Chapter 22

Shida Mitsukage, Shida Mirai and Shida Mariya’s father, was standing beside Miyu/Mirai’s bed at the moment. He was looking at the sleeping girl silently as if studying her and observing each of her movement.

The moment he entered the room, Mariya immediately went to him and in a seemingly hopeless attempt to make him take Miyu/Mirai back. But instead of answering to his daughter’s plea, he shushed her and went to his other daughter’s bedside.

Everyone in that room then became silent as they continued to observe the father and daughter reunion. They expected something to happen, something to be said… And above anyone else, it was Yamada Ryosuke who felt more anxious thinking that this time Miyu will really be taken from him.

“M-Mirai…” Shida Mitsukage’s voice shivered as he softly said the name, and even if he tries to hide his emotions in a strong and strict facade, his reddened eyes full of unfallen tears says he was in great pain.

Slowly, his hand went to touch the sleeping girl’s face and a small smile crept up to his lips as he said her name again… But then, everyone were shocked with the words that came after…

“Mirai… is dead.” He then said firmly and took his hand away as he took a step back away from the bed.

Everyone in the room were taken aback by his words, especially Mariya. She immediately stood up from where she was sitting and went up to her father in rage. Her face was flushed as she angrily burst out in front of him.

“B-But Father… Mirai is right there in front of you! Can’t you see?! She’s--”

“Mirai is dead. Your sister died in that accident, Mariya. Her body was found in the wreck of that car used to kidnap her… She’s dead.” Shida Mitsukage answered without really looking at his daughter. He was also looking troubled and very much in pain while saying this.

“But that isn’t--”

“Mariya! Listen to me! Mirai… Mirai is already gone! She…” before he can continue what he was saying, a knock was heard as a nurse entered the room with a smile.

“Good afternoon. I’m here to take the patient’s vitals.” She said as she went in to check up on the sleeping Mirai.

Shida Mitsukage then sighed and looked at Chinen Yuri’s father before nodding and speaking in a low voice,

“Let’s talk outside. Mariya, Yuto, you need to know something… Chinen-san and also the two boys, I also want to talk to you.” he said as he started walking away, but before he stepped out of the room, he threw another glance at the sleeping Miyu and smiled sadly.

***

“I-I ca-can’t believe it… That man is… is… so mean! How can he say that?! Miyu… she’s right there… she can’t be… even Mariya said…” Umika was already sobbing as she kept shaking her head remembering what happened. She and Suzuka were the only ones left after Miyu’s said father and the rest went out to talk.

“Shhh… Umika, stop crying… Maybe there’s a reason… And we don’t actually know what really happened, right? And we don’t really know Miyu yet, we can’t even be sure if she really is Shida Mirai…” Suzuka answered as she patted Umika’s back who was still crying.

“But Suzu-chan! Mariya and Yuto recognizes her! They can’t be wrong, right? It’s that old man! Doesn’t he know his own daughter?! It’s as if he doesn’t want her back!” Umika said and cried all the more. This made Suzuka sigh and hug her tightly,

“Shhh… You’ll wake her up. Just try to calm down, okay? We’ll know what really happened soon… Come on, let’s get you something to drink first…” she said as she pulled the still crying Umika out of the room.

The moment they left, Miyu’s eyes opened and a lone tear fell from her eyes.

***

It was already more than a week after Miyu was discharged from the hospital. And she was left to stay with the Yamada’s as per Shida Mitsukage’s request. He still was firm on his claim that Shida Mirai is dead. He