Breakthrough

by goldenthyme

world w/out supernatural or ghosts. Ichigo witnessed his mother's death, but cannot remember but a few flickers. As the events of the evening come into the light, Ichigo finds himself without anything left to connect him to the living world.

2. Chapter 2

Rain.

It's raining.

Again.

"Ichi-nii?"

I blink drops off my eyelashes. Yuzu and Karin are standing on the sidewalk. Dad's holding an umbrella over their heads.

"Ichi-nii? What are you doing out here?"

Did I go to school today? Huh. I can't remember. I really don't care about school anymore. I don't really care about anything. But I play the good big brother. My face moves into an expression of surprise.

"Huh! I must've lost track of time," I wonder aloud and train my eyes on my sisters. Karin gives me a blank stare, but Yuzu gives me a scolding look.

"Liar. Mom always says-" she stops suddenly and covers her mouth. My jaw quivers, and I clamp it shut. Dad shakes his head slightly. He's never this quiet. It's awkward, this seriousness, sorrow. I try to shake the feeling off and step onto the path. Yuzu glances up at my, apologetic this time. My mouth stretches. I hope it's a reassuring smile. She takes my hand, and I step under the already crowded umbrella. It's feels better, nice. But as we begin our walk home, I glance back up at the stormy sky.

Drip, drop.