PART 2
"Are you sure you have to spend the whole day working?" Haruka questions, biting into her fresh bagel.
"Unfortunately I do. As fun as it would be to spend the day in your office distracting you, Setsuna will have my head if I don't get some articles to her soon." Tying a silk scarf around her neck, Michiru double-checks her purse to make sure that she has everything she needs.
"Fair enough. Can we meet here for dinner, at least?"
"Of course. I look forward to it." After leaning up to place a sweet kiss on Haruka's cheek, Michiru heads out the door. Taking the elevator to the ground level, Michiru doesn't walk out towards the Central Library, where she had suggested she was going, but instead hails a cab and makes her way to the New York Hospital.
Very familiar with the visiting procedures, Michiru quickly tracks down her father's new room, and takes a seat beside his bed. It always pains her to see Kaioh Sr., as he was known in business circles, looking so vulnerable. But perhaps naively, Michiru still has hope that her visits make some difference to his chances for improvement.
Unwrapping her scarf and tying it gently around her father's arm, and then taking her father's hand into her own, the aqua-haired woman begins her usual routine of providing updates about her work. Not long into her rambling, the door opens and a tall man walks through.
"Ah, Michelle. It's nice to see you again."
"Same to you, Doctor. How are things looking?"
"I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but things are taking a turn for the worse. Your father's vital signs have been declining, and at this point my opinion is that his health has no chance of improving."
"I see," the aqua woman replies, wiping at her eyes. "Does my brother know yet?"
"Yes, he was just here the other day and is aware. Ultimately it may come to your brother making a final decision, but for now I recommend that we wait another week or so and see where things are at."
"Okay. Thank you, Doctor."
The large man nods and pats Michiru on the shoulder before exiting.
Michiru sits down again, and takes her father's hand once more. Continuing her update, she focuses on a mundane description of her work at the Post, hoping that the insignificant details will prevent her from breaking down. Eventually, though, the young woman recognizes that this may be her final opportunity to speak frankly with her father, and decides to be as honest as possible.
"I've met something special, Daddy. She's incredibly strong-willed and controlling, but also generous and talented in so many ways." Massaging her father's hand, Michiru sighs and feels the long repressed tears finally rise up. "I really care about her. And she gives my life so much more meaning now." Dabbing at her eyes, Michiru decides to let go and let the tears fall.
"The only problem is - I think she's the one who let this happen to you."