“There he is.”
Rita recognized him because she’d seen photos, though she felt a jolt of disconnect to see him in living color.
He was a handsome boy, though the war, Rita noted had sped up his journey toward’s maturity.He limped slightly, but his posture was erect and confident.Soldierly, Rita decided.
He looked around as he walked, greeting those he appeared to know.His gaze traveled past them with no sign of recognition and her heart sank for Ness.Then he stopped, his gaze jerking back to Ness, who stood between Rita and Con.
He limped slowly toward them.
“Ness?”
“Haru.”Ness hesitated, then clasped her hands together and gave a slight bow.
Haru rubbed his face.“Where have you been?”
“I was sick,” she said.
It was the story they’d settled on to explain her disappearance.
“I deeply regret that I was unable to say good-bye to Okaasan Kimura,” she added.“I…I was sick.”
Rita, noting the look in Haru’s eyes thought that he’d have accepted an excuse much lamer than this one.There was a light growing in the dark depths.
“You came back,” he finally said.
“Yes,” Ness said.“I came back.”
He held out a hand, somewhat hesitantly.Ness’s clasped it with no hesitation.
“Okasssan will be pleased to see you,” he said.
Neither of them paid Rita or Con any attention as they slipped quietly away.
