66. Lift Of Burden

Looking at the sight in front of him, Rei felt nostalgic. The entrance looked the same way he visited 2 years back at Tensei's funeral. He took a deep breath and took his first step inside after a long time. He looked around and it was the same way it was. Several graves looked new but nothing else changed.

Shirogana, Narumi, and Izumi walked behind him, not disturbing the moment. No one spoke and the only noise was from when the chilly but warm breeze in the morning, rustled the leaves and their clothes.

After a short walk which seemed like hours for the four, they reached a particular grave. The grave looked ordinary like the rest but the name is written on it made the same impact for each one of them, sorrow.

Shirogana and Narumi were the first to move. They went forward and placed a bouquet on the grave. Cupping their hands three times they prayed for Tensei's well being wherever he was at the moment.

Both of them went back after a minute and stood in a corner. Next was Izumi who sat on his knees and cupped his hands. He bowed and prayed for Tensei. He continued to pray and stood up after 5 minutes wiping some of the tears collected at the corner of his eyes. He stood next to the couple giving space for Rei.

After some more minutes, Rei finally moved. His feet felt as if he had weights on them dragging him down. He stood in front of the grave, hung his head low. He took a deep breath and tried to cool his nerves.

"I am finally here Otou-san, after 2 years. A lot of things happened these 2 years. I moved out of Tokyo and started living in Kami with Shidou-san. He told me he knew when you were small. He always helps and consoles me. I went to a new school there and made 2 friends. They are my good friends after Izumi. I also met Izumi again, Otou-san, just like you told me through baseball. I-I-I also" Rei choked on his words as tears filled up his eyes.

He rubbed his eyes, clearing away the tears and continued," I also started playing baseball again Otou-san. Playing again made me feel a burden in my heart vanished. The 2 years without baseball were horrible, making me sad and frustrated every single time I saw baseball. Thank you for showing my way again Otou-san. I will become the best catcher and fulfill the promise I made to you, Otou-san."

Rei continued to speak about the past 2 years and the training he went through for the whole month. As he spoke his heartfelt lighter and the burden decreased further. He came to the end after 10 minutes, "Ok Otou-san, I have told you what I wanted to tell you. Please look at me wherever you are on my journey. I will come and meet you again when I have time. For now, bye, Otou-san." and walked towards the rest.

Shirogana nodded and turned around, going towards the car. The rest followed and all of them got into the car. The sun was already out, shining through the trees. They got into the car and Shirogana started the car.

As they rode in silence Rei spoke, "Thank you for taking care of me these last 2 years Oji-san, Oba-san. If you guys were not there for me I don't even know what would have happened to me."

Shirogana and Narumi looked shocked hearing him. Both of them did not reply immediately to his words. Narumi was the first to talk," It is ok Rei. We are a family and you are now our son. So don't need to speak such words." smiling.

"Yes as Narumi said Rei. You are family to us. Don't speak like that."

Rei nodded and remained silent. They reached home and the time was already 9. Narumi went to the kitchen followed by Rei to cook some breakfast for everyone. Cooking the food and setting it on the table everyone got to eat.

Rei and Izumi went back to their rooms to pick their luggage up. Changing to more comfortable clothes Rei came out with his bag. He made his way down into the hall and saw Narumi and Shirogana talking about the journey.

Izumi came down after a while and all of them went to the garage. Narumi hugged Shirogana and got into the car starting the engine. Izumi also got in the back and Narumi drove the car out of the driveway.

Rei turned around and looked at Shirogana. He quickly gave him a tight hug and muttered, "Thank you."

Shirogana wrapped his arms around him and patted his back replying, "It is ok Rei. As I told you 2 years back, I will always be there for you to talk to."

After staying like that for a couple more seconds Rei broke the hug and got into the car. He opened the window from the back and waved his hands. Shirogana waved his hands as the car drove off.

Unable to see Shirogana anymore, Rei closed the window and took out his phone. He informed his friends he was on his way back and he got an immediate reply from Mizuki asking him to be there as quickly as possible.

Rei chuckled seeing his friend's desperation for his notes. Keeping his phone back inside he looked out of the window and noticed the large buildings of Tokyo. He slowly slept as there was still a long journey ahead for the three of them.

They reached back home by 5 in the evening after only making a stop for lunch. Rei got out of the car feeling his body stiff from sitting long hours in the car. He took his bag out and went inside.

Narumi went to her room while Rei and Izumi went towards the hall. They saw Sora chilling on the sofa watching some movie. Sora turned the volume down seeing them come in and started to talk to them.

Izumi got up after an hour seeing that it's getting late and went back home despite the combined effort of Narumi, Rei, and Sora to stay back for dinner. Rei helped Narumi cook the dinner and went to rest early after eating.