Chapter 1
August 20, 2017
The air was warm as it blew through her raven hair. She had it in a high ponytail as she kneeled at the grave of her father. Gently she placed the flowers down beside the grave marker. Tears soon fell and landed on one of the petals. She didn't want to leave her home town, but her job didn't allow her that choice. She was a building designer and was sometimes asked to travel to different places. This was one of those choices you make in life that are the hardest. Still Kagome thought maybe it was better if she left. It was now a month since she slept a full night's sleep. Her brother told her leaving might help her get away from past events. Even her mother agreed maybe new surroundings would be best. She didn't want to, but was willing to at least try.
"Hello father, it's me Kagome. I wanted to come and say goodbye before leaving. I'm heading north to Hokkaido, I know it's far away. Still mom and Sota think it might be best. I promise to visit though and I'll be careful." A strong breeze blew stirring her loose hair and ponytail. Kagome smiled, it was like her father was letting her know he was listening. She often came here and talked with her father like this. Even on the day she applied for this job, she came and talked with her father. The same warm breeze blew then too, so of course Kagome took this as a sign that her father was listening and agreed.
With her things packed and waiting by the front door. Kagome had almost everything done on her list before leaving. Her flight would leave in a few hours. And after visiting her father's grave, Kagome had a lovely meal with her mom and brother. Now it was time to say her final goodbyes to them. A few tears were in her eyes, but she was smiling as well. "Well I guess this is it, the big day." Kagome said, as she hugged her mom then her brother. "Now Sota, remember to take good care of mom for me. And I want phone calls everyday."
Sota hugged his sister tightly. "You know I will and you better call us too. And be extra careful too." Even Sota was tearing up thinking of his sister so far away from home and all alone. "You'll call when you arrive, right?"
Stepping back Kagome first wiped her eyes and replied. "Of course, I'll call as soon as the plane lands in Hokkaido." Sota smiled and they shared one last hug before Kagome hugged her mom once more. After a few sniffs she picked up her luggage and went to the door. She stopped and turned to look back at her mom and brother once more. "I love you both so very much and will miss you so very much. I'll visit as soon as I can." Her mom and brother waved and bowed as they waved goodbye.
As Kagome approached the taxi she felt a deep sadness. Still she held her head high and took the first step towards her future. She was off to a new home and maybe even better dreams as she slept for once. Or would they continue even once she left her home and those past memories of that horrible night. As the taxi rolled away, Kagome waved to her mom and brother. One hand was wiping her tears away while she waved and blew kisses with the other. It was when the taxi was out of view that it all hit her. She was on her own now, more so then she had ever been in her life.
It was only a thirty minute ride to the airport, but to Kagome it seemed to be only five minutes. It felt like time had decided to move faster now. Still she couldn't stop it. 'Maybe it's best that everything goes quickly.' Kagome thought, as she got her ticket ready to board the plane. A man sitting in a chair in the lobby glanced up from his reading of the local newspaper. He grinned as he watched Kagome board the plane.