Chapter 31: A Mother's Wish
It was a dull and bleak morning. There were dark clouds which were threatening to let loose the pandemonium, of rainwater down on the Satake's house.
Takara was up in her room in a worried frenzy. She was glaring at the calendar accusingly.
Only two more months left…
Before…
And what's more, Mummy's coughing attacks are getting even worse…
Just yesterday, Yumi awoke in the middle of the night and burst into a coughing fit.
And Mummy's coughing up more blood…
Her life's blood…
She was jolted out of her reverie when the phone rang suddenly, shattering the silence. Takara grabbed the cordless phone from her bedside table.
" Hello? "
The girl's voice sounded hoarse.
" Hi, Takara! " Tamaki's voice was just the opposite. Loud and cheerful.
(By the way, Tamaki got her number from Kyouya.)
She winced.
" Oh, hello, Tamaki-senpai. What's up? " Takara deliberately made her voice seemed more bright and perky to hide the bitterness in her voice.
" Just want to remind you that tomorrow is the dinner and bring you mum along, okay? "
" Uh, about the dinner, right? Maybe, I…will not be able to make it, " Takara stuttered.
There was only silence on the other end. Takara's heart sank. She hated to disappoint her friends but she had a reason.
" I'm really sorry. "
He did not reply.
" T-Tamaki-senpai? "
" Yeah, I'm still here, " the sixteen-year-old answered although in a less cheerful voice.
" I'm so sorry, " Takara repeated, choking back tears.
" Nah, it's alright. I don't mind. Well, I'll see you on Monday, then. "
" Okay… "
She hung up the phone, ending their conversation.
" Takara? "
The girl whirled around at the sound of her name. Her mother was at the doorway of her bedroom.
" Oh, good morning, Mummy. I'll go prepare your breakfast for you, " Takara said.
Her mother shook her head.
" No, there's no need. I've heard everything, Takara. Can I come in? "
Takara nodded wordlessly. Yumi wheeled her wheelchair into the room.
" Takara, why did you tell Tamaki that you cancelled? "
Her daughter did not reply. Yumi looked up at her.
" Was it because of me? " she continued.
Takara sat down on her bed but remained silent. Her mother took her hands in hers.
" Takara? "
Reluctantly, she met her mother's eyes.
" You mean more to me, Mummy… "
Yumi's grip tightened on her hands.
" But, imagine Tamaki's disappointment, Takara. "
" I know that, Mummy! But you are very ill! " The girl argued.
" Maybe, you could invite Tamaki tomorrow instead, " Yumi suggested brightly. " And, I could meet him! Oh, and be sure to invite the others as well and I can meet them too! "
Takara looked at her mother's face, which was filled with so much anticipation and excitement. How could she refuse her mother?
" Sure, okay! I will! " Yumi's daughter answered, faking enthusiasm.
How could I refuse Mummy?
When she only has two months left…
NNN
I must be strong…
Yumi rinsed her mouth with water from the tap and wiped her mouth with her handkerchief. The time between each coughing fit was getting shorter with each passing month. That, she had noticed. It always left her feeling weak and faint. She wheeled her wheelchair into Takara's room and kissed her sleeping daughter on the forehead, silently.
" I'll work hard, mummy… " Takara murmured in her sleep. " Cause I love you… "
Yumi smiled at her daughter and stroked her hair.
" You don't have to, Takara because I'll love you just the way you are, " Yumi whispered softly. " You'll always be my treasure… "
Quietly, she retreated into her own room. There was only one thing on her mind.
Lord, please let my daughter be strong and give her the courage to live on with her life when I die…
Because I know that my time is nearing its end…
Soon…