After a long day of school, I took the train straight back home since there was not much of anything for me to do. Much like New York, Shibuya was quite a lively city, bustling with people at all times. Had I been more familiar with the area, I might've explored a little and maybe even shopped some, but I didn't want to get lost; therefore, I simply went straight home to my parents' apartment in the city.
I took the elevator up to the second to last floor, walked to our apartment, and used my key to the open the door. It was very quiet, so I just yelled out to my parents that I was home and began to walk towards the kitchen. As usual, there was no response. Due to my parents' nature of work, they are very rarely home at the same time as me. Sometimes I even go days without seeing them. My mother and father are co-founders of Kasai Industries, which is a type of firearms/weapons producing company for military forces. My mother handles most of the business side of things, while my father typically oversees production and aids in researchers investigating new technology to keep the weaponry up to date. While I love my parents and they do their best to raise me right, there just isn't much time for them to spend with me anymore. Once they believed I had reached an age where I could be self-sufficient, I started seeing them less and less, so basically, I live on my own. If it weren't for my friends back home, I probably would've gone crazy by now. Speaking of, I should probably send Raine a message since she probably isn't awake. Raine has been my best friend since kindergarten, and she was the one who usually spent the most time with me so I wouldn't be so lonely. When I had to leave New York, Raine and her parents came with us to the airport to see us off. We were both ugly crying messes, but we promised each other we'd keep in touch.
I got a snack from the kitchen, plopped myself down on the couch in the living room, and turned on my computer. I quickly sent Raine an email discussing how similar things in Japan were to New York but also how they're different. I told her about Shibuya, my school, my teachers, and even Makoto. I told her how intelligent Makoto must be if she's an honor student and the student council president, as well as how confident she was. As I was writing the email, it became evident of how much I looked up to Makoto already.
"Makoto…" I thought to myself out-loud. After I had first met her, it felt as if she had touched something deep within me. It was an odd sensation, but in the same instance, it was so familiar. Speaking with Makoto inspired me to be the best student and person I could be. Also, I felt like I could maybe just connect with her, despite her more stiff demeanor.
Once I finished studying and homework, I relaxed a little by brewing some coffee and turning on our TV. I took one sip of the cup, and while it did the job, it was nothing like a good brewed cup from a café that actually knows coffee.
"Note to self," I said aloud as I take another long sip, "find a good café to get actual coffee from. Not this instant crap…"
Hours went by and still neither of my parents were home. Honestly, most of the time, I didn't even want to watch TV or do anything. I just find ways to distract myself from the fact that I'm almost always alone. While the independence is nice and makes me happy that my parents trust me enough, I still wish that I'd get to see them come home and we'd have family dinners like other people.
I shook off the thought of my parents as quickly as it had come and decided that it was time to go to bed. I was more tired than I thought I was so I turned off the television and made my way to my bedroom. When I turned on the light to my bedroom, to my surprise, there was a handwritten on the bed. I picked it up, and as I read the words, a small smile crept across my face.
Senna,
I know that we're not around often, but never forgot that you're father and I care for you so much. Business had been very hectic lately and has forced your father and I dedicate many overtime hours to make sure it doesn't fail. One day, if anything were to happen, these responsibilities will fall to you, and you will inherit the company. However, if your diligence in school is any indication, your father and I have the utmost faith in you. Always remember, everything we do, we do for you. We just want you to have the best life you could have.
We love you, Senna.
-Mom and Dad
I wiped a small tear that had escaped my eye, and the smile that was on my face quickly dissipated the further on I read the note. For whatever reason, there was an ominous feel to the letter. It made me uneasy in my stomach, but then again, I could just be overreacting. In any case, it was still a nice gesture because even though I'd never admit it, sometimes I feel like my parents are burdened by me and spend so much time at work because they don't want to deal with me. As unsettling as it is, it's comforting at the same time to know that my parents still care for me.
I put the letter on my nightstand before taking a shower and then making my way into bed. For a while, I stared up at the ceiling and couldn't sleep. The only thing on my mind was that one line my parents wrote in the letter,
"'One day, if anything were to happen, these responsibilities will fall to you, and you will inherit the company…' What do they mean by that? I hope my parents are ok. Actually, let me quickly text them and tell them I got the letter before I fall asleep," I thought to myself as I reached for my phone. I unlocked it and before tapping the icon to go into my messages, my phone had an interesting app downloaded. It was a red app with a weird eyeball icon. Sometimes I fall asleep with my phone unlocked so maybe I rolled over and managed to download it by accident. In any case, I deleted it before I messaged my parents.
I sent the text, and suddenly, a rush of fatigue hit me. My eyelids starting getting heavier before I finally fell into a deep sleep.
The pyre inside of you has yet to be lit. You are bound by the chains of reality that you have accepted in your mind. This truly is an unjust game; a game that has already been commenced. Your odds of winning are almost none. However, it is not too late for you to participate. There are others who need your help to triumph over certain defeat. If my voice is reaching you, then there is yet still a possibility open to you. The key to victory lies with the flames of your heart that you must awaken to. Trust in the bonds you forge with the others around you, and victory may still be attainable.