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[April 23rd, 1999 - Sumaru City]
Today, Makoto turned one year old.
Time flew by, and Natsumi Niijima was already feeling nostalgic. Her youngest child was a wholesome little fiend. Her oldest daughter, Sae, was a most precious, doting big sister. Natsumi’s baby brothers also grew up quite fast - Katsuya, already a smart and handsome police officer in his own right. And Tatsuya, always so angsty and withdrawn.
The boys weren’t on good terms. Katsu was consumed by work, keeping to himself, too stubborn to bridge the gap or bother her. Tatsu mostly skipped classes with that other troublemaker girl, Yoshizaka, refusing to communicate with his older siblings. She wished there was something she could do to reconcile them.
It was a mess.
“Happy birthday, Mako-tan!” Sae, her little sunshine, spoke cutely to the baby.
Makoto, who was being held by her proud and insufferable father, Masayuki, babbled and gave her big sis a big smile, her cute, developing little teeth showing.
Seeing them so close like this always warmed her heart. Natsumi hoped her babies never went through the troubles she and her little brothers went through together.
“SaeSae!” The baby screeched. She didn’t know many words, but Sae’s name was a favorite.
Unfortunately, her first proper vocalization was something resembling the word “fuck”. She had Masa to scold and blame for that.
The man in question gave her a grin that had her heart fluttering. This stupid man. He was already trying to convince her to go for a third, citing that they needed a Niijima siblings trio, just like her and her brothers.
She smacked him silly on the chest when he proposed that, but was finding the idea appealing. Only, she preferred to wait a few years. Makoto needed all her attention while she was small now, and she’d rather not overload Sae with another sibling to dote on this early.
Her brothers arrived, and as usual, the silence among them was ridiculous. Neither of them tried to say anything properly. Katsuya let out a huff while Tatsuya glared at him.
“Please, can we not at least have a proper moment of peace on my child’s birthday?” She pleaded.
Katsuya looked slightly ashamed, whereas Tatsuya softened.
“Sorry, Sis,” Tatsu muttered.
Katsuya watched him warily, then sighed. “Alright. My apologies, sister.”
She relaxed. While they were not on perfect terms, at least the truce worked.
“Brrr!” Makoto suddenly called, her little arms reaching for Tatsuya.
Makoto was wild around her uncles. She was especially fond of Tatsuya, who constantly imitated the sound of things to amuse her.
Her littlest brother lit up, and he smiled fondly. He reached with his arms, asking Masa to pass the baby to him. Her husband did, and Makoto smiled happily.
“Brrr! Unca, go!” She demanded, whining.
Tatsuya bounced her in his arms, then started to make a realistic imitation of a motorcycle engine.
Makoto shrieked wildly, happily. She loved that the most.
“Brrr!!!” She tried to imitate, but to no avail.
The adults chuckled. Natsumi then contentedly turned to Sae and smiled fondly at her.
“Sae-chan, Mako-tan is too small to blow out the candles of her birthday cake, so you’ll do it for her, alright?” She said as she combed the gorgeous, silvery shade of hair of her child with her fingers. It was a shade unusual, but perfect in her eyes all the same.
Sae beamed and nodded eagerly as if she had just received the most important mission in the world.
“Okay, mama!”
[April 23rd, 2001 - Sumaru City]
Her friends came to Makoto’s third birthday party.
Maya was understandably awkward around her younger brother. Katsuya being there helped. Ulala had no filter whatsoever, but at least she knew when to shut up. Baofu was in a quiet corner, smoking with Masa.
Natsumi knew why her friends were here.
They were silently saying goodbye.
Her sickness had progressed quite fast in the past year or so, after those fateful events that saw her obtain a Persona of her own.
Eos, the goddess of dawn, who later evolved into Aurora.
Makoto loved her Persona. Sometimes, when Masa and Sae weren’t around, Natsumi manifested Aurora just to see Makoto’s precious reactions to the entity.
The first time was an accident. She had just had a bout of sickness from the disease, and ended up manifesting her Persona as a knee-jerk reaction. Makoto was in her playpen, and she tried to get out of it when she was startled. She almost fell in the process, but Aurora gently caught her telekinetically and put the baby back in before disappearing.
That had drained Natsumi enough to make her pass out.
Since that day, however, she manifested her true self often in the company of her youngest. Even if her child didn’t remember it eventually, she wanted her baby to know she was loved by all sides of her.
She tried once to show it to Sae, but she was scared she’d tell Masa. Her husband detested it when she used her powers, as they often made her sicker and worse in general.
So, sadly, her other baby was not aware of that side of her. She felt immensely guilty for that.
Natsumi was sure Masa actually resented the fact that none of the Persona spells could cure her from her sickness. Maya had desperately tried every variation of healing spell known to man, and nothing worked.
“Perhaps this is fate.” She had declared when her friend broke down in tears in her arms. Katsuya was devastated, Masa was enraged, and Tatsuya, none the wiser.
It was alright. She wasn’t meant to stay here forever. But at least, she made some changes.
Her daughters would be her legacy.
“Happy birthday, Mako-tan.” She whispered, tearing up as she picked up her girl.
She wished she had more time with her babies.
“Mama, no cry!” Her little heart told her, clutching at her cheeks with her chubby fingers, and staring at her with big, soulful crimson eyes.
Natsumi hugged her precious child to her chest.
[April 23rd, 2005 - Sumaru City]
This is the first birthday that Makoto had friends over.
She invited her classmates Hirokichi, Daichi, and Fukumi, with whom she had been friends since kindergarten, and little Takashi, who was a year their junior. Their quartet had met Taka-chan on the playground last year when some other kids were severely bullying him, and DaiDai and Hiro joined forces to drive away his bullies. Ever since that day, Makoto has been very protective of Taka-chan, taking the role of big sister for him.
“Uncle Tatsu!” Makoto shrieked out happily. “Can you make the motorcycle noises for my friends, too?”
Her uncle had a kind smile on his face. He nodded and then picked up a broom. He motioned for the gaggle of children to approach and pay close attention.
After clearing his throat, he immediately started. Daichi giggled and pumped his fist up, while Hiro and Takashi collectively dropped their jaws. Fukumi had stars in her eyes.
The kids cheered as soon as the imitation was over. Makoto smirked. Her Uncle was so cool!
Afterwards, they were ushered to enjoy the delicious pastries and sweets uncle Katsuya had made for her party. Sis looked irritated since she was made to babysit the kids.
Sae approached them.
“Okay, Mako-chan, Kumi-chan and you three little shits, listen here.” Teenage Sae started sternly. “You’re all going to behave, or else you’re going to have to deal with me, is that clear?”
Makoto, Fukumi, and Daichi gulped, while Takashi shrugged. Hiro stuck his tongue out at Sae, who then sent him an evil witch look in response.
They all complied and decided not to make much of a fuss. The party was very simple, and they weren’t meant to do much other than eat a lot of delicious treats, watch a movie, or just play with some Buchimaru-themed jigsaw puzzles she got as a gift from Uncle Katsuya.
The grown-ups were busy talking to one another. Presently, it was just her Uncles and Daddy, as well as Kouta, Fukumi’s high schooler older brother, who kept throwing strange glances at Sis, who in turn, ignored him while constantly rolling her eyes.
Teenagers were weird.
“Hey, Makoto,” Taka-chan started, tapping her on her shoulder while out of their friend’s earshot. “Here, I drew this for you.”
Taka-chan was very good at drawing, but he was embarrassed about it. The fact that he drew something for her, even if it was her birthday, was a big deal. She eagerly accepted the drawing and looked in awe as she saw the five of them together alongside a big and cute Buchi-kun.
On top, it was written “Happy Birthday, Mako-chan”, and on the bottom, “Best friends forever.”
“Taka-chan!” She squealed as she hugged him, attracting the attention of the pair of teenagers sitting on the couch across from them. Makoto ignored them.
Takashi’s ears were very red.
“It’s nothing, silly, it’s just a drawing.” He grumbled.
“But it’s so nice! Can I show the others?” She gushed.
Takashi seemed shy, but then he nodded. “Okay.”
She eagerly showed the picture to Fukumi first, and then to Daichi and Hiro. The first two were very nice and happy about it, while Hiro snickered, saying how ugly Daichi looked in the drawing, but Makoto’s deathly glare immediately jolted him into action.
“Sorry, Taka-chan, I’m not making fun of your drawing. I was just teasing DaiDai,” Hiro said in an apology.
“Fine,” Takashi grumbled, but then smiled at his friend, who grinned back cheekily.
Makoto was very proud of Hiro for his apology. A little nudge, and he could be a nice boy sometimes!
“Hey, we should all make a friendship list!” Fukumi suggested.
“Friendship list?” Makoto asked.
“Yes, like things we all want to do together when we grow up! One by one, we pick something, and one day, when we’re bigger, we’re going to do these!”
“Yay, I like that idea!” Makoto said merrily.
The boys all nodded eagerly as well.
“Okay, I start!” Daichi started. “I wanna go to space!”
Everyone groaned.
“We can’t go to space! Add something easier, DaiDai.” Makoto chided him.
He sighed dramatically. “Okay, okay… Then we’ll light up some fireworks together!”
“Nice!” Fukumi nodded eagerly. “I wanna sing Karaoke together.”
“That’s too girly,” Hiro complained, and Fukumi pouted. Makoto elbowed him, and he sighed.
“Alright, fine… I wanna go fishing together!” He told his friends.
They all nodded. That sounded fun!
Taka-chan was pensive, then he seemed to have a spark of an idea. “Let’s all paint something together.”
The whole gang happily agreed.
“What about you, Mako-chan?” Kumi-chan asked.
Makoto wasn’t sure. Everyone already had such nice ideas!
She looked outside briefly and saw Uncle Tatsuya’s beautiful motorcycle on display.
She grinned mischievously. “Let’s ride our motorcycles together!”
Her friends looked at one another briefly.
“But we don't own a motorcycle,” DaiDai told her, scratching the back of his head.
Makoto put her little hands on her hips. “Well, I don’t have one either! But maybe we’ll have it as adults!”
“Okay, that’s fair. Sounds nice!” Hiro said, patting her on the head.
She pouted as he did that, but Fukumi and Daichi giggled. Taka-chan had a small smile on his face.
“Yay! Let’s seal the promise!” Kumi-chan said as they joined their hands, and she drew a smiling face on top of their hands with a marker.
Makoto beamed at her bestest friends in the world.
One day, they would fulfill their promise, and they’d have lots of fun together!
[April 23rd, 2006 - Tokyo]
She missed her friends.
Makoto hated leaving them behind in Sumaru, but Daddy had a new job, and she had to accept the move. The aikido classes helped keep her anger and sadness in check, but it was too much sometimes.
She didn’t make any new friends either. Not that she wanted to.
She just wanted hers back.
“Hey, Little Panda.” Auntie Maya greeted her gently, crouching before her. Since she lived in Tokyo too, she showed up for Makoto’s birthday.
Makoto slowly sat up from her lying position on her bed and smiled wanly at Maya.
“What’s gotten you so upset?” Her auntie asked her. “You shouldn’t look so sad on your birthday!”
Makoto hugged her knees and bit her lip so as not to cry. “My friends. I miss them.”
Maya let out a quiet hum.
“I see.” Her auntie said, then looked away. “You know… I miss my friends too.”
Makoto cocked her head to the side. “You do?”
Maya nodded. “Mm hm. But do you want to know something?”
The little girl eagerly nodded. The woman smiled kindly at her.
“I like to think one day I’ll see them again. And it’ll be like we never parted at all.” Maya whispered, looking a little misty-eyed. “So give it time, yeah? Sumaru is just around the corner. Maybe you could visit them sometime.”
Makoto took in Maya’s words, then smiled, feeling a lot less sad.
“Thanks, Auntie!” She said as she hugged the older woman.
“You’re welcome, kiddo.”
Later that day, Uncle Tatsuya called her and made the meanest, funniest, most amazing motorcycle impersonation ever, one that impressed even Sis.
She went to sleep with a huge grin on her face.
[April 23rd, 2011 - Tokyo]
Makoto was feeling excited.
Very very VERY excited!
Super, mega, omega, ultra-
“Makoto, stay still.” Sae, the overworked college student, attorney apprentice that she was, chided her, sounding tired.
“Sorry, Sis.” She muttered and stopped pacing around in the train platform as they waited.
Right.
Right, she had to work on being less impulsive. Daddy says it runs in the family since he brimmed with energy at times, too. Sis was never amused by their antics, citing that both of them needed some serious restraints.
But Makoto couldn’t help it, she was sooooo excited!
Today, she was going to spend her birthday with Tatsuya and Sis here in Tokyo.
Uncle Katsuya and Auntie Maya had both already called her to wish her a happy birthday, but they couldn’t make it since they were busy. Daddy would be similarly busy for the rest of the day, although he warmly wished her a happy birthday before he left for work.
The train from Sumaru arrived, and she waited expectantly
“Makoto!” Tatsuya greeted her with a happy smile. She widened her eyes and ran to his arms.
“Tatsu!” She almost screeched.
He hugged her and greeted Sae warmly as well.
“Someone’s excited, huh? Happy birthday, kiddo.” He said as he gave her a head pat.
She beamed at him, and the trio started their day.
The rest of her birthday went exactly as she imagined. The movie they watched was “Karate Gal”, about two sisters who were the daughters of a Dojo owner who were separated by the evil guys, then got pitted against one another. Hilariously, the movie took place in Sumaru City. The three of them had fun pointing out the sights they knew by heart.
Next, they went to Dome Town for some delicious pancakes. Well, except Makoto ordered some waffles instead.
Pancakes always sounded a little too suspicious to her.
But the moment she had been excited for all day finally arrived: They visited a Motorcycle Dealer in Kichijoji to buy Sis’s first Motorcycle. Uncle Tatsuya’s expertise would come in handy.
Makoto felt like a little kid in a toy store as she stared at the gorgeous motorcycles, wide-eyed. Even Sis was overwhelmed, judging by how she seemed like she wanted to buy everything, too.
“I don't think I can choose.” Her big sis admitted.
Makoto nodded in complete agreement. So hard to choose!
“I know,” Tatsuya said, smirking. “That’s why I’m here. Come on, girls. Let’s find something nice for you.”
They browsed and spoke to the manager as the trio went around discussing options. Among the selection, they spotted a gorgeous red Honda CBR600F, a metallic blue Suzuki SV650 that looked in perfect condition, and a white Yamaha FZ6R.
But it was the black Kawasaki Ninja 650R that sparked both sisters’ attention. It was a mid-range bike - powerful, but not so powerful that it became a hassle to use in day-to-day life. The duo shared looks, and Tatsuya nodded approvingly.
“I think,” Sae started with a smirk. “We found the one, uncle.”
Makoto had stars in her eyes. Both sisters hopped on the beautiful, newly purchased motorcycle together for the first test ride. Uncle Tatsuya handed Makoto her helmet and helped her fasten it, a proud smile on his lips.
“Ready, Mako?” Sis asked her, sounding as excited as she felt.
Makoto grinned from underneath the helmet. “Yes!”
And with a powerful roar, the motorcycle engine came alive, and together, both sisters rode into the sunset.
[April 23rd, 2013 - Tokyo]
Once Makoto returned from school, she spotted her father dozing off on the couch, an ashtray full of cigarette stubs and a mug with cold coffee on the corner table beside the couch. Sis was nowhere in sight, probably busy with her new job position as a junior prosecutor at the SIU, working under Mr. Odawara.
Sis and Dad fought almost every day lately, and that was starting to affect her.
“Daddy?” She asked, shaking him awake.
He blearily opened his eyes and blinked slowly. “Hm?”
She bit her lip. “Are you hungry? Do you want me to make you something to eat?
Her father seemed more alert as he sighed. “No need, kiddo. It’s your birthday today, you shouldn’t have to do anything.”
She shrugged. “I don’t mind, sir.”
He smiled wanly at her. “Alright. But just a snack, we have dinner later tonight.”
Makoto nodded, trying to smile back, but couldn’t as she felt as drained as her dad looked. Sis had woken her up before school with a hug and a promise to come home earlier today, but until she did, Makoto and Dad had to stay put.
“Say, Makoto,” her father started a few minutes later as they ate some light sandwiches. “What do you think of a trip to Sumaru for your birthday dinner?
Her eyes widened. “Um, but, won’t we come home late if we do that?”
Her father looked pensive, almost as if something was weighing on him, but he soon shook his head and smiled at her. “It’s fine, I just feel like getting out of this town and going home for once.”
She frowned. “What about Sis?”
“I’m sure she’ll agree, she probably misses the boys just as much as we do.”
Daddy called her sis, and Sae indeed eagerly agreed to their change of plans. As soon as she arrived home, the trio swiftly got ready to take the train to Sumaru. The plan was to stay overnight in their hometown and return home very early the next day, and take the earliest train back before her school, so she was just going to pack her uniform and school bag so as not to miss her classes.
The ride was a little awkward since Daddy and Sis were still a little angry at one another after they disastrously fought over Makoto’s college funds, but they made a truce for her sake. Fortunately, as soon as they arrived in Sumaru and were greeted by Katsuya and Tatsuya at the train station, the trio lit up.
Makoto knew she wasn’t a child anymore, but when Uncle Tatsuya spread his arms, she jumped right into an embrace.
He made some silly motorcycle noises for her. She laughed happily, uncaring of the reaction of the passersby.
“Tatsuya! You’re gonna turn her into one of those motorcycle riding delinquents one of these days!” Her father chided his brother-in-law playfully.
Tatsuya just chuckled as he gently released her and clapped her dad on the shoulder. “She’s a smart girl, Masa, don’t worry about that.”
Afterwards, the family left for a restaurant in Kounan, near the hotels and the beach. It was a family favorite back in the days of her childhood.
Taking in the sea breeze was nice, and Makoto felt herself in happy spirits. To make the night better, someone else very dear to her heart made an appearance.
“Excuse me, is this the table where the most special girl is celebrating her sweet fifteen!?” A teasing, but kind female voice interrupted them.
Before she could stop herself, Makoto got up, squealed like a little child, and embraced the woman.
“Auntie Maya!” She greeted her auntie with a cheery voice.
Maya merrily brushed her stray hairs from her face and gave her a sweet smile. “Happy birthday, Little Panda!”
Her Sis, uncles, and daddy also greeted Maya, with Uncle Tatsu being a little shyer than usual. Sae, who was very annoyed and silent during the train ride, was grinning ear to ear as Maya kept teasing Uncle Katsuya and Daddy.
“Masa! Get ready for the sons-in-law, she’s growing into such a beauty!” Maya joked cheerily, making the whole table, except for Makoto, who was very embarrassed, erupt with laughter.
“Hah, I’m honestly fine with Makoto finding a nice boy, if anything, it’s grumpy Sae who’ll be driving the jackasses outta our doorstep!” Her dad, who was now a little tipsy, joked cheerily as he drew Sis into a fond side hug.
“Someone has to have some sense in this family, old man!” Sae grumbled, even though her mouth was twitching with barely concealed amusement.
Daddy patted her Sis on the forehead in response, embarrassing Sae in front of the whole family. Makoto beamed at them, feeling happy to see them reconcile a little for her birthday.
Sae winked at her, and Makoto kicked her legs happily under the table as if she were a kid again.
The rest of the dinner was a little boisterous and chaotic as Auntie Maya, Sis and her Daddy drank their asses off, annoying the other patrons a little with their laughter. Uncle Katsuya was chaperoning (and reprimanding) the trio with some fond exasperation on his face, while Uncle Tatsu also kept his wits by constantly engaging in conversation with her.
After dinner, they moved back to her uncle’s residence to eat the delicious black forest cake Uncle Katsu had baked for her as soon as he was informed they’d be going to Sumaru for dinner earlier in the day.
It was nice to be home. She missed this, the happiness and laughter and easy, whimsical days in Sumaru City.
“Are you happy, Mako-chan?” Her daddy asked just before they retired for the night.
The usual weight of grief her father always carried with him was, for once, gone, and before her was a happy and content Masayuki Niijima, one who showered her and Sis with love, blessing them with his infectious laughter and carefree attitude all night.
And so, Makoto knew right away her response.
“The happiest, Daddy!” She told him eagerly.
It was the best birthday ever.
Masayuki smiled proudly at her and gave her a head pat. Makoto grinned happily, feeling content to be home again with her whole family.
Little did she know that was the last time her daddy would celebrate her birthday together with her and their family.
[April 23rd, 2014 - Tokyo]
Even though she was turning sixteen today, Makoto didn’t feel like doing anything. She just wanted to go to school, get back home, then go lie in bed until she inevitably fell asleep.
Her first year in Shujin barely started, but she already felt awful. She thought she had picked the right choice of school. Sis had warned her she didn’t have a good experience when she was an alumnus there, but Makoto insisted.
Of course, now Makoto regretted it, but she also made her bed, and now she was going to lie in it. She wasn’t going to embarrass Sis in front of the faculty by asking for a transfer in barely twenty days of the school term.
She didn’t care if the other students didn’t like her. She just had to study hard and not get in the way of her sister.
Life was not the same without Dad.
She stomped that thought out of her mind.
Dinner today would just be her and Sis. Maya sent her a birthday card and a gift earlier, apologizing for not being able to make it, telling her she’d take her to lunch on Sunday instead, whereas her Uncles were busy assisting in a murder case investigation in Osaka. Both of them texted her happy birthday, apologizing as well for not being there this year.
It was fine. She understood that the adults had more important commitments than stopping everything they were doing just to cater to her. She was already immensely grateful that they at least remembered. She was happy.
It was just… Her daddy wasn’t here to do the same anymore.
“Let’s go.” Her sister told her that evening, sounding tired and dejected. Makoto felt guilty that she was robbing Sae of her much-needed rest time after what was clearly a brutal workday.
She hung her head low. “We don’t have to do anything. You look tired, Sis…”
Sae’s look of irritation softened a little, and she put both hands on top of Makoto’s shoulders.
“Relax, kiddo. I’m alright, and I was looking forward to this dinner all day.” She told her gently, smiling slightly at her.
Makoto knew Sae was putting this front of strength solely for her benefit, and so she resolved not to spit in the face of her efforts.
“Okay.” She muttered.
Sae took her to a nice, old family diner in Chiyoda, one where their father used to take them in the early days of their stay in Tokyo. Her sister was crazy for their fried chicken, something that always amused Makoto to no end.
It was pretty nostalgic, in a way.
Dinner was quiet, but it seemed to put both her and Sis in better spirits. It wasn’t the same as last year’s unforgettable celebration with their family, but at least they had each other.
It was all that mattered now.
“Makoto,” Sae started, her face serious and unreadable after they were back in the streets, on their way to her sister’s car.
Makoto paused in her walking to see what her sister was up to. She saw Sae clear her throat and cover her mouth with both hands to make a sound-amplifying motion.
Then, her sister did the most unexpected, absurd, and ridiculous thing ever.
Sae started to imitate a motorcycle engine.
Makoto gaped, then cringed, then covered her own mouth to try to stifle the laughter that was coming because Sae was, simply put, awful at her impersonation. Her voice didn’t have enough power like Uncle Tatsuya’s for the imitation to work realistically.
Makoto couldn’t resist it, in the end. She openly laughed at her sister’s face. Sae stopped, looking thoroughly humiliated and embarrassed at her actions.
“I’ll… I’ll never do that ever again.” Her silly big Sis said while grimacing. “That was ridiculous and undignifying of me.”
“You suck at it!” Makoto told her cheekily.
Sae glared at her, and Makoto burst out into peals of laughter again, amused at the randomness and absurdity of the situation. Then, before she realized what she was doing, she launched herself at her sister and hugged her tightly.
Makoto immediately started crying.
She didn’t know why she was crying, or what exactly set her off, but she felt like crying, because she had been feeling awful all day, nobody at school liked her, she missed her daddy so much, and Sis was trying her hardest just for her after what was obviously a very draining day at her work.
“Hey, it’s okay, I’m here.” Sae cooed her gently, hugging her just as tightly.
“I’m s-sorry.” Makoto stuttered out, but continued to cry in her sister’s arms.
“I understand. I miss him too.” Sae told her, petting her hair gently. She was crying too.
Makoto stayed for a long time in her sister’s arms in that cold, chilling April night, as both of them grieved for the loss of their father together.
[April 23rd, 2016 - Tokyo]
Today, Makoto turned eighteen.
Sis had already left for work even before she woke up. Makoto wondered if she even remembered it.
Forlornly, the girl got ready for the day and went to school, not expecting anything exciting to happen. As she had thought, the day passed by uneventfully, with none of her peers talking with her. Not that she wanted them to, either, as none of them probably knew her birthday was today.
She had no friends anyways.
Makoto sighed and left for the library. She spent hours there with her face glued to the books. She had an upcoming mock entrance exam, and she had to do her best.
Or, that is what she told herself as she tried to distract herself from the fact that she hadn’t received even a single message from her sister all day.
She was too shy to call her uncles, and she thought it best not to bother them or even Maya. They were busy adults; they didn’t have time for this, and she’d rather not be a burden. Makoto was practically an adult now, it was time to grow up and stop demanding so much from her family.
Stomping down the urge to tear up, she focused on her book, and the rest of the afternoon passed by like that. Soon, it was time to leave for home.
Not a single message yet.
She walked quietly, dejectedly, feeling more alone than ever. Makoto paused and waited for the pedestrian walk light to turn green.
When it did, several people walked past her, but she stayed unmoved, tightly clutching the strap of her school bag.
…Why did it hurt so much? She shouldn’t feel bothered. It was time to stop being so childish. The busy adults had better things to do. She was not a kid any longer. It was time to grow up.
Makoto crossed the street.
She walked and made her way to the subway station, just looking forward to getting home and eating dinner in peace.
Alone.
Just before she entered the station, though, a glint of light in the periphery of her view had Makoto looking up as a golden butterfly flickered in front of her eyes, beating its wings in a mesmerizing fashion.
Her eyes widened, and she watched it in awe. And then-
Makoto’s phone rang. Her heart skipped a beat, and she answered it without checking the caller ID.
“H-hello?”
“Makoto.” A strong and warm male voice started.
She froze, not expecting him to call her.
“Uncle Tatsuya…?” She whispered in shocked surprise.
She heard him clear his throat. And then-
Tatsuya roared as he made a realistic impression of an all-powerful motorcycle engine.
Makoto put a fist to her mouth to prevent herself from making a noise, but it was too late as a strangled laugh left her lips. Then more peals of delighted laughter broke out as he continued to make the silliest noises, actually putting in a massive amount of effort for her.
Soon enough, though, she teared up, and her laughs turned into quiet, happy sobs.
Uncle Tatsuya remembered her birthday. This was their ritual, after all.
He continued for a time and then stopped, a little out of breath.
“Sorry, kiddo.” He said with a chuckle. “I’m afraid your old uncle is out of steam these days.”
She cried-laughed again. “T-that was your best impression yet, Uncle.”
“I’m glad you liked it.” He replied warmly. “Happy birthday, Mako-chan.”
The sincerity and love in his voice were enough to make her happier than she had been all day.
“Thank you, Uncle Tatsu.” She replied as she wiped out some of her tears.
“Katsuya is here, and he wants to talk to you, one moment.” He told her, and she heard shuffling sounds on the phone.
“Makoto!” Katsuya, her oldest uncle, greeted her cheerily. “Happy birthday, kiddo!”
Her grin was wide and happy as his contagious enthusiasm affected her. “Thank you, Uncle Katsu!”
“I’m sorry we couldn’t come over this year, honey. We’ll find a way to make up to you, okay? I’ll even bake some buchi cookies for you next time we see you.” He told her gently.
She shook her head, but then realized that her uncle couldn’t see it. “It’s alright, sir. Thank you for remembering it.”
“As if we’d ever forget! But ah… You’re a big girl now, Makoto, it almost makes your old uncle sad that we can’t call you Little Panda anymore.”
She groaned in mock embarrassment but then chuckled. “Just don’t do it in front of others, I have a reputation to uphold!”
Katsu’s laugh and Tatsu’s happy chuckles in the background as well had Makoto feeling giddy on the inside.
She arrived home half an hour later, her spirits higher after her uncles called her.
Makoto was surprised to find in the lobby that a few packages had been delivered to her. Two of them were gifts from her uncles since they gave her a heads up about those, but the third was a small-sized box wrapped in colorful, cheery paper full of little mascots.
Eagerly, she unwrapped it first and was utterly amazed as she spied a jewelry box, alongside a letter. She eagerly read the letter first.
Mako-chan,
Happy birthday! Time flies by so fast… Just yesterday, you were this tiny little ray of sunshine screaming our ears off, and now you’re a gorgeous and very intelligent young woman! Every girl’s eighteenth birthday is a very special milestone, and I remember exactly how I felt when I was your age. So many things to look forward to, so many cute boys (or girls!) to flirt with, so many parties to go to (but don’t drink anything offered by strangers, okay!?), all the nervous excitement that comes with making new goals, as well as that anticipation for the future as you become a young adult (Although, I soon realized not much changed and that to this day, I’m still a big kid, but I digress!). I can’t wait to see where this next stage of life takes you!
By the time this arrives (I’m still alive, don’t worry), I won't be in town, as I will be in New York for a work trip. But I want you to know that you are very special and precious to me!
If your mother were here, she’d be insanely proud of you, and then scold me for some of the things I wrote in this letter, such as the part about the cute boys (or girls!) and partying. Boo! Anyway, I’m rambling. We might not be blood related at all, but I feel so very blessed to know you and so very proud to call you my niece.
I also sent you a small gift alongside this letter. You are a gorgeous young woman and deserve to feel even prettier, so I thought of something befitting your beauty. I always had a special affinity with the moon, so think of it as me watching over you when you wear it. Hope you like it! Please take care, and reach out to me anytime, alright?
Love, xoxo and lots of buchi-cuddles to you,
Auntie Maya
Makoto laughed giddily, reading the silly, amazing letter her auntie wrote to her, realizing that her eyes were brimming with happy tears.
Maya was so silly, but she was also the kindest and most wholesome human being Makoto knew. Her heart was warm and fuzzy, and she felt as if she had received a nice motherly embrace from her.
She checked the jewelry box and gasped. Maya sent her a beautiful, pale gold pair of crescent moon earrings. She inspected them with reverent care, amazed at the quality and the tastefulness of the git.
She carefully closed the box to make sure the gorgeous gift was safe, and unwrapped the other gifts from her uncles.
Makoto gasped dramatically and suppressed a squeal as she saw that Uncle Tatsu gifted her a limited edition miniature replica of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R, in a jet black color. Her jaw was on the floor at the quality and beauty of the figurine.
She hugged it against her chest and chuckled tearfully as she remembered Tatsu and his silly imitation not too long ago.
Uncle Katsuya was more sensible and gifted her a gorgeous custom fountain pen, silver with gold engravings, and a box of some of the most expensive chocolates ever.
She was touched by their thoughtfulness. Just the fact that they remembered her while they were so busy was something that she was immensely grateful for, never mind the expensive gifts, which she felt a little self-conscious about.
Her sweet smile died a little, however, as she remembered that her sister still hadn’t called her or even sent her a message at all.
However, she forced herself to smile again. Either way, she felt a lot less alone now.
Her Uncles and Auntie made her day.
“Hey, wake up, kiddo.” A soft yet tired voice called out to her.
Makoto’s eyes fluttered open, and they widened in delighted surprise as she took in the sight of her usually cold and stressed-out sister, gazing down at her tenderly as she crouched before Makoto, who was lying on the couch.
“Hey, Sis.” The girl whispered sleepily, rubbing her eye slightly.
Then, she started to feel happy as she realized her Sis was actually home this time around, and she didn’t look as unhappy as usual, just very drained.
Makoto felt a pang of concern at seeing Sae like that.
“I’m sorry that I’m late. There was too much traffic…” Her sister said, sounding apologetic and guilty.
“It’s okay, I imagined you had important things to attend to,” Makoto mumbled timidly as she sat up on the couch.
Now that she was face to face with Sae, and more alert, she didn’t know what to say to her. She had waited to hear from her all day, yet as the seconds passed by and Sae didn’t say anything, Makoto felt her happiness at seeing her diminish.
Did she really not remember…?
Sae cleared her throat and got up from her crouching position. “Wait here.”
She blinked and nodded, then watched as her sister hurried in the direction of their kitchen. Not even a minute after, Sae returned to the living room and helped her off the couch.
“Come on. Close your eyes, no peeking.”
Hearing that, Makoto’s heart skipped a beat, and she eagerly did as her sister commanded, anticipation and hope filling her entire being.
Sae led her around in the dark until they stopped.
“You can open your eyes now, Mako,” Sae whispered.
Makoto quickly opened her eyes and gasped, putting her hands to her mouth to stifle out a sob. Before her was a delicious-looking cake, with two numbered candles forming the number “18” lit on top of it.
“I know that we only have about 35 minutes or so left, but… Happy birthday, baby sis.” Sae spoke gently.
Makoto let out a choked laugh. “Sis…”
The older sister put her hands on Makoto’s shoulders and squeezed. “Now, make a wish, Mako.”
The girl put her own hand upon Sae’s on top of her shoulder, and squeezed her eyes shut as she thought of her secret wish. Then, she blew the candles out.
Sis remembered it in the end. She did it, so it meant she still cared about her after all.
“Thank you, Sis.” She whispered happily.
Sae gave her a saddened, yet tender smile in response. “You’re welcome, Little Panda.”
Makoto beamed at her sister as she thought of her birthday wish.
‘I wish Sis and I could be best friends once again, like in the early days of our childhoods. I wish it with all my heart.’
Makoto sincerely hoped her dream would come true one day.
The End
