With A Smile – Eraserheads
Lift your head, baby, don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You'll get by with a smile
You can't win at everything but you can try
Baby, you don't have to worry
'Cause there ain't no need to hurry
No one ever said that there's an easy way
When they're closing all their doors
They don't want you anymore
This sounds funny but I'll say it anyway
Girl, I'll stay through the bad times
Even if I have to fetch you everyday
We'll get by with a smile
You can never be too happy in this life
'Cause in a world where everybody
Hates a happy ending story
It's a wonder love can make the world go 'round
But don't let it bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer and a song
Let me hear you sing it
'Cause in a world where everybody
Hates a happy ending story
It's a wonder love can make the world go 'round
But don't let it bring you down
And turn your face into a frown
You'll get along with a little prayer and a song
Lift your head, baby, don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You'll get by with a smile
Now it's time to kiss away those tears goodbye
Let me hear you sing it
With a smile
(At the hospital)
"It's only the second day of my internship but why do I feel so stressed out... possibly from thinking about the three favors I owe to this Keita guy." Kotoko sighed while walking towards Keita's room to have her rounds.
Before Kotoko enters the room, a little girl holding a bottle of chocolate drink walked past her.
"Sweetie, are you lost? Where's your Mom or Dad? I'll take you to them." Kotoko approached the girl out of concern, but the kid just giggled and drank her chocolate drink.
"Harumi, is that the way you treat elders? Please introduce yourself properly." Keita talked to the little kid implying they know each other.
"Gomen onee-chan, I'm Harumi. And that on the hospital bed, is my father." the little girl introduced herself which made Kotoko gasp in disbelief.
"No waaay! You have a kid? She looks really pretty, and she looks nothing like you." Kotoko teased to get back from what he did yesterday. To which Keita only grinned.
"Daddy, is she the one you told me about yesterday during our call? I think she's really cute and funny. We may get along really well." Harumi said while getting her backpack. "I gotta go, Daddy. Auntie is waiting for me downstairs in her car."
"You sure you can go down alone?" Keita asked Harumi.
"I can fetch you downstairs; just let me check your Dad's status first. It's a big hospital after all, you might get lost." Kotoko offered, to which Harumi agreed.
At 1:00am in the morning, Kotoko went back to Keita's room to give his medicine. He was currently sleeping so Kotoko slowly poked his shoulder and said "Hey, Sir Keita, time for your medicine."
"Oh... Miss Aihara? Sure. And no need to call me 'Sir'." Keita said while sitting up.
"Oh, it's up to you... "SIR."" Kotoko teased. They both smiled.
"You know, aside from being really pretty, Harumi is a smart and sweet one." Kotoko opened up while preparing the medicine.
"Just like her Mom." Keita smiled sadly.
There was an awkward silence between the two, Kotoko was trying to figure out why she didn't reply to what Keita said. And most importantly, why is she feeling hot and weird. Maybe because she was distracted as she noticed that Keita has this charming eyes, pink lips, thick brows, and fair skin. "Oh, he's married too. Wouldn't be surprised given his looks, he must have girls lining up for him. But... what are you doing, Kotoko? Why do I feel awkward with this conversation? Why am I thinking this way? Earth to Kotoko!" she told to herself in her mind.
Keita broke the silence and said "She died two years ago. Lupus."
Kotoko was in shock and felt sad for him and Harumi.
"I see, it still must be really hard for Harumi... and for you as well. Sorry to hear that." Kotoko sympathized.
"Harumi is a tough one, just like her Mom, again. She might look bright and vibrant, but I know she's holding it all in. It's hard to lose a mother during your younger years, any girl needs a mother. You need someone to help tie your hair, pick a good dress for occasions, have some girl talk... I'm trying really hard to fill in her Mom's shoes. I needed to be strong for her." Keita said.
"I can relate, I grew up without my Mom too." Kotoko replied. "You can do it Keita, my father did it on his own, so can you. If you need any girl help with Harumi, you can count on me!"
"Thank you, Ms. Aihara." Keita smiled. "Anyway, since I'm already up and these medicines tastes really bad... I'd like to use my first favor. Let's have a coffee over the vendo outside."
Kotoko thought about it briefly, but eventually said... "You're unbelievable. Sure, I can use a cup. You may call me 'Kotoko' by the way."
"Alright, 'MS. AIHARA'." Keita teased back, too.
END OF CHAPTER 3