Chapter 2

Mother and Child

“Hey, Mom,” Kyo says, his face contorted in disgust as if he’s about to puke.

He clenches his fist, fighting the urge to flee.

Jeez, just walking in this room makes my heart ache. Kyo’s hand grabs the part of the shirt where his heartaches and twists it.

“Now…Now. Take a breath, Kyo.” Kyo’s mom says as she sees him not liking his surroundings.

“That look on your face makes it seem like you don’t want to see me.?” Kyo’s mom says with worry.

“No! I do!” Kyo screams, “I really do. It’s just that I hate everything about hospitals—the smell, the aura they give, the plain walls—it makes me sick.

“Ok…then let’s make this short.” Come on, grab a chair, and sit. Me and you have a bit to talk about,” Kyo’s mom says with a smile on her face.

Kyo hesitates before finally deciding to grab the cold metal chair. The chair screeches on the floor as Kyo puts it near his mother.

“How are you doing now, Mom…Feeling any better?” Kyo's hands ball up on his legs saying this.

“Ye—Yeah, I’m doing fine,” she says, her voice lacking confidence.

“Any—anyway, how’s school going… I mean, your first day?” Kyo’s mom asks with a smile on her face.

“O—Oh, It’s going great,” Kyo says with sweat forming on his face.

Kyo’s mom leans forward and pinches both of his cheeks.

“You have to tell me more than that!” she says with a pouting face.

“Uh…fine. You win.” Kyo says

“The first thing I did in school today was history. Our teacher talked about the war and how it’s still technically happening. Omg, was the class shocked out of their minds to hear that news? I mean, seriously, who would’ve thought!” Kyo says with a slight smile on his face and a little laugh.

“Oh… then we went to practice using railguns once the class ended,” Kyo says with a displeased look.

“Oh, and how did that go?” Kyo’s mom says

“Ah... I missed pretty much every shot.” Kyo says while laughing awkwardly.

“Well, that’s good... I mean, not about the part you missed! Just the part where you sound like you were having fun.” Kyo’s mom says with a pleased look as if she’s smiling.

Oh god! It’s getting to me. I feel like I'm seriously about to puke! Kyo’s hand rushes to his mouth as he stands, ready to run out.

“Huh… you alright Kyo?” Kyo’s mom says with concern in her voice.

“I’ll…be right back!” Kyo says with a shaky voice.“ Just have to use the bathroom real quick!”

Kyo says as he rushes out, knowing he’s just running away again.

Kyo’s stomach churned, the urge to escape overwhelming him.

Kyo’s mom has a worried look on her face.

Oh god! I’m just running again! God dammit! I’m seriously about to puke! Where is the bathroom fuck!

Kyo runs through the long, dark hallway with a bit of light guiding him. Near the end of the hallway, Kyo realizes there is a bathroom to his left.

Jeez, Kyo rushes into the nearest toilet and…”

‘BLAcCcCK!’

Kyo leans over the toilet and vomits.

Omg, I feel disgusting. Kyo thinks as his hands go to his face, and he starts pulling at his skin.

Alright, I should head back. I don’t want my mom to worry about me too much.

Ah…I should wash my hands first.

Turns nozzles.

As Kyo was washing his hands, he looked up at the mirror and saw a disgusting version of himself. Tears run down his face as he keeps looking, his eyes sagging, and red scratch marks on his face from when he was grabbing it after throwing up. It was like he was a zombie.

Ok, I should head back now, Kyo thought to himself.

Kyo heads back through the long, dark hallway with the bit of light he has.

‘Swoosh’

The door swings open, and Kyo enters.

“I’m… back…sorry for the wait, Mom,” Kyo says with a frowning face.

“Oh…god! What happened? What did you do to your face?” Her eyes widened in alarm, hands trembling slightly as they reached for his face.

“Noth—nothing,” Kyo says as he heads back to his chair to sit.

“No! I won’t take that for an answer; tell me!” Kyo’s mother says as her hand goes to Kyo’s face.

“Fine… I puked! Disgusting right? Kyo says as tears form in his eyes.

“No…No…No, it’s fine. I don’t think it’s disgusting at all.” Kyo’s mom says with a big smile on her face.

“Really?” Kyo says as he’s fidgeting with his hands.

“Yes…Really.”

“Although I do have one question?” his mother says with concern.

“Why…do you hate everything?” Kyo’s mother says as she fidgets with her hands on her lap and looks desperate.

Kyo’s hands go to his face to cover up his tears.

“Is…It is still because of your past.” Kyo’s mom says with a troubled look on her face.

The question hit Kyo like a ton of bricks. Memories came back. He saw himself at twelve years old, brimming with excitement for his first day of middle school.

“Hey, you ready for your first day of middle school?” Kyo’s mom says as Kyo is getting his stuff ready.

“Uhh…Yes, I’m ready, Mom!” Kyo says in an excited voice.

“Ok…Well, then, you better get going! Wouldn’t want you to be late on your first day!” Kyo’s mom says.

“yea…Ok!” Kyo shouts. “I’m leaving now, so cya!” Kyo says.

Kyo steps outside into the fresh air, a wind breeze around him, and he begins walking down the concrete path.

I’m here. Finally, Kyo thinks to himself.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

‘Ding! Ding!’

Oh, that’s the bell. I gotta run to the classroom, Kyo thinks in a hurry, nervously holding onto his backpack and sprinting to his class.

Phew, I made it time. Kyo thinks to himself.

“Alright, class. Please take your seats…” the teacher says as she walks into the classroom.

Ah…where is my seat? Oh, there it is, ah, but it’s in the last row crap.

Hmm… oh, it’s about two seats away from the window, right next to that kid with the glasses. I’ll have to introduce myself, Kyo thinks.

“Hey… Hello there.”

They exchange glances

“My…name is Kyo…”

“I don’t care what your name is.” The kid says stubbornly as his gaze turns toward the window.

"What? Mmmph! Kyo puffed his cheeks like a chipmunk storing nuts."

Whatever… I guess I’ll sit down. Just what is that kid thinking?

The teacher starts class.

Fast forward a few classes, and it’s lunchtime.

Uhh… it’s lunch. I need to find a place to sit. Jeez, I don’t want to sit by myself, so…Oh, over there, it’s that kid with glasses. Maybe I’ll sit with him.

“Hey…Ummm, do you mind if I sit with you?” Kyo asks while his pointer finger rubs his cheek.

“What!...No…Why would I want to sit you?” The kid says

“Ok…Thanks a bunch!” Kyo says as he sits down

Hmm, I just kind of welcomed myself, but there was absolutely no way I was sitting by myself.

This guy is really mysterious Kyo thinks to himself.

“So…Umm hey, what’s your name…Please tell me!” Kyo says, sounding like he’s begging.

“...What…! You really want to know, huh…Fine, my name is Akihiro Inoue.”

“Ohhh…Cool name, seriously!” Kyo says with a smile on his face.

“Oh yea, my name is Kyo Ito! Very nice to meet you!” Kyo says as he bows his head, then sits.

“Don’t you remember saying that I don’t care what your name is?” Inoue says with such a nonchalant face.

“Yea… so I don’t care. I told you anyway,” Kyo says.

Jeez, what’s up with the guy? Uhh, whatever. Let’s just finish eating.

Hmm, let’s see what my mom packed today. Oh, it’s a turkey sandwich! AWESOME! Kyo thinks to himself.

What does Inoue eat? Oh, a plain old peanut butter and jelly sandwich, huh? Kyo says with a grin on his face.

‘Ring! Ring!’

Ok, time for the next class!

[End Of The Day]

Hmmm, It’s already the end of the day, huh… I never really got the chance to talk to that kid from earlier.

“I’m home!” Kyo shouts.

“Hey…I’m cooking food right now!” Kyo’s mom says

“Also, hey, how was your first day of school?” Kyo's mom asks with a smile.

“It was great…I met this kid today named Inoue.” Kyo says with a plain expression

“Oh…yea, what was he like?” Kyo’s mom asks.

“Uhh, he was kinda weird, to be honest, like he always kept to himself or like he was hiding something. I don't know, but he is strange.” Kyo says as he gets ready to eat.

[Time passes]

“Ok, Dinner is ready!” Kyo’s mom shouts.

“Ok…Coming!” Kyo shouts from upstairs.

“Ok, it’s pasta tonight, so eat up!” Kyo’s mom says.

‘MuUmMUMUM’

“It was delicious, Mom!” Kyo says with such a pleased face.

“I'm glad!” Kyo’s mom says with a happy face, her hands touching her cheeks, blushing.

“Ok…well, you need to go to bed, mister. Mommy needs to go to work now.” Kyo’s mom says with a sad expression.

“Ok, I'm off to bed!’ Kyo flies upstairs and gets ready for bed.

Kyo’s mom gets ready for work, and tears start to form.

[Next morning]

‘Ding! Ding!’

Phew, I was almost late again. Kyo thinks to himself, sweat running down his face.

Ah…alright, I have to sit down. Kyo thinks.

Kyo pulls the chair out and sits down.

“Good Morning!” Kyo says to Inoue as he turns his head left to him.

“Shut up,” Inoue says.

Huh, what! Did he just tell me to shut up seriously? What’s this guy’s problem? Kyo thinks to himself with a puzzled expression.

“Ok, class, take your seats! I have a special announcement to make! Our class has been chosen to take care of a bunny rabbit.”

“WhaHaHAHahAht!” The whole class says in unison.

Woah, that’s so cool! Kyo thinks, his face lighting up with excitement as he blushes.

“Ok…calm down everyone! First thing first, we need a name. Does anyone have suggestions?

“Me…Pooper!” a student says.

“Oh… Greg!” another student says.

“Sprinkle!” the student says.

God, these are such terrible names, Kyo thinks to himself. Then again, what am I to think? It’s not like I can come up with one.

Inoue raises his hand…

“I have one… um, how about peanut?” Inoue suggests while blushing hard.

Wow, I didn’t think he had any interest in this. Kyo thinks to himself.

“Wow…basic name, huh,” Kyo says to Inoue.

“Shut up!” Inoue says silently while blushing.

“Ok, then any other suggestions?” The teacher says.

“Ok…then let’s take a vote for the best name. Each of you can only vote once, so no cheating! All right, everyone, head down, then raise your hand when I say a name. Let’s begin.” the teacher says.

[VOTES]

Pooper = 0 vote

Greg = 3 votes

Sprinkle = 5 votes

Superbunny = 7 votes

Dipper = 1 vote

Peanut = 9 votes

“Ok, votes are in… and the winner is Peanut!” The teacher says.

“Yo… Inoue your name won, does that make you happy.” Kyo says while teasing.

“Shut up.” Says Inoue.

“Ok, lastly, we need someone to watch the pet.” The teacher says.

“Okay, I have a hat with all of your names in it. I'm going to mix it up and then draw one, " she says as she starts mixing it up.

“Ok… and the first that will be watching Peanut is… Ito!” Congratulations Kyo Ito!”

“Oh… ME!” Kyo shouts out loud in shock.

“Yes... you, Kyo. Don’t worry; you will only have to watch him for a week, and then we will rotate you out, " the teacher says.

“Uhh…Ok Ig.” Kyo says Hesitantly.

“So I will need you to stay a second after class to tell you what to do. Ok, Kyo?” The teacher asks.

Kyo glances over at Inoue.

What? Inoue looks mad. Kyo thinks

‘Ding! Ding!’

Oh, that’s the bell.

“Hey Inoue, wait for me, ok? I have something I want to say to you.” Kyo says

“Why?” Inoue asks hesitantly.

“Just because I want to say something to you, ok?” Kyo says with a smile on his face.

“Fine, I’ll wait, but not long,” Inoue says.

“Ok…thx!” Kyo says, running to talk to the teacher.

“Ok… Kyo, I want to keep this brief. Here is a pamphlet of everything you need to know and do during the week: feeding them every day, giving them water, and making sure their cage is clean, OK? " the teacher says in a serious tone.

“Su—sure, thx!” Kyo says.

“Now move along. You have a friend waiting for you, right? " the teacher says with a smile.

“Yeah, thx again!” Kyo screams as he runs out.

“Kyo, you good? Looks like you're dying.’ Inoue says to Kyo after seeing him run.

“Yeah, I’m fine; I hope you weren't waiting long,” Kyo says out of breath.

“So what did you have to say?” Inoue asks

“Oh yeah… what was bothering you today? Because you looked upset,” Kyo says with concern.

“You really want to know? Well then, Fine, It’s You!” Inoue fixes his poster.

“Huh?” Kyo says.

“You piss me off so much, like seriously, isn’t it clear I do not want to talk to you like fuck off,” Inoue says as his eyes get bigger with anger.

Is a middle schooler really saying those things?

“what…What did I do? I mean, seriously?” Kyo asks in a panicking voice.

“Honestly, I don't know myself… but you seriously disgust me so…”

“How about you just Die, ok?” Inoue says before he starts running off.

Kyo’s world seemed to crash down around him.

What! What the hell did I do? I mean, seriously!

Oh god, my heart is racing, my breathing is picking up, and I feel like I'm going to cry!

I just want to go home!

Kyo runs home sobbing.

“MOMMY!!” Kyo screams as soon as he opens the door.

“Huh…My son, what’s wrong….”

Sees Kyo crying.

“Ok…Ok…Ok, come here.” Mom says as she comforts Kyo.

A few days go by.

Kyo enters the classroom again with a gloomy look.

“What, the Rabbit is dead!” A student says.

“Nooooo—!” another student says.

The entire class burst into tears.

What? What's happening? Is the rabbit dead? Kyo starts to tense up; sweat starts to drip down his cheeks.

“I Know Who Did IT! Inoue stands up as he shouts and points directly at Kyo.

“Kyo…you wouldn’t, right?” A student goes to him crying.

“NO! I didn’t do it. I would never!” Kyo says with a very sad and confused look in his eyes.

“LIAR!” Inoue Screams.

“You were the one watching him, so obviously, you killed him!” Inoue screams again with hatred in his eyes.

“I…I DIDN’T KILL HIM!’ Kyo says, running out of the room crying.

Why were they all looking at me? It felt like daggers were stabbing into me just now.

Kyo runs to a nearby bench and waits for the school day to end.

A few hours pass.

Inoue walks up to Kyo.

“Hey, Kyo,” Inoue says with a hateful expression.

“Huh?” Kyo turns his head to see four kids surrounding him.

“Punk… you were the one that killed that rabbit, right?” A kid says to Kyo.

“No! I wasn’t!” Kyo says.

“That’s not what Inoue says.”

“Anyway, we're getting payback for that rabbit.” says a kid

What’s happening? Payback? What do they plan on doing to me? Kyo thinks.

A kid walks up to him, charges to his right, and swings at Kyo. As his fist makes contact with Kyo’s face, kyo ends up falling off the bench in pain.

Ahhh, What’s happening? Their blood coming from his lips. Nooononono, I’m bleeding this bad, Kyo thinks.

“Yeah, How did you like that, Kyo!” The kid says with a big grin on his face.

Inoue walks up to Kyo, picks him up from behind, and holds him up so the other kids can punch Kyo in the face.

5 minutes go by

“Man, you are bloody. I mean, you are dripping everywhere. Hell, you are even missing a tooth, " the kid says proudly.

‘Drip, Drip’

Oh crap, I'm dripping blood everywhere. This is bad; I can’t see too well right now. God, it feels like my face is melting. This is bad.

“I WANT MY MOMMY—-!’ Kyo Shouts in a ton of pain as he is dripping blood.

“SHUT UP!” Inoue shouts.

“Alright, guys, let's leave him here and go home,” Inoue says with a smile on his face.

Inoue drops Kyo to the ground.

Why are they smiling? What’s so funny-help? Please, someone help me….

“That’s what you get, Kyo; you had it coming after all,” Inoue says as he walks away with the other kids.

I don’t get it, why! Why are they smiling? Why are they leaving me hurt? Why, Why, Why!?

I have to get up; I need to get home to see my mom, who is probably worried about me. I want to see her. I MUST GET UP! Kyo thinks to himself as he starts raising himself to get up.

Kyo stands up, blood dripping everywhere. His face is covered, his elbows scraped to the flesh, and his knees messed up badly.

I must get home, Kyo thinks to himself, crying.

Kyo runs all the way home.

“MOMMY!” Kyo shouts as he opens the door to his house.

Kyo doesn’t get a response until he looks down to see her on the floor, hurt badly.

My mom’s got bruises going all around her. What happened?

“MOMMY! MOMMY! What happened? Mom, answer me!” Kyo shouts while crying so many tears he could fill an ocean.

…

Kyo opens his eyes, waking back up to reality.

Jeez, I can’t believe I'm remembering that now of all times. Kyo thinks to himself.

I was so helpless back then. But not anymore. I’ve gotten stronger and won't let the past weigh me down anymore.

Kyo lifts his head to his mom, crying.

“Hey—What’s wrong, Mom?” Kyo says worriedly.

“Nothing, My son.” His mom responds back

“Let’s call it a day, ok? It’s getting late.” His mom says all tiredly.

“What…are you sure I can stay if you want?” Kyo says, even though he can't stand to stay any longer.

“No…go home, rest. You have school tomorrow.” Kyo’s mom says.

“Ok,” Kyo says with a sad expression.

Kyo stands up, getting ready to leave.

“Oh… one last thing, Mom. I hope you get better quickly!” Kyo says this as he leaves.

Kyo’s mom smiles through the tears that quietly stream down her cheeks as he leaves. Wishing she could have done more for him.

As Kyo walks down a long hallway, each step echoes in the emptiness. The light blinds him as he walks. He reaches the elevator and presses the button, waiting in silence as he descends to the first floor.

Elevator doors open, and step off onto the busy first floor of the hospital. He takes a turn to his left and…

‘WEE, WOO, WEE, WOO’

What the? What’s happening? Why is there so much commotion? And man is packed, right? It's like I can’t move.

Kyo takes a closer look at what’s happening and realizes something or someone that he recognizes is being carried into the hospital.

“Is that Mei!” Kyo says out loud.

Chapter 2 End.