#exiledheroes

“Don’t leave.” It sounded so pathetic and small, eyes closed as he gasped. “Please don’t leave.”

Akane moved closer with her chair; she took Zenkichi’s hand in her own, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m not going anywhere, Dad.” She was swallowing thickly, the other hand placed on top. “And neither are you. You’re too stubborn to go anywhere.”

Zenkichi tried to laugh, but it came out as a cough. The smile wasn’t there, either. “I dunno, honey. I…”

She shook her head. “No. Don’t you dare say it.” She could feel her eyes stinging. “If I don’t get to leave, then neither do you.” There was bite in her voice, so much like her father; she had grown so much in four years. “You don’t get to roll over and die from this. I won’t let you.”

Zenkichi felt every word, heard every snap in each syllable. Deep within his mind, something rumbled- no. Someone rumbled.

“I already lost Mom,” she whispered, her forehead touching their hands. “I can’t lose you too.”

‘Don’t worry, my child.’  Zenkichi’s inner voice was low. A flicker of light, a flame in Zenkichi’s heart rekindled. ‘You won’t.