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Chapter 6

May 4th, 2017

Golden Week went by pretty damn quick. On Saturday, I decide to turn in my ideas for the outfits Ms. Tatsumi asked me to make. I wake up around 7:30, and get into the bath before Naoto. I blow dry my hair, straighten it, and put on a blue dress with a white netting sweater over it. I put on red lipstick and do my eyes light. I look in the mirror and I shock myself. I can't believe it's me. As I go downstairs, I can see the look on Naoto's face. If it's gonna be like this for everyone, maybe I'll do this every day.

I take the manilla folder filled with ideas to the textile shop around 9. I bump into Yu again on my way. I give him a big bright grin, and he smiles back. I can feel the whole town's eyes on me as I walk by. This makes my grin brighter. As I open the door, I see Yukiko inside. I smile brightly as I pass her, and she gives me a slight wave back.

Ms. Tatsumi: Hello, Dear. You look absolutely lovely today.

Me: Thank you.

Me: I have the designs all ready to go!

Kanji: Thank you!

Me: !

I was so focused on Ms. Tatsumi I didn't notice Kanji had bounded around the corner.

Kanji: Let's see what we got.

As he looks through the ideas, I see his expression change from confusion to astonishment.

Kanji: These are pretty awesome. How'd you get these ideas? 

Me: I got them from a couple video games.

Kanji: They're damn good, dude.

Me: Thanks.

We walk over to the design table, and we pick out what designs would be best for each outfit. In total, there are around 10 outfit ideas. Kanji and I get to work, because Kanji says he might need help putting them together. At the end of the day, we have two done. 

Ms. Tatsumi: These are beautiful, you two! Astonishing job!

Kanji: Thanks.

Me: Thank you.

We grin at each other in pride. Then, I am released for the day. I decide to go to Junes to get a bikini. I'm thinking of going to the beach, even if I do have to go by myself. I'm also thinking of getting a truck soon, but from America, with American currency. I'm going to cash in the life insurance money, and I discovered that all 4 houses have already been sold. This means that I will have 2 million dollars in my bank account. I'm not going to use it for anything stupid though.

I look online at sacramentoford.com, and I choose the biggest truck they have, which totals to around 18 thousand dollars. I think I'll get it. I also choose a cute bikini for this summer. When I get my truck I think I'll go to the beach.

With my bikini in hand and heading to the register, I bump into Yu, yet again. 

Yu: Hey, it's you. How's your Golden Week been?

Me: Pretty good. Yours?

Yu: Not bad.

Me: That's good.

Yu: What sucks is that I'm leaving tomorrow. 

Me: Why?

Yu: I'm heading back to start school up again. This was just a vacation.

Me: Oh. Well, that sucks.

Yu: Big dicks.

We laugh. Then he points at the bikini.

Yu: Bikini, huh? It's only May, you know.

Me: Yeah, when I get a truck, I'm gonna go to the beach.

Yu: Invite me?

Me: Sounds good. See you around, I guess?

Yu: Maybe.

Me: Later. 

That night, I decide to go to Chinese Diner Aiya. I pick up a nikudon for Naoto and get one for myself, along with one for Shirogane-sensei. 

Aika: Thank you for your order. It'll be ready shortly.

Me: Hey, you don't look like you're that old. What, are you high school?

Aika: Yup.

Me: What year?

Aika: 2nd.

Me: Cool.

Aika: Here's your food.

Me: Thanks. My name's Sasha, by the way.

Aika: Okay. Seeya around. Enjoy your meal.

Me: Thanks.

As I walk home, food in hand and smile on my face, I realize that this has been the most productive day ever. Let's hope it continues. As I walk in the front door, I see that Naoto is crying.

Me: What happened?

Naoto: Yu just called.

I look at her, my expression blank. I see Shirogane-sensei over in the recliner looking sadly at the television.

Me: Naoto, what the fuck happened...?

Naoto: Sasha. Dojima and Yu just found out that Yu's parents died.

I continue staring. I feel a tear run down my cheek. I wipe it away with the back of my hand. Shirogane-sensei doesn't say a word.

Me: That's horrible. What happened?

Naoto: The same as your damn family! Dammit, they were shot!

Me: ...

All of a sudden, the sunlight radiating from outside seems less bright. It's like an atomic bomb was dropped on Inaba. 2 teenagers now orphaned...9 people now dead...I stare at the Aiya bag in my hand.

Me: I...I picked up some nikudon for you two.

Naoto: I'm not hungry.

Me: Me either...

I put away the nikudon in the fridge. I don't think I'll be eating anytime soon. In the back of my mind, I'm rejoicing, because this means that Yu will be staying in Inaba. It's making me sick. I run to the bathroom. This time, is not dry-heaving. It's vomit, the purest kind. I start sobbing, my makeup now ruined.

After I clean myself up, I get into bed, in nothing but underwear. I'm too tired to attempt to put on anything else. After a few minutes of crying, I start blasting heavy metal in my room. Nobody came and complained once. I guess they understood. Naoto said that the funeral would be the day after tomorrow. I have a plan. I spend all night on it.

May 5th, 2017

THE NEXT DAY is a funeral by itself. We both sit around the house. We don't bother eating. A wonderful Children's Day.

May 6th, 2017

THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL everyone is going to wear black. I put on the blackest thing I can find, a goth dress. I put on a black veil and wear the blackest shoes ever. I put on all of the makeup and black lipstick. I look like a demon, but I suppose I still look pretty. I am bringing a wreath made of red roses to put on the grave.

Naoto looks pretty as well, although she didn't go overboard like I did. She's wearing a black blouse and a black skirt with black leggings and black boots. We walk to Samegawa, where the ceremony will be held, and we take the wreath with us.

We take our seats. I am seated in front, next to Yu. His tears are flowing free. Mine are as well. Everyone is crying. Nanako, his younger cousin, but who calls him Big Bro, is crying. So is his uncle Dojima. Then the speeches are read. When my name is called, Naoto and I bring up the wreath. Everyone gasps. Yu looks on in understanding, but he cries even harder. Slowly, I begin my speech. I place the wreath upon the grave, and sit down. The Japanese flag is raised, flapping in remorse in the gusting wind.