Haruo sat on a bench beneath a maple tree, watching the party, his party, instead of participating.

“Haruo?”

He turned his head towards the voice, somewhat hesitantly, “Yes, mother?”

His parents were standing together, behind him, a bit fidgety, like they were going to tell him something, something he wouldn’t like.

His father stepped forward. “You know the surprise we’ve been talking about?”

A nod.

“Well, your mother and I have been speaking, and…” his voice trailed off.

Haruo stood, “W-what is it?”

His mother smiled.

“You need to leave the village.”