I may have already given birth, but I still have the habit of getting up in the middle of the night just to go pee, even on nights when I get Josuke to sleep soundly. I got up trying not to make noise so as not to wake anyone in the house and walked to the bathroom I had nearby; it used to be a storage, but since the pregnancy, dad modified it to a bathroom so I wouldn't have to go downstairs.

I went, washed my hands, and looked in the mirror. How lucky I am that my new body is someone attractive, even with dark circles under my eyes I look good (Thanks Araki!)... But it wouldn't be a bad idea to start using face creams and try to regularize my sleep patterns. I yawned and grabbed the doorknob even though I couldn't open it.

I groaned in frustration thinking that my wet hands wouldn't let me turn it, I put a little more willpower into drying my hands and tried again. It wouldn't turn.

mmoooOOOOMMMM!

Josuke woke up and if I'm not mistaken that's his hungry cry. I insisted on the knob but got nowhere and now my son is crying, I hope he doesn't wake up my dad.

"Fucking door!" I struggled with the damn knob that wouldn't turn, it was locked. Sure, since it was a simple storage the lock was on the outside and we didn't change it, but how was the lock going to get on by itself, I had no choice but to scream and have to wake my dad up to ask him to get me out of the bathroom.

It's weird though, I think I've been stuck in the bathroom for several minutes and Josuke crying, usually, my dad wakes up and helps me. Is he really tired or is he on the night shift at work? I can't remember and my son is still crying from hunger, now louder because he can't find me.

I walked around the bathroom looking for something that could help me pick the lock and get out. As I passed the mirror the lights failed for a moment and I thought I saw my old face, I blinked to appreciate Tomoko's nervous face looking back at me.

I opened drawers and searched the floor, looking for anything that would allow me to force the door; an old knife, some blunt container, the toilet paper tube. Anything! The lights kept failing and all I could find were loose razor blades cutting my hands and dead insect bodies. I felt nauseous and disgusted by the filthiness of the place, the lights flickering so much lowering their wattage and Josuke's crying didn't help. I felt my stomach acid in the back of my mouth, my breathing accelerated, my hands freezing and my ears clogged, distorting the crying more and more intense.

I got up from the floor with the idea of kicking that door if necessary, I don't care. Again I walked past the mirror and looked at myself.

My ears were plugged so much that I was no longer able to hear anything, as Tomoko's eyes caught me in the reflection. Such a sharp gaze stalked me from that mirror only allowed me to look into her eyes, those eyes, the black emptiness of the pupil changing its size violently was terrifying me, they seemed as if they were transforming into sharp teeth getting closer and closer to me or me closer and closer to them. The reflux in my stomach was tearing my throat apart, it hurt to breathe and I felt that vinegary smell everywhere. Desperately I brought a hand to my face to hold my nose, but it painfully pulled away from me. Once again I looked in the mirror to notice how my face was falling apart, crumbling and bleeding, boiling my skin in a nauseating stench and paralyzing pain. I covered my mouth, touched my face, did my best to stand, but fell to my knees to hug the toilet bowl, trying to cling to the world.

I felt my baby's cry louder as if he were closer to the door. Had he fallen out of bed? Was he crawling to the bathroom while crying?

No! No? No...

It can't bE!

This iS all...

is the work of a... work WORK! of a

STAND USER!

MomaaaaaaAAAAGGHGHGHHHHhhhh... -

That... that's not a hunger cry. The protagonist... no...

gghhhhhGGHGHGH-

NO!

MY SON!

Aaaghhhhhggh...-

MY SON IS CHOKING!

The sound, the gagging in the silence, I can't stand it. I can't, the sound, the pain of the gagging can get worse and I vomit for hours until I stop hearing it.

I hear the door latch release, the knob turning smoothly as a draft of fresh air releases a bit of disgust. My head was still spinning as I leaned against the tile, looking outside the bathroom.

Did I saw a huge figure-humanoid?

I blinked and gathered my strength. My son, I needed to see my son.

I looked up.

In front of me stood a huge, bearded, old man in a torn pink dress.

I brought tequila... Would you let me... Me... MMMMMMMMMMMMM...

MORIMORIMORIMORIMORIMORIOCHORADIOWELOVEMORIOCHO!-

I woke up on the floor of my room, to the radio alarm and Josuke crying from the bed, possibly shitting up to his ears.

I need to go to a psychologist. I can't wait for the time when going to a psychologist is not ignored by society, or that at least there is one in this town, I just can't stand these nightmares anymore! It hasn't even been a year since Reimi's death, in my own house! to also have to live through Mrs. Nijimura's grief.

I miss her so much. She really was MY friend, the only one I made since I arrived... Obviously, her family misses her the most. At least I get to see Keicho and Okuyasu often when Nijimura asks us to take care of them while he goes to look for work, the few days he manages to get out of bed. Other times I bring them lunch to make sure those kids eat something and have at least clean clothes.

Every bone in my back rattled as I tried to get up off the floor.

It just makes me angry! Not that my body hurts from sleeping on the floor, but yes that too; but that it bothers me that when a man is widowed he is forgiven for falling into depression doing nothing and being neglectful of his children, because "Ay, poooor of him." Men are forgiven for not knowing how to do anything to maintain a home with a family, no one makes them feel slighted for ignoring the needs of their children. Sure! but when a woman doesn't have or want the skills to maintain a home, a family, a loving relationship, an attractive appearance, and a job all at the same time; she is immediately labeled as incomplete or incompetent. But if I don't go to try to make some order in that pigsty of a house, the kids would go hungry, it would be dirty! And... And Peko would be very sad if he knew his family was like this.

I sighed as I managed to stand up. Bad decision to fill my lungs with the sour smell of my son's dirty diaper.

Oops, love, how do you turn food into radioactive material, you're stinky!-

I laughed to myself as I reached for the arsenal of things needed to change a diaper and carried them over to my little Josuke's crib. I approached it mentally preparing myself for this every-morning attack.

My little stinky! You're all pooped out and you're BEAUTIFUL. I can't deal with you Josuke. I can't with such beauty, who permitted you to be the prettiest, most poopy baby in the world? Being so beautiful should be illegal. The best, the best JoJo in the world. Please, laugh no more, is my weakness. Are you laughing because you know that even so, you are the most beautiful? You're going to blind your mother with that smile...-

Seeing that beautiful face in the spotlight brightens up my mornings, leaving me stupid with a cuteness attack right in my eyes. I continued with the routine of cleaning and getting ready to go out, we have a Saturday full of activities. After a few more minutes appreciating Josuke's angelic loveliness and taking pictures for posterity, we left the house. I took the car for when Josuke got tired, although he is already getting the hang of walking and I enjoy holding his little hand. This city is as beautiful today as the first day I arrived.

First, the cemetery. I bought flowers for Reimi and Peko, cleaned their graves while I explained to Josuke what we were doing while he played with the flowers, put my hands on their little hands, and prayed for their souls. Despite everything I know about this crazy world, I have a wish for them to be able to rest. These moments remind me how fragile life always is, no matter where I am. It is possible to die for strange reasons, but also for a disease that does not warn anyone; a disease that ties you to the hospital for a few eternal and very short months in agonizing suffering and abandons your loved ones in mourning and debt. I must not forget that no matter how much I know about "the plot" or how powerful I may feel, I want to cherish every finite moment I have in this world.

In this bizarre world.

I couldn't help myself.

We left there to go play in a park. Kids need to play with dirt, with other kids, learn to climb a tree, or at least have contact with nature. We had a picnic lunch and then went to the Kishibe Inn. Since a couple of months ago, I often go to that onsen, I really enjoy the scenery and the silence of the place. I arrived by chance and entered out of curiosity. It turns out that grandmother Kishibe is more intense than her grandson, even so, I managed to win a little of her... affection? respect? I think she at least tolerates me because she allows me to go often to see her and share her onsen. She asked me to bring Josuke with me the next time I visit her to share with her grandson. I mean, she wants me to help her take care of her grandson, although for me, seeing Rohan-chan and my baby playing together for a whole afternoon? I have been blessed by the universe of 3D commissions. I'm glad I brought the camera.

Rohan took Josuke by the hand and they went to explore the large garden together.

Now that you walk, you're a little less annoying. Follow me, let's go look for beetles.-

And Josuke followed him as if it were nothing. If only it were that easy to put him to sleep.

I began to prepare a kind of self-imposed ritual, a way to calm my mind and live better in this second life. I dedicated myself for a moment to enjoy the beauty of the landscape, the temperature of the water, the breeze. No more problems or doubts in my mind, I want to calm my soul with the beauty of this world and of being alive here.

With my mind a little clearer and after leaving the kids napping, obviously I took another picture of them, I went to share with Grandma Kishibe. I bring her traditional sweets and we share the traditional tea she makes. I'm still not quite fond of the taste, but watching her prepare it is a work of art.

You will make tea today. My hands hurt.-

I almost dropped the box of sweets as I was entering the room. What kind of greeting is that? What kind of request is that?! I don't know how to make tea, I've only seen how she makes it.

This is a test!

I tried to remember everything I had seen from her and replicated it with the tools I had carefully laid out on a table. I prepared the tea and served it to her silently.

At least your tea is better than your sense of aesthetics, but the latter can be improved.-

I'm glad you enjoyed it.-

I didn't say I enjoyed it, I just pointed out a fact.-

I held the box of candy close to her, answering her is pointless. She is a proud woman who literally doesn't know how to be nice even if she wants to. She got up and left the room after finishing her tea, leaving me to appreciate the sunset in solitude. It's a beautiful world.

Or so I thought because she soon returned to the room with a beautiful Gucci bag that she handed to me.

Here. This is to stop you from embarrassing yourself on the street.-

Thank you! Thank you very much!-

You're smart, you'll be able to put it to good use.-

I hugged the bag excitedly; not so much because of how expensive or exclusive it could be, but because I immediately remembered a one-shot of Rohan with a Gucci bag that his grandmother left him as an inheritance. Plus it was beautiful.

We shared a little more before returning home. With my beautiful son, lots of pictures, and a Gucci bag that is also a Stand. I have to find out how it works. Yaaaay, I have a stand!

It's a beautiful day.

oOo

It's an awful day. Week, year... My feet hurt from all the walking around looking for a job, every single company turned me down. Nobody needs a new accountant when they're on their way to bankruptcy. We practically ate our savings and I only borrowed money. I got the bills, something is going on with Keicho's school and I'm hungry. Rice... rice with something, anything. Or better a beer.

Mansaku-san!-

That familiar voice caught my attention so I looked up. Tomoko-san approached me with her son in her arms. What was his name? I don't want any more of this, I want to get home and get mine to sleep quickly.

Mansaku-san! Over here!-

Good afternoon, Higashikata-san.-

How are you? How's the job search going?-

Of course, she must be keeping an eye on that because I keep asking them to help take care of the kids, and she insists on dropping off food at our house. Will she want something with me now that I'm a widower? I guess she could give her son my last name too, she can't be left alone with a child with no family all her life; just because her father is a policeman doesn't mean she will be supported forever.

I hope they call me soon.-

I know everything will be fine. Cheer up.-

Thank you, Higashikata-san.-

I'm coming home too. Would you like to come with the children and have dinner together? A good meal always lifts my spirits.-

I wouldn't want to abuse your kindness.-

Not at all! Come on, we'll be waiting for you at the house.-

I watched her walk home without taking my eyes off the designer handbag she was carrying on her shoulder. She likes expensive things, of course. Is she trying to tell me she feels sorry for me when she invites me to lunch with the kids? Or maybe she's really looking for a relationship with me, wants to see me using the kids as an excuse because I'm poor now?

I need to stop wasting my time with small business ventures; I need money, lots of money, and soon if I want to convince a woman like her to be my wife.

After dinner with the Higashikatas, I returned home to contact the English investor who had been looking for me. I hope he responds. It's just moving money and property from one place to another, no one gets hurt, my commissions are high and I'll never have to see who hires me. Everything will be fine.

I start receiving a fax with instructions.

oOo

I can only stand a certain amount of times when I have to explain something, I am patient, I try to put myself in his place and count to ten and then explain to that man one more time when I tell him that "no is no"; but I have to admit that I liked Masaku more when he was depressed. In three months he became the perfect goofball who rides around on expensive cars, gold watches, and anything with an expensive brand name; I've already lost count of how many times we've had unwanted gifts come to the house. He makes me sick! The guy thinks he shines but his kids go hungry and are in dirty clothes.

He's clearly making deals with DIO, which means he'll be sent an arrow soon and he'll have that weird meat octopus in his skull. Well, if I think about it, all octopuses are meat octopuses, but I don't quite remember what DIO's were called. The point is, with that arrow I could win a Stand for myself so I'd be more prepared for the future. He doesn't have that octopus yet, I know, but he doesn't have the arrow either.

He's being an insufferable jerk who is also neglectful of his kids, and I really don't want to justify it, but it's also true that he has a lot of the plot working against him. He's widowed, out of work in the crisis, seduced by DIO to make money, and then he'll end up in a barely human form that can't think or stop suffering. Counting also all the emotional damage left on his children and a life in poverty.

Is there anything I can do, shouldn't I just let things happen in this case? With what happened with Reimi I realized that getting involved with these parts of the plot makes it much worse, I exposed Josuke to danger as a baby and almost lost him forever; however I keep thinking about Peko, how thanks to her I was able to learn a lot about life, and her friendship meant everything for me, which was the first real relationship I formed with anyone in this world. She was real for me, her family should be too.

Breathe Tomoko, you know that men get more idiotic after widowhood, even your dad told you that.

No! If he doesn't change he's only going to get dumber and there are years left until the Crusaders defeat DIO and there's no turning back.

What do I do? What can I do?

For now, I'd better cook dinner. Should I bring rice?

Tomoko-san! -

Little Keicho cuddled up against my leg. He looks like a little chick waiting to be fed; I'm glad he's got the routine of coming home and knowing he'll be okay. I stroked his hair affectionately and held him in my arms.

Keicho-kun, how big you are! are you hungry already? I have almost everything ready, will you help me carry the stuff?-

Yes! What are we going to eat, I'm hungry!-

Keicho hugged my neck and the tenderness choked me, I can't wait for Josuke to be this big. That gesture allowed me to take a closer look at a bruise the boy had on his arm, it was clearly the mark of an adult hand.

Keicho-kun, love, what happened to your arm?

He quickly covered the mark with his small hand and shook his head vigorously.

Easy now. I just want to know what happened. You're going to be fine, I promise.-

Was it a young Angelo? How messed up is the story? I have to keep an eye out for anything that might happen.

My dad... He didn't mean it!-

The boy was very nervous in my embrace, trying to hold back the tears of the fact that I made him remember.

This was the straw that broke my back. It is one thing to be a careless man, which I forgive him even though I shouldn't, but it is quite another to be a violent father. You'll see what I'm capable of, that scumbag of a man!

Once again the door to my house opened, it was the aforementioned who was coming in, probably to hurry up dinner. He was walking and dressed like a luxury pimp, twirling the keys to his new car as he looked at my home with contempt and superiority. Fucking jerk.

Keicho-kun, can you go see Josuke for a moment? He's playing with your brother in his room. I'll call you when he's all set.-

I put the child down and he left the room, probably also to run away from his father. I felt my blood boil throughout my body and my fists tighten.

Have you already prepared dinner, Tomoko?-

How dare you speak to me with such familiarity? I didn't permit you to use my name like that, besides, are you assuming something I do as a favor? It unnerves me!

What did you do to Keicho-kun?-

Do what to him?-

Come on! He's got a bruise on his arm, he didn't do that to himself.-

That's what. He went into my office and I took him out. He's forbidden to enter my room and he knows it.-

HE'S A KID, NIJIMURA. YOU CAN'T DO THAT TO HIM!-

Those kids get everywhere because they don't have a mother to raise them and they're growing up unchecked. I actually came to talk about it.-

You did?-

Of course, I did. As you know, I have enough money now to support a big family very well, Keicho and Okuyasu need a woman to take care of them.-

Where are you going with this talk?-

I'm just saying stop playing coy, Tomoko. My children need a mother and your bastard needs a father. I don't see another man trying to take responsibility for you, so you should take the chance to have a good match like me and do your family this favor by marrying me. You have to realize, you are attractive but you are not getting any younger.-

No one had ever disrespected me like this in my life. In none of my lives, in all those years, had I EVER been made to feel such blinding rage. With one swipe I threw away the small box that man had opened in front of me, and with the same hand, I punched that pretentious face that was begging me for one. He fell to the ground looking at me in shock, so I forced him to get up by grabbing him by the ear.

HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME LIKE THAT YOU DRY PIECE OF SHIT?-

To-Tomoko?-

HIGASHIKATA-SENSEI TO YOU!-

My ear! My ear! It hurts!-

WALK! YOU'VE GOT US ALL FED UP WITH THIS MACHO MONEY-GRUBBING ATTITUDE. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE HOW SOMEONE AS GOOD AS PEKO COULD MARRY SUCH A USELESS AND STUPID MAN.-

Stupid? Ow! Tomoko-san! You are gonna rip my ear off!-

You don't understand, do you? HIGASHIKATA-SENSEI! And stop crying or else I'll tear off your other one too, so you'll start listening to me!-

The screams escaped me as I led this terrified man down the street, clutching one ear. He stumbled and I kept dragging him until I left him in front of his desk chair.

Right now you're going to stop doing that weird business you got yourself into. Pick up the phone or whatever it is you do and hurry up.-

What?-

What you heard, quick.-

I-I... I'm not gonna let you get into my life like this!-

He tried to raise his hand towards me, so I returned the violence with more violence. Surely he will understand me if I start speaking his language. What the idiot in front of me didn't know is that my trained father would never let his daughter not know how to defend herself. With a good headlock, I left him pinned to the ground, his arm behind his back.

You better wish you never raised your hand to Peko or I swear I'll break your arm, Nijimura.-

AAHHH!-

Answer me!-

LET GO OF ME, YOU CRAZY WOMAN! THIS IS ILLEGAL!-

Do you want to know about illegal things?-

AAAHHHHGGG!-

Illegal is hitting your child because you can't handle your frustration. Illegal is to leave them abandoned and hungry because you are useless. Illegal is laundering money to foreign mobsters just so you can buy shiny toys and get drunk every day to try to forget about your depression.-

That! That's not... AAAAHHH!-

OPEN YOUR EYES!-

LET GO OF ME!-

ADMIT IT!-

N-NOO...NNnnooo...I don't want to...I'm not a bad person...-

After that, he started crying, loudly and painfully. His face was swollen from my blow and he had tears and snot running down his face. He was a completely helpless, emotionally broken man so I should release him from my grip, but I decided not to. I listened to him cry about each and everything he regretted. Now and then he would start blaming others, so I would twist his wrist behind his back again, as an aide-memoire or perhaps for his brain to associate the idea of blaming others for his problems with physical pain. He vented about things I didn't know or care about.

Then?-

...I can't hit my kids because I'm angry. They are the most precious thing I have left of hers... and... I love them... I love them... I'm going to take good care of them.-

All right, go on. How are you going to take care of them?-

I-I have to learn how to run the house…-

¡AND!-

AND QUIT! And... quit working with the Englishman.-

Can you do it without getting into more trouble?-

Yes, I can!-

I can do it without getting into any more trouble. Go on.-

I'm going to look for another job and take good care of my children…-

Well said, Nijimura. Is there anything else you need?-

...N-no?-

Check your actions. Don't you think you're missing an apology?-

Higashikata-s... sensei! I'm sorry, sorry! I was disrespectful, I was afraid…-

Now I had another round of crying and listening to him apologize until he was dehydrated, but I can't leave him alone right now or the idiot is going to fall into victimization after feeling empty of all those feelings he just got off his chest because he literally doesn't know how to do anything for himself. Nijimura Peko, I love you dear friend, but what a useless man you married!

I'm already feeling physically tired, it's been at least a couple of hours since this whole scandal started; so I drew strength from my anger and started to explain to him the basics of cleaning his house, his children, and a decent plate of rice while he was taking notes in a notebook and kept slurping his boogers, trying not to let me see him cry.

What is that?-

That's bleach, it's used to clean but not the dishes.-

Very good. Where is the book of simple recipes?-

I have it here.-

How often do you have to go to the grocery store?-

Once a month if I get organized and... I have to make a list.-

What days do you have to take out the garbage?-

On... Tuesdays?-

I sprayed his face with water using a diffuser.

Wednesdays?-

Well done.-

I'm so tired of all this, physically and mentally, but I can't show him weakness in this shock therapy. I need to remind myself that this is not about him, this is not the story of a woman who "fixed" a man to be a better person, it is a story of a woman channeling her anger productively into putting some good into the world and changing several things in the process.

By the time I decided that this man had an acceptable amount of knowledge and had received sufficient punishment, it was already dawning. Shit, the kids! I knew they were fine and being cared for by my father, but it still amazes me that I could only remember them after several hours when my rage had worn off. I left for home and Nijimura followed me.

Thank you very much, Higashikata-san.-

I saw him bow in front of me, with extreme respect, but I feel so dead asleep that I didn't answer him with more than a cold look.

I know I was a bad man, and that it is a bold thing to ask, but I wish we could be friends.-

And yet you dare to ask. I'll be honest, Nijimura. I don't feel like trying to be your friend; but if I really see you stop ruining everything you touch and you ask me another time, I'll think about it. Right now I'm exhausted, and I hate you a little bit. Go and fetch your children and good night.-

...Good night, Higashikata-san. Thank you for your help.-

Yes, yes. Goodbye, Nijimura.-

I waited until that man left the house so I could finally relax and go to sleep even though it was already light out. I grumbled all the way until I could finally lie down and see the beautiful sleeping face of my little baby... and my also beautiful new bag/stand.

Lying on the bed I opened it to look at it carefully, it looked normal. Grandma Kishibe recommended me to keep my documents in the small pocket, which had the capacity to store much, much bigger things without the weight getting to me. I don't understand what the other part of the bag is doing. I already left inside a piece of gum, some pictures of Josuke, some embroidery I had recently started, and pencils, all disappeared into the bag as soon as I closed it. I opened it and turned it over to drop whatever might be left, instead of that I saw half a heart fell on my bed. Not a human heart, clearly, but a small metal figure in the shape of half a red heart symbol. It was a hoop, pendant, whatever it was called.

I took it in both my hands and brought it close to my face. I can't believe it, it still feels warm! Is that the temperature of his skin? Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. DO I HAVE A POLNAREFF EARRING IN MY HANDS? My heart is pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat and I'm biting my lips to keep from screaming with excitement and waking my baby.

In my previous life, I had bought some replicas online that I used a couple of times, but now I have the original in my hands. I'm sure it's real, it still smells like him...I'm sure that must be his scent. What will Polnareff look like in this world? Will he really be able to do that thing with his tongue that he did in the chapter with Hol Horse? What will I have to do to get the purse to give me the other ring too?

I fell asleep on my bed with the earring in my hands.