A/N: Thanks to all who continue to review and stick with me as I update my story.

Chapter 7

It's been two years since that strange visit. I have not seen Ushio since. I have fallen deeper into my depression, even more so today.

It's the 24th of December, and the rain is coming hard. I didn't have an umbrella. Who cares? I walk home, not caring if I catch a cold. A car passed by, soaking me. I just stood there, water dripping into my eyes.

I now know what the spectre meant by ultimate hurt. The bottom of despair so great, it shreds your core, ripping at you, gnawing, chewing, tearing, until you are a bloody mess. Then, it leaves you to rot and waste away, surrounded by a pool of misery so terrible, it is a punishment just to live.

Nagisa dying, and me being forced to see her every time I look at Ushio, is my Ultimate Hurt.

I have reached the bottom.

I came to a cross in the road, and a memory stabbed me. I clutched my temple in agony.

We were on the roof of the school, eating lunch. It was forbidden, but we did not care. Nagisa was drawing a poster for the Drama Club. It was decorated in dangos. It was beautiful. She began to sing Dango Daikazoku.

I fell to my knees, my body racked with sobs. Nagisa, we never should have met.

A car stopped, and I looked up.

"Y-Yoshino?"

"Get in. You're gonna catch a cold!" he said. I complied.

"You should come back. Everybody at the company really misses you."

I stared at my hands. So what?

"Maybe later," I muttered.

"Okay. We really do miss you," he replied.

He turned his head when he stopped at a train crossing.

"We're here for you. It's like what Nagisa used to say."

I snapped.

"We're all one big Dango Family."

I jumped out of the car.

"I-I'm sorry, Yoshino! I... I..."

I ran as he called after me. His calls were drowned out by the rumbling of the train. I ran all the way home, not stopping for breath. When I got to my apartment, I slammed and locked the door, sliding do w n the wooden structure. I sunk to my knees and remained that way until a knock alerted me. I got up and opened the door. It was Tomoyo.

"What do you want?" I said. She smiled and I let her in.

"It's been a while. You don't visit amymore."

She walked to the kitchen. I followed.

"Ushio's gotten big!" she said. I was silent. I wanted to be alone.

"Go away," I said. Tomoyo ignored me.

"Everyone's so worried about you, Tomoya."

I looked away and Tomoyo sighed.

"I'll make you dinner."

I grunted and went to my bedroom. Typical of me. I always went with the flow. Memories came again. Why couldn't they leave me alone?!

Nagisa cooking me breakfast.

Nagisa cooking dinner when I came home from work.

Nagisa. Nagisa. Nagisa. Nagisa.

Always Nagisa! Always her!

Why did this happen to me?! WHY?!

I cried out and fell to my hands and knees. Tomoyo was there in an instant, supporting me.

Anniversary.

Birthday.

Christmas Eve.

This day I hated even more than any day of the year. I cried violently, grabbing onto Tomoyo for support. She held me, crying silently alongside me. I realized how pathetic I must seem. Five years, and I still wasn't able to move on.

But Nagisa was the only one for me.

Tomoyo gently rubbed my back, and I calmed down some. I straightened up, and looked away.

"S-Sorry about that," I said. "I must seem really pathetic."

Tomoyo shook her head.

"I know much you're hurting, especially today. You loved her more than anything. I completely understand your grief."

She wiped her eyes and got to her feet.

"I'll change the incense on the memorial. You rest."

I nodded. I was lucky to have Tomoyo as my friend. She left shortly afterwards. We both agreed that what had occurred between us would not be spoken of aloud.

Not long after Tomoyo's departure, another knock came from the door. I was beginning to get irritated. Could nobody allow me to honor her memory in peace? Tonight of all nights! I swung the door open.

"WHAT?!"

I stopped, eyes wide. There, on my doorstep, stood my father.