And then, when they checked into the hotel, it turned out that there had been a mixup with the booking and there was only one bed. Can you believe it?
The granite memorial in front of me didn't answer. It never did, but that wasn't the point. The point was to keep my loved ones caught up on all the happenings in my life and in the village until the day came that I could join them. I pressed my fingertips against the dark stone, wincing slightly as I adjusted to the burning heat. The sun was merciless today.
Well, that's it for today. I'll let you all know what happens next after I've read the rest of the chapter. See you all soon. I promise.
A cool shadow fell over me, stretching much farther beyond its source than was natural.
It's larger than it should be, and it's falling in the wrong direction…must be…
"Shikaku. Good to see you."
I called the greeting over my shoulder, not looking away from the memorial. The man joined me quietly, pausing an arm's length away. I watched him on my peripheral as he settled, waiting for me to speak first.
Goodbye for now.
I withdrew my hand, slipping it into my pocket as I turned to face him.
"So, you come here often?"
He chuckled, dark eyes glittering over his half smirk.
"Often enough…"
Right, some of the names here are his friends, too. What do they talk about?
"...but less so recently. I've been meaning to talk to you about that. Figured this was as good a time as any."
"Oh?"
"You still come here nearly every day."
A cicada cried out from a nearby bush, its plaintive song the only sound breaking the stifling silence that was settling quickly over us. I waited for him to continue, feeling the sweat dripping from my forehead soak into the edge of my mask. Its salty smell made me feel tired. Exhausted, even.
How long have I been this tired?
After several long seconds, the cicada called again.
He was always better at waiting these things out than I was…
"Is that a problem?"
"It's not a problem per se, but it's concerning. I'm worried about you."
"My name isn't up there yet, friend."
I inclined my head slightly toward the stone, then turned very deliberately and started to walk away. He sighed, reaching into his vest and pulling out a small piece of paper.
"You live as if it was. I'm worried that you're not processing things in the healthiest way. I've never seen you really talk to anyone. You don't let anyone in. Not even me, not anymore…I'd like you to take this."
He held the paper out to me. I unfolded it, exposing only an address and a time scrawled in his own elaborate handwriting.
"I'm flattered, but I don't think I'm really your type."
He laughed again, smirk stretching into a fuller smile.
"Is that so? It's not a date. It's…a sort of support group. For people who have experienced the loss of someone important to them. We meet here on Wednesdays. I would really like for you to come sometime. I think it would help you."
Absolutely not.
"I'll be there."
He sighed, pinching the skin over the bridge of his nose. I could never get a lie past him. I asked him how he always knew, once. He just said 'something in the eyes' and dodged any other questions about it, waiving them away with a turn of his hand.
"Please, Kakashi. Think about it."
"Will do."
I folded the paper up and tucked it into my pocket.
"And then after you've thought about it, come anyway."
I will not.
"You don't have to talk to anyone there if you don't feel like it."
"I already said that I would go. You don't need to try to convince me."
I don't need help. Groups like that are for people who can stand to benefit from them. I'm fine how I am.
"It would mean a lot to me if you showed up."
That's an unfair card to pull.
I glared at him. His gaze didn't falter.
"Fine. I'll try."
"I'll be waiting."
He clapped a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it slightly before walking off. I stood alone under the burning sun, listening to the cicada's screams.
One visit. One visit, for Shikaku's peace of mind and for no other reason. I can do that much for him, at least.