Music Piece 40: Final Goodbye

The Second Day…

" Mummy… "

Takara felt her heart grow heavy. Her throat was choked with all those tears she had managed to suppress during the last three days.

" Mummy, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about you only having two weeks left to live. I-I-I just didn't have the heart. I didn't want to hurt you anymore. I'm a coward, Mummy! "

She was sobbing now.

" Mummy, please open your eyes…I-I want your blessings. "

However, her mother remained still.

" Today's the last day that I can see you… because tomorrow is the day when I have to perform. "

She placed her hands over Yumi's cold ones.

" Mummy…I know that you can hear me. Please talk to me! "

Lord, please let m mother be with me for at least another few more hours…

I beg You…

She's the only one I have left…

Please…!

" Takara, is-is that you? "

She gasped.

Lord, I thank you…

The girl squeezed her mother's hand.

" I'm here, Mummy, always by your side. "

Yumi smiled weakly and caressed her cheek.

" I heard what you said, honey. Every word. "

The fifteen-year-old swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She nodded.

" Takara, always remember what I said the last time. I'll never be leaving you, Mummy is just going back to God. From up there, Mummy and Daddy will watch you grow up into a beautiful young lady and guide you through life. We'll always be there for you, Takara, forever. Always strive to be the best and you'll succeed in life. Life is full of obstacles and challenges but never give up hope. Always smile and take things in your stride and only then will you be able to find the treasure which you have worked so hard for. That was the why we named you, 'Takara'. That's because we worked hard and found our treasure. That's you, Takara, our treasure… "

Her tears trailed down her cheeks in a perpetual flow.

" Enn… " Takara whispered and nodded.

" Yumi? "

Both of them turned to the voice. It was a woman, around the same age as Yumi.

" Lethia? " Yumi gasped, stunned.

There was silence as the two stared at each other. Takara was also staring at her, also too shocked to say a word.

That's my guardian…!

And Tamaki's mother…?!

Tears in her blue eyes, Lethia ran towards Takara's mother. Both were sobbing as they hugged each other.

" I can't believe it! " Yumi exclaimed breathlessly. " What brought you here? "

Lethia grinned childishly and looked at Takara.

" I'm here because I'm the director of that concert. "

That harp used to belong to my mother. She used to play for my dad and everything.

So I see…

Takara smiled back and hugged her guardian.

" It's good to see you again! "

Lethia patted her back.

" And me too! "

Soon, the two childhood friends became absorbed in their own conversation. Takara stared at Lethia's glowing face thoughtfully.

Tamaki does have her eyes…

AS well as her musical talent…

She smiled to herself.

Wait till Tamaki sees her…

At least, I could do this much for him…

After everything he has done for me…

Silently, she slipped out of the hospital ward.

NNN

" Why didn't you tell me that you had cancer and you were paralysed after that plane crash? " Lethia demanded.

" I didn't want you to worry about me, Lethia/ "

" You could have at least told me then I could have helped you out, " Lethia argued. " That's what best friends should do! Help each other out when in need and not keep things from each other. "

" I know and I'm sorry. But, at least, I managed to see you for one last time before I go, Lethia. "

The other woman looked shocked.

" Wh-What are you talking about? "
Yumi nodded slowly and answered, " Yes Lethia, I'm going to die. The cancer has already spread to my both lungs and – "

She could not continue anymore as Lethia hugged her tightly.

" Don't say things like that, Yumi! " she whispered.

Before Takara's mother could say anything, someone interrupted her.

" Mother…? "

It was Tamaki. He was in daze.

My mother…

She's standing right in front of me…

Lethia's hands flew to her mouth as she stared at her son.

" T-Tamaki…? "

The boy stood there, totally speechless. Finally, Lethia opened her arms wide. Crying silently, he rushed towards his mother. They stood in an embrace like that for a long time. Both mother and son had met in a touching reunion. Takara and Yumi looked at each other and smiled.

" Thank you, Takara… " Yumi mouthed to her daughter.

Takara nodded.

NNN

By now, all the Host Club members and Dr.Nori were all present at the hospital ward. Takara was filling them in while Tamaki chatted with his mother animatedly, with the help of Yumi. It really was a happy occasion. Then, it was introduction and interaction between everyone except for Takara and Yumi.

" Takara… " Yumi whispered.

" Mummy? "

Yumi stared at her daughter's face for a long time. Then, she smiled.

" Now, I can go peacefully, honey… "

Takara's eyes widened and instantly everything that had happened earlier came rushing back to her.

" Without you, I would have never met Lethia again… "

Takara noticed that her voice was becoming more softer and weaker.

" B-But, Mummy… "

" I'll be there during your performance, Takara, just like I had promised you… "

A trail of blood crept out of her lips and she coughed hard. Takara was about to call for the doctor when her mother interrupted.

" They cant do anything anymore, Takara… "

" But, Mummy, I'll be alone… "

Yumi smiled and shook her head.

" No, you won't, Takara because I'll always be here for you. Remember that I'll always and forever love you… "

With that, she was gone.

" I love you too, Mummy… "

Takara knew that it was the final goodbye. However, her mother had promised her.

I know that she'll be there…