“Aunt Kiyoko!” Ten-year-old Mado Akira darts out her front door, and rushes up to throw her arms around CCG’s most advanced woman investigator.
Though someday, Kiyoko thinks, Akira may surpass her. Her eyes mist.
She misses Kasuka. Her best friend, and her beloved, even if Kasuka was in love with Kureo.
“How are you, Akira?” She asks with a bright smile.
“I passed my exam.” Akira nods.
“With the top score, I presume?” Kiyoko grins. Akira is modest, of course, but she’s the best in her class.
Akira nods, her face flushed.
“I hope your dad is treating you, then.” Kiyoko ruffles Akira’s hair.
“Ah, Kiyoko.” Kureo steps outside wit a sad smile. “Nice to see you again.”
She nods, holding up her mother’s famous soup. Well, Kiyoko is not a good cook, but she tried it for the Mados.
She used to come over all the time, back when Kasuka lived. Those nights were fun. Now, these nights are filled with tears.
But occasionally, she thinks as Akira hurries off, there’s still joy.
That’s how she knows they’ll be all right.