A Special Day
A few days later back at Fort MacArthur, Hikaru awoke, got out of bed, dressed in his uniform, and checked the date on the calendar.
"It's today! It's today!" Hikaru exclaimed silently.
Hikaru was careful to not wake the other boys when he was leaving the barracks.
A few minutes later, Mitchell found Hikaru working out in the gym.
"You're up awfully early," Mitchell said to Hikaru. "it's not even breakfast time yet."
Hikaru paused with the punching bag, "What are we having for breakfast this morning?" he asked.
Frank passed by the gym, "Guess." he said.
"Mystery stew?" Hikaru asked.
"Give the boy a prize!" Frank exclaimed in a sarcastic tone.
Mitchell noticed Hikaru was looking a little green.
"Give the boy a break, he can't stand the mystery stew!" Mitchell said to Frank.
Frank started to walk away.
Until Hikaru stopped him.
"Wait," Hikaru called. "Sir!"
Frank turned around, "What is it?" he asked.
"Today is my birthday and Hikari's too," Hikaru began. "and I..."
"You want to visit her in the hospital?" Frank asked.
"May I, Sir," Hikaru asked. "and, may I buy her a present while I'm in town?"
"I don't see why not," Frank said to Hikaru. "tell you what, change into your civilian clothes and I'll drive you to the hospital myself."
"Yes, Sir!" Hikaru exclaimed.
A few hours later in her hospital room, Jessa, Ken, Miranda, Lisa, and Carole were celebrating Hikari's birthday with her.
When Frank and Hikaru walked in, Frank held a card in his right hand while Hikaru carried a yellow vase with purple tulips in it for Hikari.
"How's the patient?" Frank asked Hikari, handing her the card.
"Much better," Hikari answered. "thank you, Mister DiAngelo."
When Jessa saw Frank was in the room, she immediately went off on him.