Kaku's heart seemed to suddenly stop, causing him to drop a crate full of metal pieces. He shook his head and quickly started to pick them up, apologizing frivolously.
Wow, I'm losing my marbles...
Mr. Omocha made his way over to the much younger man. "Is everything alright, son?" He had noticed Kaku had been quieter than usual.
Kaku removed his hat to rub his hair before putting it back on. "I'm sorry. The wife and I got into a bit of a tiffle last night..." He figured there was no harm in opening up to Mr. Omocha. There were so many emotions going through him that maybe talking about them would help sort them out. "I have trouble...opening up to her, and it's been putting a real wrench in things." He sighed, placing the crate of metal pieces on the front counter.
Mr. Omocha laughed, stroking his mustache. "Ah yes, the first year is always the hardest! You are a fine young man, Kaku. I have a feeling you hold your feelings back because you somehow feel that telling her how you truly feel might hurt her..." He took a seat behind the counter on a small stool. "Life is too short to live with regrets. Whatever is holding you back- try and forget about it. Why hinder present possibilities for a future that might not even happen? She will appreciate you being honest." He folded his hands into his lap. "It's almost time to close up shop. Why don't you head out now? I can manage." He motioned for Kaku to leave.
Kaku stood there stunned. Why didn't he realize all this sooner?
No one knew where him and Kate were. If they kept a low profile, perhaps, they could stay there together...
Forever...
He would find a way to make things work, no matter what. It's what Kate wanted too.
Kaku quickly hung his apron on a hook before rushing out the door. "Thank you, Mr. Omocha! I'll start extra early tomorrow!" He waved before leaving.
He looked at the town clock. "Okay, Kate should be off soon!" He made his way over to the closest florist and picked up a pink and white bouquet that contained an assortment of flowers.
Kaku couldn't contain his smile. He was really going to do it. Him and Kate were finally going to be together. For real.
Kaku's blood ran cold as he reached the orphanage, the bouquet falling out of his hand.
There were several medics on site along with at least 10 knights. He saw 6 body bags being dragged out of the orphanage.
Kate...no...
He ran into the courtyard, but couldn't find anyone he recognized. The knights refused to tell him any information, stating that it was all confidential at the moment. "Kate?! Kate!" He panicked. If she wasn't here, that meant there was a chance she was in one of the body bags... "Kate!" He turned suddenly towards a wooden crate.
Tyson came crawling out, his eyes swollen from crying. "Kaku...Kate...she..." He tried to catch his breath between sobs. He had seen everything that had happened. He walked up to the shipwright, for once foregoing his 'tough guy' attitude, and hugged his leg. "Kate...I think she's...gone." He hugged Kaku's leg tighter.
Kaku began to tremble.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no...
He gently pushed Tyson away, and knelt down so he could face him. He grabbed the young boy's shoulders, trying to find any clue that he was lying.
This can't be true...
He took a breath while staring at the ground before looking at the boy. "Tyson...please, tell me. Where is Kate?" His body was ready to run at a moment's pause to wherever Kate was.
Tyson rubbed his eyes. "Cutter took her. I think she's at the castle...but she-"
Kaku quickly hugged the boy before taking off towards the castle.
Please be okay, Kate. Wait for me...
He ran through the town, ignoring the shouts as he pushed through crowds.
There's so much I need to tell you...
He tripped on his own feet, quickly getting up and continuing to run.
There's so much I want to do...
He thought about last night. The last things he had said to her. He clenched his hand, remembering how he had pulled away.
"I'm sorry...I just...wanted to."
He wasn't a religious man, but he began praying to every God possible to give him one more chance. He promised he'd make things right this time. To hell with whatever repercussions he may suffer! He wouldn't waste another day.
I love you. I love you so much.