollably.

There was no response.

Tamao knelt down on the floor to touch her, but her hands began to shake, "Anna please wake up," she pleaded.

Anna didn't respond. She didn't move. She wasn't breathing.

Tamao was suddenly overcome with fear and began screaming at the top of her lungs.