Brother

Masaichi Xiu pursed his lips as he stared at the steam emerging from his hot black coffee. His eyes were dazed and his brows were furrowed. He recalled his conversation with his son when he visited City T.

"Manta-kun, I have something to ask."

"Sore wa nan desu ka, Otousan?*" Manta blinked adorably as he looked up to his father. Since he was in City T, he was used to speaking the language more often. However, he still perfectly converse in his grandfather's native tongue.

"Did you really tell your aunt that Okaasan had a baby when she left to see me."

The little boy pursed his lips then nodded. His eyes were starting to water.

"Who told you that?" Masaichi kept his gentle tone.

"Okaasan...she said that I will soon have a brother...or a sister...and she will give it as a present for you...but she..." Manta was already sobbing.

"Sshhh...It's okay...Don't cry. Otousan believes you."