Page 21 of Cherry Moon

Riku cleared his throat, requiring attention.

I scooped him up.

By the tenshi, this little fella was getting taller by the month. Already six, his sleek, jet-black hair was like our dad’s, but his eyes the sparkling blue of his mum’s.

“How you doing, Lil Bro?” I asked.

He flung his arms around my neck, tilting his head as he inspected me. “Hungry. You look tired, Big Bro.”

“Thanks.”

“Take a nap.” He beeped my nose.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Want to see my new toys?” he asked.

“I’d love to.”

He smiled, turning to face his mum. “Soon, Mum says. Important business here first.” He sighed. “Can I go back to the floor, please?”

I laughed again. “Sure thing.” I put him down, but then he went to Zach for the same elevated treatment.

Once done, the little fella gave us both a thumbs up, followed by a flicker of sadness in his eyes. Unless I misread the subtle hint. I mean, I wasn’t having the best day, so maybe it was just me. All the same, I knew I saw something.

Riku went over to the big table in the middle of the room, a plethora of coloring books and crayons laid out for him. He got to work, quickly losing himself in some project.

“How are you feeling?” Zach signed to me.

“Happy to see you here,” I signed in return.

“Likewise, matey,” he said.

He was my dude, as well as little Riku.

Yeah, whenever you deign to see him. And what about the little fella? When does he get a look in?

I cracked my knuckles, ignoring my inner scolding of truth.

The facts burned hot and unwelcome sometimes.

G and Zach bumped fists, my fiancé also versed in sign language because he was so fucking awesome.

I went over to Sarah and Uncle Ryoka next.

He shook my hand first, pulling me into a hug.

“Konnichiwa, Akira-san,” he said, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

“Hey. It’s good to see you.”

Clean-shaven and bald now, he still rocked his favorite white tracksuit, making it work, looking sharp. He divided his time between the UK and Japan, the legendary swordsmith the world knew as Ryoka Takeda now retired. He was living his best life with his cat Shelly, the black cat currently sleeping on a purple cat bed in the corner.

Bless her.

“I’m glad to see you safe,” I added.

“As am I.” He touched my face affectionately.