What a Storm
There was a Storm that night.
Unlike any the village had ever seen. The wind howled through the trees, and the rain poured down in torrents, soaking everything in its path. The thunder crashed so loudly it felt as if the sky itself was splitting open, each boom resonating through the hearts of the villagers.
Inside one of the small, humble huts, a woman lay on a straw mat, Her face twisted in pain as she worked hard during the last part of giving birth. Her cries mingled with the storm, a desperate plea for mercy that went unheard in the chaos.
Suddenly, a blinding flash of lightning struck the hut. The entire village seemed to hold its breath as the bolt lit up the night sky, followed by a deafening explosion that shook the ground. Flames quickly engulfed the wooden structure, and the roar of the fire soon drowned out the storm.
When the storm finally passed, an eerie silence settled over the village. The once vibrant hut was now reduced to a smoldering pile of ashes. From the charred remains, a figure emerged, staggering and clutching a tiny, crying newborn to her chest. It was the younger sister of the woman who had been in labor, her face and body covered in burns and soot, her eyes wide with shock and pain.
With every ounce of strength she had left, she made her way to the village hospital. Each step was agony, but she never loosened her grip on the baby, holding him close to protect him from the cold night air. Her vision blurred, and she could feel her life slipping away, but she pressed on, driven by a fierce determination to save the child.
When she finally reached the hospital, she collapsed just inside the door. The nurses rushed to her side, but it was clear that she was beyond saving. As the life ebbed from her body, she gathered the last of her strength to whisper the name the child's mother had chosen for her child before her death.
"Hayashi Arashi," she breathed, her voice barely audible. Then, with a final, shuddering sigh, she closed her eyes and let the darkness take her.
The baby was named, his tiny life beginning amidst the echoes of a storm that had taken so much. The villagers would speak of that night for years to come, remembering the fierce love and sacrifice of a sister who gave everything to save her nephew. Hayashi Arashi grew up with the knowledge that his life was a gift born from the ashes of tragedy, forever bound to the memory of those who were lost in the storm.
Months turned into years
as Arashi adapted to life at the adoption center.
Arashi's life took a remarkable turn when he was adopted by Michael Montrose at age of 9, a wealthy and kind-hearted man who saw potential in the young boy. Michael, or "Mimo" as Arashi affectionately nicknamed him, became more than just a guardian; he became a mentor and a friend. Together, they spent countless hours in the kitchen, where Mimo taught Arashi the art of cooking, and at the table, where they folded paper craft origami creations. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, filled with laughter and shared dreams.
One morning, when Arashi was just 13, he awoke to a bewildering sight. The familiar warmth of their home was gone, replaced by the bustling streets of a random place in Japan. Panic set in as he realized Mimo was nowhere to be found. Desperately, he searched for any trace of Mimo, but the name drew blank stares and shrugs from the people he asked. Alone and frightened, Arashi felt his world shatter.
He wandered the streets, tears streaming down his face, clutching at his chest where his heart ached. He don't even have a photo of Mimo, leaving him without even a physical reminder of his beloved guardian. Helpless and heartbroken, Arashi's sobs echoed through the empty alleys, his cries a lament for the life he had lost.
Days turned into weeks, and Arashi found himself at a crossroads. Despite the profound grief that weighed heavily on his young shoulders, he knew he had to keep moving forward. Drawing strength from the lessons Mimo had imparted, Arashi resolved to honor his memory by embracing the skills and values he had been taught. With a determined spirit, he began to rebuild his life, carrying the love and wisdom of Mimo with him.