Threats of Fate

Kiyomi and Ferruccio both knew that Ferruccio would soon have to leave. Despite their discussions, the impending farewell weighed heavily on Kiyomi, and she wasn't ready to tell Akio about it yet.

Akio continued to enjoy every moment with his parents, unaware of the changes ahead. He cherished their outings to the park and their games at home. When he was younger, Akio didn't enjoy going outside at all, but his father showed him how much fun it could be. Together, they discovered animals, trees, and plants, and Akio was fascinated by it all.

Akio often asked his father about the names of the plants they saw. Ferruccio usually didn't know and encouraged Akio to come up with his own names as long as they matched the plant's color or shape. But Akio soon realized that naming wasn't enough—he wanted more order. So, he started assigning numbers to the plants as well. Unfortunately, he couldn't remember all the names since he didn't know how to write yet.

When Kiyomi suggested taking photos, Akio was thrilled. Together, they took pictures of plants and animals and created a little album. Later, as Akio learned to read and write, he added the names he had given them to the album. He adored the album and the time they spent creating it together.

But this happy time was coming to an end. Ferruccio would soon leave for an indefinite period. Kiyomi decided it was time to tell Akio. The three of them sat at the table, and the atmosphere was heavy—a stark contrast to the usual lively meals and cheerful games.

Akio: "What's going on? Why are we just sitting here?"

Kiyomi: "Akio, we need to tell you something important."

Ferruccio: "It's very important, but not bad."

Kiyomi: "Your father has to go away."

Akio: "You're going to work. That's normal."

Kiyomi: "This time, it'll be for a longer time."

Akio: "How long?"

Ferruccio: "I don't know, but longer than a week."

Akio: "Why?"

Ferruccio: "It's important. I need to protect other people."

Akio didn't understand why his father had to leave and grew angry. He didn't want his father to abandon them. Ferruccio tried to explain that he was leaving to ensure their safety and the safety of others, but Akio felt betrayed.

Akio: "So, you don't love us anymore!"

Ferruccio: "That's not true. I love you and will come back."

Akio: "Liar!"

Kiyomi: "Akio, don't be so disrespectful!"

Akio bolted to his room and hid under his blanket. His parents sat in silence, overwhelmed by the situation.

Ferruccio: "I knew this would be hard, but not like this."

Kiyomi: "Does he hate me?"

Ferruccio: "He doesn't mean what he says. He's just angry."

Kiyomi still felt guilty. Memories of her own childhood surfaced—moments of feeling helpless and abandoned—and panic set in.

Kiyomi: "He hates me. I'm awful. He deserves someone better. I'm not good enough! It's happening all over again... I..."

Ferruccio: "Kiyomi, it's not like before. You're safe now, and I'm here with you."

Kiyomi slowly calmed down, but the fear lingered. Ferruccio held her close and promised he would always be there for her.

Later, Kiyomi went to Akio, who was crying under his blanket, regretting what he had said. His eyes were red and swollen, and he sniffled quietly, wiping his tears away over and over. He hugged his mother tightly and kept apologizing.

Kiyomi accepted his apology, but Akio refused to apologize to his father. He wasn't ready yet—the pain and disappointment were still too raw.