Chapter 3: Meetings and Farewells
Upon receiving the letter and a full scholarship to 'the' Hope's Peak Academy. I couldn't help but run around in the entire house, it was like my efforts have finally bore fruit. One look, and I knew that this was my next big challenge.
"Oh yeah! Me, and official student of Hope's Peak Academy? I don't believe this, mom? Is this a reality prank show? Where's the camera?" I was so overjoyed until it seemed a little unbelievable. "Hanako-kun, there is no camera. This is real! Written in black and white." My mother then cleared my confusing thoughts, the looks on her face already said it all.
Also, I noticed the nice caligraphy writing on the letter, definitely something to be admired. Perhaps I should practice my brushing techniques, but anyway I was so stoked about this chance. But, there was something that suddenly bothered me. My mom noticed my smiles turning into a frown and asked me what's wrong. "Mom, I can't go! What about you, you will be all alone here?! Who is going take care of you?" I confessed my worries and questions that made me hesitant to the choice.
"But, last time I checked, I was the one who has always taken care of you, Baby G." My mother laughed with her personal sense of irony but I was dead serious about this. "Mom, this is not funny. If only dad was here, he cou..." I stopped halfway until my mom embraced and placed her hands on my cheeks gently. "Hanako... My flower child, it has been your dream to be enrolled in this kind of school. There is nothing to worry, the path has been set for you." She reminded me the very reason I strived so hard in the first place but that wasn't my deepest concerns.
"But, mom. W-what about y-you? I can't just leave you be-hind, not after all you have done for me." I kept on hesitating because I could not just abandoned my one family that was everything to me. "My happy baby. I will always be happy as long as you do what you love. Remember you are doing this for you, not for me." My mother made a fair point and was happy for me but I rephrased that, "No, I will do it for both of us! Mom, I will go out there and be someone you will be proud of."
I quickly bolted to my room, packing my things, now that my mind was clear of repercussions and dilemmas. My mother just whispered to herself, "You already are my champion in my heart, Hanako-kun..."
When it was nightfall, I quickly went through the final checkings before I leave for the academy tomorrow. It was two suitcases for me to carry, I was certain I can handle it.
I brought basically everything I could think of about my interests; equipments, gadgets, clothes and an yellow angry bird plushie. (Don't judge me, I know you guys have your own special treasure.)
After having dinner, I told my mom that since it will be a few years before I graduate there so maybe a bedtime story before I called it a day. My mom looked more than happy to read me one but this time, it was something different, she was going to tell me a story about two wolves fighting among one another. She told me that the wolf named Nozomi (hope) was wearing white, snowy fur while the other, Zetsubo (Despair) with fur as black as ebony, both fighting for a cause to lead the pack. Both tried their hardest, but both were evenly matched. Until then, there was a young child, a girl who saw the wolves in pain and wanted to help them. Then, my mother asked me what did the girl do, and which wolf won in the end.
This story was so ominous but really interesting, I guessed that the girl gave meat and treatment, but I had no clue who would win. My mom then whispered into my ears and I was astounded by the answer, and it all made sense. I told my mom that was the best story ever, I asked mom whether I could borrow the idea for my next book. She said that I can but all she said was, "Love and Hate, Peace and Chaos, Light and Dark, Good and Evil, Hope and Despair. Why do they come together, if one was only needed? That, my Hanako-kun, is something for you to discover. Good night my Baby G." She gave me a riddle with very cryptic meaning that might keep all night as she wished me good night and gave me a kiss on my forehead. I thanked and replied good night too.
I took a moment to think her question, why do they come together? I thought maybe I could find the answer in the academy so I left the question for tomorrow's me. Closing my eyes, I drifted into sleep, waiting for my journey to begin...
At 5:30 am, I got up and freshen myself up after a shower, and I wore a white vest, with a blue shirt and black pants to match it. Then, after I brushed my long white hair into several strands like a popular music idol. Also, I looked at the mirror, wondering was I a little short because I remembered I was only 159 cm tall, slightly taller than Chihiro when we were kids." Speaking of Chihiro, I checked my computer whether she replied but there was no message. I wanted type something to her but I guessed that she didn't want to speak to me or something like that. Probably I won't even get the chance to see her again until after a few years once I leave for the academy.
It was still dark, as I ate my breakfast peacefully with my mom. I loved the tamago she made, I liked eggs, both delicious and nutritious with rice and seaweed wrap and a nice, soothing vup of hot Macha. Wanting to savour every last bite, before I missed my beloved mother's cooking. After eating I made it for the doorknob and was about to open it, I stopped for a moment and the feelings of yesterdays' worries found their way back to me. "Mom, I can't do this..." My mother then held my palm tightly with both hands, telling me I can.
"Mom, w-will I ever see you a-again?" I asked her with eyes about to leak with tears. "What does your heart, tell you, Hanako-kun?" My mom asking me a question with the same look as mine about to cry. I stammered with my answer, "May-be, perhaps, I guess... Y-yes..." worrying about the future being uncertain. Then, my mom wiped my eyes and the tears away, "Then we will see each other again." She said. I hugged her one last time before making a promise, "I promise I will be back for you and when I graduate, we will forever be happy and I will introduce you to all my friends! I'm going to buy the best house in all of Japan and I will make you the happiest mother in the entire world."
After making the promise, I took a few steps and I continued walking to the bus while waving back at her. Honestly, I was expecting a few people here but I guesses it was only just me on this trip. I boarded the bus with luggages and took any seat I guessed. My mom waved me goodbye as I yelled out to her, "I love you, mommy. Please wait for me!" She told me one last thing, but as she was about the bus was already moving. I read her lips saying and I was crying in joy, "Please... be... the happiest... boy... in... the world. My... Hanako-kun." As the bus was getting futher away from home, I was losing sight of her but she will always be with me when I smile.
Since it was still dark and the sun has yet to rise, I continued my sleep in peace, killing time until I get there; Hope's Peak Academy where my next stop is."
