As we touch the lives of those around us, the weight of our choices grows greater. Their impact, harder to forget.

read.

His tears stained her pale, now damp skin. She was ice cold. The wet purple hair that framed her face so perfectly now clung like vines to her lifeless brow. It was over. The person he had come to know as Kotonoha Katsura was no more. Her body a heavy, limp rag doll in his shaking hands. All the same he held her closely, as tight as his weary body could muster.

Makoto didn't know how much time had passed, but at this point he had little hope. His dry, aching throat begged for moisture. He wouldn't allow it. The boy stayed there, knelling on the floor with the doll in his arms, hoping to the gods that she would spring to life any moment. No chance. This was what he deserved. His punishment for all of the abuse and neglect he had put Kotonoha through. He had driven her to suicide for the second time. In her tortured existence, all she could do was to chase after the one tool she had to keep her sanity in tact. Love.

But love no longer endeavored to protect her. It would nevermore be there to cheer her on or to keep her moving forward. Love fled. Kotonoha followed.

Burying his reddened face in her matted hair, Makoto struggled desperately for comfort. To even be able to feel her, really feel her once more. One more embrace, just one more kiss. Nothing else mattered. He just wanted to see her again. He just needed to hold on tighter. No, not too tight. He'll break her that way. She's fragile. His fragile Kotonoha. Careful.

Makoto slightly jumped as he felt something warm tickle the nape of his neck. Makoto's heart leapt as he broke away to examine Kotonoha's mouth and chest. Her chest wasn't moving much, but from his cheek, Makoto could feel a small channel of air escape her dry lips every few seconds.

"K-Kotonoha?" He wasn't wrong! She was definitely breathing. They were shallow breaths, but his girlfriend was breathing. She was alive. He was sure of it.

Makoto began to whisper to her softly as he brushed her soaked bangs away from her eyes.

"That's it Kotonoha. Come back to me." His hand closed around hers in a gentle, protective embrace. His eyes were trained on her nearly still lids after noticing a slight flicker. Whatever he was doing, it was working.

Otome sank into the cold leather of the red loveseat as her sister waited for a response. Karen's light brown pigtails swayed this way and that as she paced about the room, glancing in her sister's direction every so often. Her eyes shot Otome messages of anger, fear, and concern. Her slender hand rose to cover her worried brow. Otome's stomach turned at the thought of Karen's inevitable response.

"Please, Onee-chan. Just tell me it's not true. You're not really bullying that Katsura girl. It's a mistake, right?"

Otome looked down at her knees. Pangs of guilt began to prick Otome's neck with the shame to come.

What was she supposed to say?

Karen could always tell when she was lying.

It was unavoidable. She had to tell her.

"I- I did…" Otome whispered

Otome could tell this set Karen off. The pigtailed girl tried to remain calm as she gazed into her sister's eyes. "When Itou-senpai told me, I didn't believe him. How could I? I thought to myself, 'Onee-chan would never do awful things like putting tacks in a girl's shoes or ruining her lunch.' I never even imagined you would be capable of things like that. Why the heck would you torture that poor innocent girl?"

This was getting to be too much. With each word she spoke, Karen was slowly drowning Otome in a sea of her own sin. She was suffocating, thrashing about for air. Otome desperately inched herself toward far-gone veneration, only to be dragged down further into the depths of her own guilt.

"Onee-chan, weren't you the one who defended Hinegawa when those girls tried to take her lunch money?"

A simple comparison was her anchor.

"That was-" Otome stuttered "That was 8th grade. People change." Otome gained a bit more base in her voice.

All at once, the deathly waters dissipated, leaving Otome neither responsibility nor fear.

Who was Karen to tell her how to live? She was always so high and mighty. Such a goddamn saint.

"Come on, don't give me that 'People Change' crap! Tell me the truth. What did this girl do to you? What makes you hate someone enough to treat them that way?"

There she went again. All of that 'Holier than Thou' garbage. How dare Karen talk down to her.

Who the hell did that bitch think she was?

Otome stood up.

"You wanna know the truth?" Otome spat, causing Karen to move backwards. "I despise people like Kotonoha Katsura! I hate everything about her. I hate her because she's prettier than me. I hate her because of those humongous breasts! I hate her because she's so prim, and proper, and polite. It sickens me the way she's got all the boy's eyes glued to her!" Otome became louder and louder, eager to express the raging fury bubbling within. "And the worst part is that she's so Goddamn humble about it! She's the kind of person whose just too friggin perfect to exist! Trying to compete with her is just pointless because she's such a goddess to everyone's eyes." Otome's eyes began to tear up.

"So what then, you're just going to resent anyone whose better than you?" Karen scoffed coldly.

How dare she?

Otome was pouring her heart out to her and she just brushed it off like it was nothing.

"Listen to me, Onee-chan." Karen began. "That is the most pathetic thing I've heard in my life! You shouldn't hate someone just because they're better than you at something. People like her are there as obstacles. They exist to make you a better person, just like you exist to do the same for them. Rivalries are what help us grow as human beings. I mean, just look at me-"

"Shut up!" Otome yelled.

"Onee-chan…"

"You think it's so easy? You think it's that simple, that I'm just supposed to try to be better than her? Well what do you know? Everything's always come so naturally to you!" Otome's blood began to boil. There was no stopping now. "Do you honestly think I could ever compete with you? What a fucking joke! You've got looks! You've got grades! You're two steps away from Captain of the Basketball Team and you're only a freshmen! When you walk into a room everyone notices. All your jokes are funny and all your greetings are so sincere and genuine. When has anything ever been hard for you?"

Karen sighed, looking away for a moment. After taking a minute to gather her thoughts, she turned back to face Otome, her face looking a bit sadder.

"I see," She whispered. "This is about me, isn't it?"

Otome remained silent.

"Why else would you get so much angrier when I used myself as an example? You were upset with me so you decided to take it out on Katsura-san, didn't you?"

Otome looked away, still saying nothing.

"Onee-chan, whatever you're feeling towards me is no excuse to go terrorizing an innocent girl." Karen moved herself closer to her older sister. "If you're upset with me, let's talk about it. I promise I'll hear you out, so just-"

"Back off!" Otome swatted at her sister before rising to meet Karen's eyes. "You think you're so fucking smart! You've got me completely figured out, is that it?"

"Calm down."

"No!" Otome fired back. "You're right, this is about you! It's always been about you because the whole friggin world revolves around the amazing Karen Katou! Have you any idea what it's like to be constantly living in your shadow? To have guys walk up to you and say, 'Hey, isn't your sister on the Basketball Team?' like somehow you're not? And have you ever stopped to notice all the compliments from Mom and Dad? 'Nice job at today's game, Karen. 'You're growing up so beautifully, Karen.' 'You're so smart, Karen.' When was the last time you've ever heard them give me a compliment? Not even a 'Good job.' or a 'Nice try.'" Tears streamed down Otome's face as she continued. "I try to be happy for you, Karen. Really, I do. But being reminded day in and day out how you're so superior in every way… all I can ever feel is envy. Envy and shame because I know I can never measure up to you. Can't you see how much just being around you hurts me?"

"Don't cry, Onee-chan." Karen pleaded. "I know I'll probably never understand what you're going through, but if you really want to be praised by someone, I'll praise you. I'll be the one to acknowledge everything you do. And I can help you improve on some of these things too. I'll give you some pointers in Basketball, maybe help you with your homework. We can…"

Karen droned on and on about studying and makeovers, and all kinds of meaningless crap. It was pointless. The only thing it really served to do was piss Otome off.

Who did she think she was? Graciously offering her assistance.

It would have been nice to be told she was fine the way she was, but instead all Karen did was go on and on about Otome's faults and how they could be fixed. How they would 'work together' to help Otome reach Karen's level. She was way too honest. Didn't she realize she was only making things worse?"…and maybe instead of always wearing that ponytail, you could try-""Enough!" Otome snapped. "Would you just shut up? Don't you realize getting help from you would make me even more pathetic? I'm just supposed to surrender my pride so I can be remade in your perfect image?"

"Well, I don't really see it that way."

"Of course you don't! Ever since you started developing, you've been so goddamn smug. And you delude yourself into thinking that you're this nice girl with a strong sense of justice when really all you're doing is forcing your will on other people. In your heart of hearts you assume your way is the correct one because with everyone's approval, you've managed to think that the sun shines out your ass."

"That's not-"

"I don't know what's worse, that you're so great that no one even looks at me, or that you try so hard to convince yourself you don't feel the same way!"

"Nee-chan… I swear, I don't think I'm better than you…"Otome could tell Karen was trying her best to sound honest, but she wasn't fooling anyone.

"Liar! I'm scum to you and you know it. Just a pathetic freak for you to take pity on. You just love playing the hero, don't you?"

"It's not like that! I do it because I care."

"Care?" Otome scoffed. "Bullshit. All you ever do is make me feel bad about myself. I'm miserable with you don't you just go away!"

"Otome, stop!" Karen frantically pleaded. "Don't say things you don't mean. Siblings aren't meant to hurt each other like this."

"Fuck you!" Otome shouted. "I hate you! I wish you'd just disappear! I don't ever want to see that pretentious smirk again!" Karen was dead quiet. Tears leaked profusely from her closed eyes as she silently sobbed. The instant those words left Otome's mouth, her face went pale white...

Otome had gone too far. Otome put a hand on her sister's shoulder. "Karen, -"

"Get away!" Karen shrieked, slapping Otome's hand away before bolting out the door. Otome didn't follow. She didn't say a word.

That boy.

Getting all excited and running off like that.

Fumie sighed, looking out at the city streets from her apartment. The sky's orange-pink hue was dimming, darkening. The street lamps peppered around the neighborhood bathed everything in a subtle orange.

Thinking back, Fumie felt nostalgia seeing that look on Makoto's face. It had been so long since she had seen such fire and passion in his eyes; passion she hadn't seen since...

Since Masaru left with Itaru.

Fumie chuckled.

She might have actually missed that asshole a little.

The black-haired woman stared blankly at the Nobil gas station somewhat to the right of her field of vision. Ironic that all she really won from the divorce was that crappy gas guzzling Stanza. Fumie wasn't an expert on cars, but she knew that a vehicle that size doesn't normally burn up gas the way it did. Where was all of it going? It wasn't like she used the car much to begin with.

At any rate,

Makoto didn't really take after Masaru much. He had his father's looks, sure, but Makoto's personality was all Fumi. Makoto was the kind of guy who got really excited about an idea, putting his heart and soul into the undertaking for a short amount of time before eventually boring with it, giving way to laziness and apathy. He was indecisive, just like his mother. Another trait Fumie wasn't proud of passing on to her son. Still, at least he wasn't as selfish and self-absorbed as his father. It was like the guy was married to himself. Still, for what it was worth, the one thing Masaru was best at was being a father. At least she knew Itaru was in good hands.

Ugh, enough.

Fumie shook off the thoughts of her ex-husband; taking her mind off of him with thoughts of her grandson. Kosuke was adorable; kind of loud though. Of course, when you've got a baby, that kind of comes with the territory. Fumie could handle it, but she worried about Makoto. He wasn't exactly the patient type. He wasn't a paragon of empathy either. Although, from what she's seen, Makoto was actually getting fairly good with him. Of course, Fumie had to teach Makoto a lot in order to help him take care of Kosuke. That much was a given. After all, a sixteen year old boy could never be prepared for the taxing demands of parenthood. Let alone her sixteen year old boy.

And then of course there was Katsura.

"She's bad for you, Makoto."

"I know that! But I- I'll be back for Kosuke."

Fumie didn't want her grandson living with that unstable girl.

She'd have to say something to Makoto when he got back. Although, ultimately Kosuke was Makoto's child, making this entirely his decision.

Makoto.

She sure hoped he knew what he was doing.

Makoto smiled slightly as he left the room. Kotonoha was sleeping soundly in bedroom and Makoto was headed for home, ready to bring his son to their new home.

"…I love you too, Makoto-kun." The girl's weak voice mustered, raising a shaky hand to his sopping cheek. "…I came back… you called me, so I came."

"I know." Makoto sobbed.

"Please... don't leave me again. I'll make you happy... I promise..."

Those words stuck in his mind.

He couldn't keep abandoning her like that. She falls apart without him. Maybe he should wait until she wakes up to go grab his son. She might want to come along.

Kotonoha seemed pretty exhausted after her ordeal. It wasn't surprising, after all she had been asphyxiated for God knows how long; her body likely losing energy trying to fight the oncoming onslaught of self-inflicted torture.

Makoto felt bad about his lover being in so much pain, physically, mentally, emotionally; and all caused by him. The guy she was supposed to be in love with. Through it all, her love didn't fade. It burrowed deeper and deeper into her heart, gaining strength with every inch she gave it. And once matured, it coiled into a noose around her neck.

The love she felt for him was a poison, threatening to spread throughout her entire body, ending her short life in the most excruciating way imaginable.

No.

Makoto was wrong to blame Kotonoha's feelings for the torture and turmoil she endured.

It was Makoto.

It was always Makoto.

His words, his actions; everything about him resonated with her in such a deep and profound way. They were less boyfriend and girlfriend and more master and slave. Makoto would complain about an essay for history class, only to find out next class that it was already turned in by email. He was met on the rooftop everyday with a homemade bento and a smile. In crowded trains his body would… react to being pressed up against Kotonoha's. Wordlessly, she took care of it with skill that far outclassed her experience.

Makoto never really had to ask his girlfriend for anything.

She was always watching him closely, studying him; learning things about him that Makoto himself didn't even know. She stayed one step ahead of his wants and needs, and because of it for a while Makoto forgot what it really felt like for things not to go his way.

That is, until his child came into the picture.

Makoto went into the kitchen for a snack, realizing he had been standing in the hallway thinking for about twenty minutes.

The fridge was mostly empty, save for a few rice balls and some condiments. Makoto checked the freezer.

Nothing.

What was she feeding Kokoro?

Makoto tried to reach for a rice ball, but was stopped short by the sharp sting of a bamboo blade across his neck.

"Ow! What'd you do that for?" Makoto grunted, turning to see Kokoro holding a Kendo practice sword.

"Those are mine, you can't have them!" The little girl shouted. Her eyes were fierce and piercing. Makoto stepped backward, slightly intimidated.

"Calm down, Kokoro. They're just rice balls."

"I need them! I don't have any money left! I'll starve if you eat them all!"

"You'll… starve?

Yuuki wiped the sweat from his brow, exhausted after his tenth game of DDR. Karen was still going strong, meeting each arrow with surgical precision. She was completely cleaning him out. There goes that new jacket he wanted.

After a while, Karen stepped off of the machine and took a sip of her Coke. "So what do you wanna do next? I'm thinking Karaoke." Karen wore a big grin as she pulled him toward the arcade's exit. Her eyes told a different tale. They were sad, lonely. Her voice was full of a forced energy Yuuki wasn't accustomed to hearing.

Yuuki stopped her once they left the building, looking up into her morose chestnut eyes. "Actually, I think it's time we head home. It's kind of a school night."

"It's 21:00, the night's still young." Karen coaxed. "Can't we stay out for a little while longer?"

Yuuki could see the desperation in Karen's eyes. He didn't know what exactly was bothering her, but it was clear that it had something to do with going home.

"Seriously, Karen. We should get going. I'll walk you home." Yuuki reached for Karen's hand, only to have Karen snatch it away.

"Fine, forget it! I'll go have fun on my own. It's better I don't hang out with you anyway. People'll think I'm babysitting." Karen's hands shot straight to her mouth as the gravity of her words sunk in. Yuuki could see a wave of regret washing over Karen as he stared daggers at her for her comment.

Anger aside, objectively Yuuki could now confirm without a doubt that Karen was having troubles at home. She was never the kind to deliberately hurt people's feelings. Yet from what he'd heard, her sister was.

Katsura-san was never particularly open with him about the girls who bullied her, but it was hard not to notice when passing her and that group of girls in the hall. He had tried to ask her about it, maybe find a way to help. But his attempts were in vain given how tight-lipped she was on the issue. Katsura even once tried to explain that they were friends of hers and that their pranks were just harmless jokes. How harmless is leaving tacks or razor blades in her shoes? Is spending fifteen minutes telling someone how worthless they are something a friend would do?

It sounded like Karen had just felt the brunt of something similar.

The two were silent for a while. Karen wouldn't meet his eyes. She muttered a soft apology, keeping her head down to hide her streaming tears. Yuuki wrapped his arms tightly around the sobbing girl.

"Let's go back to my house. You can tell me all about it."

Lights Out.

Could two words in the English language hope to be as condemning?

As disheartening?

Spoken in English, these foreign words told a tale of sorrow and misery; pain and suffering.

Sekai was broken. Not all the time, but nights like these… they were tough. Alone in her soft, spongy, padded cell. Arms bound, waiting for sleep; for morning. Her pillowy domicile offered little comfort. The only real friend she had was a small barred window from which moonlight could pierce her silent prison. Before she lashed out, Sekai would get to come out into the common area several times a day. She could interact with the other inmates, or patients as Dr. Morisato called them. Nowadays she had food and pills delivered directly to her room. They were always so careful not to give her any sharp utensils. Don't want her getting any more bright ideas.

Sekai didn't get time outside like the others, a chance to enjoy the warm sun and watch the clouds go by. She'd have to earn that back.

She'd have to earn a lot of things. Sekai didn't feel insane. Still, most insane people probably don't realize their own mental deviations.

Sekai sighed, looking up at her good friend the moon. He was full tonight, showing with a brilliance that illuminated nearly every pore of the wall's spongy texture. Sekai smiled up at him. He didn't smile back. Not that it was surprising. The moon is, after all, an inanimate object. She was only really addressing it otherwise to give herself something to talk to during her lonely nights.

"So Mr. Moon, why do you think I'm here?

Sekai smiled as she thought up a pretend answer.

"I guess you're right, I am pretty lucky the court found me insane. Uncle Kosuke is amazing."

Kosuke Saionji was a fairly famous Japanese defense attorney. Probably the closest thing to a real life Phoenix Wright. He was also Mom's kid brother. Sekai saw him a lot as a kid. Uncle Kosuke always took her out for ice cream when he visited. When Dad left, he helped support them until Mom could find a job.

Kosuke Saionji was her hero, making the choice for her son's name kind of a no-brainer.

…

Sekai sat there, dumbfounded for a second. Tears began to roll down her cheeks before she could even register the emotion.

Held him.

Once.

Fed him.

Once.

He was taken from her, snatched away by men in white to be given to a more… suitable parent.

Kosuke Saionji. Now, Kosuke Itou.

Was he alright with that immature bastard as a father? What did he know about parenting?

Sekai whipped around, kicking the wall closest to her.

How could she be sure he wasn't lying in a gutter somewhere while Makoto was off banging every sleazy slut and skank he came across? How could she be sure her son wasn't being left alone so that Makoto could go on dates with Katsura?

Katsura.

Kosuke was a looming reminder of both Makoto's infidelity and Sekai's betrayal. She could convince Makoto to abandon him, or marry Makoto and spend Kosuke's whole life making it a living hell. He'd be the unwitting outlet to her spite.

Sekai couldn't stand the thought of her baby being hurt by that bitch. She had to be in his life to make sure things like this didn't happen.

But Sekai wasn't stupid.

She knew that, as far as Japanese government was concerned, she had a problem. And there was really only one way out of it.

Go through the program. Get better. Get discharged.

Compliance was the only thing these people understood. To them it spelled progress.

That night Sekai swore to herself that she would get out of this place someday. With the moon as her witness, she would see her boy again.

Well everyone, thanks for all of your heartfelt words in regards to my friend Andy. I know it's been a while, but I just want you all to know that he's doing alright now and appreciated that you guys kept him in your prayers. Sorry for the wait, by the way. You may want to re-read a chapter or two for context. Anyway, thanks again folks. Have a nice day.