Let Go, Hold On - 3

Let Go, Hold On 3- The Low Chuckle

Note: This takes place in Japan in the year 2020.

I woke up with a sudden jerk. My eyes flung open. Abruptly, I sat up and tried to calm myself. Inhale...exhale...inhale...exhale. "Deep breaths," I said aloud. I'm still shaking from yesterday morning. I hadn't told Hikaru or Mom about my encounter yesterday. I kept telling myself it was a dream, but I reality, knew it wasn't. I forced myself out of bed, regardless of how little sleep I got last night. I walked over to my vanity dresser. My eyes were heavy with fatigue. My hair was jumbled into a chaotic heap on top of my head. I tilted my head to the left, then to the right. Just looking at my reflection brings back memories...memories I hope to soon forget someday.
I shook my head to try to clear away the bad reminiscences. I finally decided to do something to tame my onyx colored hair. I somehow got lost in my own smokey gray eyes and sort of sat there looking at myself, being dazed in my own eyes and zoned out. Then finally I closed my eyes. "Only for a minute," I assured myself. "Or maybe, sixty minutes..."
I heard a loud thump and my eyes inched open. I turned out the loud thump was my head hitting the floor. Great, I fell asleep. Way to go. I sat back up and looked at my Hello Kitty alarm clock. 6:30 AM. School starts at 8:30. Eh, oh well; I might as well just stay up. I turned my head to the mirror and realized I only brushed the left side of my hair. I continued to brush the other side and made breakfast for Hikaru my mom and I. But of course my mom was rushing and didn't have time eat, so I just packed her a lunch of salad and some dangos (dangos are little balls of chewy rice usually on a stick they come in many colors) on the side.
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"Ami, can you please walk Hikaru to Ms. Hinamori's for piano practice. It starts at eight today? Thanks I really appreciate it!"
"Mom, did you forget? Today is the first day of school." Sometimes I have to remind her about the obvious things. I swear I'm the only one with their head on in this house...
Mom let go of the door handle to look at Hikaru and I. Hikaru was just standing there with this look of hidden disappointment on his face. "No mom, it's okay, go ahead to work. I'll be fine." Hikaru guaranteed. My brother understands things most eight year old boys wouldn't. For example, if he couldn't have a toy he wanted, he would except it and move on. In most cases, most eight year old boys would beg and whine for them to get what they want. All the mothers on our street wish there son could be like Hikaru. Honestly, it's nice having a little brother that doesn't get on your nerves. He a great listener and is mature for his age. But, I think it bothers my mom that he doesn't get along well with the other boys on the block.
"Aww, sweetie I'm sorry, but I really have to get to work and-"
He cut her off "No, really mommy, I understand. Ami-Chan can walk me."
"Huh? Oh, yea, sure. Don't worry mom. Just go to work."
"Hmm...Okay." She reluctantly replied. Then after kissing us both she said, "Have a good day. Be safe."
And with that she walked out the door, got in her car, and drove off to work. Simultaneously, Hikaru and I walked out the door and headed for school.
His school is right down the street from the high school so I dropped him off first. At the Elementary school gate, I kissed Hikaru on his forehead and wished him a good first day. The little boys that saw us yelled, "Eww! Cooties! " But my little brother didn't get embarrassed.
Honestly, I think my mom deserves way more than she's getting. She doesn't need us to burden her down... I thought to myself.
Hikaru must have seen me space out because he asked, "Mom's going to be fine. She's a strong lady and you're right; she does deserve more. But, we aren't a burden to her, were a gift. So don't worry about it." Then he smiled and tilted his head to the side in that way that makes you go 'Aww, what a cute little boy! He's so cute!' I just blinked. "How did you know I was thinking that?" I asked in amazement. "Because," he mysteriously replied, "I'm your brother, I know everything about you." And with that he ran through the gates and to the front entrance. Before walking through the big doors, he turned around and yelled "Bye! Have a good first day!" Yep, there goes my brother. Hikaru....
I began to walk away when I heard a low chuckle. I ignored it. It's probably some little boy trying to scare me, I thought. I continued walking. Step, step, step, step. I heard it again, the same low chuckle, only it sounded a bit closer. I stopped in my tracks and turned around....

Preview of Chapter Four
I headed towards the school and started to walk faster. Then I heard a whisper, "Watashi wa Ami anata o aishite." I stiffened and turned around to see who said it...