Chapter 9

As the days passed, Saya's transformation into a farm-savvy companion continued to surprise me. She went from scolding me for every wrong move to confidently handling chores around the farm. Even Grandma, initially skeptical of Saya's city-girl demeanor, acknowledged her progress. 

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the fields, Saya presented a homemade apple pie to Grandma. The accomplishment beamed on her face, and even Grandma couldn't hide her pride.

"Looks like you've been paying attention in the kitchen, Saya. This is quite impressive," Grandma praised.

Saya blushed, "Well, I did have a great teacher."

With a hearty laugh, Grandma responded, "You're welcome here anytime, dear. You've become a part of this little farm family."

However, the day of our departure eventually arrived. The farmhouse, once filled with laughter and the clatter of newfound farm skills, now echoed a bittersweet farewell. We gathered our belongings, and Grandma saw us off with a warm hug.

"Take care, you two. It was a pleasure having you here. Will, make sure to bring Saya back someday."

I grinned, "Of course, Grandma. We'll be back for sure."

As we drove away from the farm, the scenic landscape blurred, and the memories of our unexpected summer. Saya, sitting beside me, glanced out of the window with a hint of nostalgia.

"Who would've thought farm life could be this interesting?" she mused.

I chuckled, "Well, princess, expect the unexpected. Speaking of the unexpected, where exactly is my dad, Saya?"

 I asked, turning to her.She looked at me, replying, "Last time I saw Uncle was when he told me that you were feeling lonely in your grandma's farm."

"So when was it exactly?" I inquired, genuinely puzzled about his whereabouts. Even Grandma grumbled about being left with Grandpa.

"Well, it was in New York, since he was hired by my dad to accompany Mom," she explained, diverting her attention from the window to me.

"Wait, my dad works as your security and stuff, like guarding the queen and that kind of level?" I questioned, genuinely surprised at the revelation that my seemingly ordinary father was safeguarding the wife of a prominent Japanese politician in a foreign country.

Saya chuckled, "Not quite at that level of security, but somewhat similar. I mean, Dad sent him a day in advance to pick us up.

"Lost in a momentary daze, Saya flicked me on the forehead, jolting me back to reality. 

"Hey, that hurt!" I exclaimed, rubbing my forehead.Saya flashed a cheeky smile, retorting, 

"Well, at least I'm not going to get killed by you in the middle of a forest for making fun of you casting spells with a rake.

Her playful demeanor shifted, and she raised her fist as if about to strike me, but she restrained herself, exhaling.

"No, Will, I still haven't forgiven you for that, but your dad asked me to drop you off somewhere."

Cold sweat started to bead on my forehead. 'You know what? I'd rather have her call me "commoner" than my name. It's kind of scary, to be honest.' I thought to myself.

We pulled up at a cemetery, and I saw my dad waiting there. As I stepped out of the car, I suddenly recalled what day it was.

Saya glanced at me, sensing the change in atmosphere.

"Will, are you alright?" she asked softly.

I sighed, "It's Mom's birthday today."

Saya's expression softened, "I'm sorry, Will. I didn't know."

"It's okay," I reassured her. "Just wait in the car. I'll be right back."

I stepped out, joining my dad at my mom's resting place. Saya watched from the car, realizing the significance of the moment.

Saya followed from behind. My dad silently walked as we followed him.

Rows of tombstones stood in silent tribute to those who had passed. My dad led us to a simple yet meaningful gravestone adorned with sunflowers, Mom's favorite flowers, casting a gentle glow.

Saya held my hand, offering silent strength. We walked through the cemetery together, surrounded by the quiet hum of evening. The air seemed to hold both the weight of grief and the delicate touch of remembrance.

We stopped by my mom's grave, and my dad spoke softly, "Sunflowers were her favorite, so I thought they would bring a bit of her joy here." As he smiled sadly.

Saya and I stood by, absorbing the solemn atmosphere. My dad quietly knelt down and started cleaning her tombstone. After he was finished cleaning.

My dad silently prayed and conversed with the gravestone, I stood there, feeling a mixture of memories and longing. The weight of growing up without Mom, the void she left, and the ache of missing her hit me in waves. As he was finished talking to mom Dad patted my back, leaving me alone with Saya amidst the somber serenity.

I began talking about friends and the everyday adventures that Saya had missed. It was a feeble attempt to cloak the emotional turmoil within. Yet, as I spoke about the moments that shaped me in Mom's absence, the mask crumbled.

"Hey, Mom," I began, my voice softer now, 

"I bet you've been keeping an eye on your idiot of a son, right?"

I shared some of my dum moments, laughter laced with melancholy, and I could almost imagine Mom's reactions to my silly misadventures. But when I reached the heart of my words, the facade gave way to genuine emotion.

"I miss you, Mom," I whispered, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. 

"There are days when I wish you were here, to tuck me in bed or watching movies together Saya's been a good friend, but there are things only a mother could do, right?"

Saya, sensing the depth of my sorrow, wrapped her arms around me in a gentle embrace. For the first time, I let go of the facade, and tears silently flowed down my cheeks. Saya, witnessing me in this raw moment, offered a comforting hug, a silent assurance that I wasn't alone.In that cemetery, surrounded by memories and Mom's favorite sunflowers, the weight of grief.

Saya stood by me, understanding the unspoken words, as I allowed myself to confront the pain I had long kept hidden. And, in that shared vulnerability, I let myself cry my heart out a bit.

Startled by the realization, I hastily pulled away from the hug, embarrassment coloring my cheeks. I fumbled for words, attempting to regain my composure.

"S-Sorry, Saya. I didn't mean to... I mean, it's just..."

Saya, however, offered a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting understanding. "It's okay, Will. Everyone needs a moment. I'm here for you."

Will nodded appreciatively, silently grateful for Saya's understanding. As they left the cemetery, the weight of the emotional encounter lingered in the air, creating a new layer to their friendship. 

After breaking out of the hug Saya kneeled beside the gravestone, unsure of what to say to someone she had never known. She took a deep breath and began speaking softly, her words a mixture of sincerity and determination.

"I didn't get the chance to know you, but I see how much Will cared about you. He's strong, you know, even when he pretends he's not. He goes along with my... well, my selfishness, and I promise, I'll take care of him. He's not alone, not anymore. I'll stay by his side and take care of him"

As Saya spoke, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, as if nature itself acknowledged her words. She glanced at Will, who stood a few steps away, silently grateful for the support. With a final nod to the gravestone, they left the cemetery, carrying the shared weight of their pasts into an uncertain future.

As we walked back to the car I teasingly looked at Saya. "Take care of me huh sounds like a marriage proposal to me"

Saya rolled her eyes, playfully swatting Will's arm. "Don't get ahead of yourself, commoner. It's just an expression ."

Will grinned, "Well, I appreciate the sentiment. Guess I'll have to put up with your antics for a while."

Saya smirked, "And you better get used to them. Now, let's go pick up your dad and get out of this gloomy place."

As they approached the car, Will couldn't shake the mixture of emotions within him. The visit to the cemetery had unlocked memories and feelings he'd kept buried for a long time, and Saya's presence provided an unexpected source of comfort. 

As we were walking back I see my dad waiting for us at the cementary entrance.

My dad looked at me with a tender smile, as he ruffles my hair as we approached. The air holds a mix of emotions as they prepare to leave the cemetery. 

As they were going back in the car and took a seat, Will stared out of the window, lost in his thoughts. The cemetery faded into the distance, leaving a silence between them. As we drive away from the cemetery, Saya drops us off at the airport after a few minutes.

"Are you not coming with us?" I give Saya a questioning look.

She responds with a casual grin, "Of course not. The Takagi family has their own private plane for travel."

"Rich people stuff. I can't believe she's the same person who once landed on pig poop and pretended nothing happened."

"You—erase that from your mind before I kill you!" Saya frantically points at me.

I enter the terminal with my luggage, smirking, "La la, can't hear you."

My dad follows behind me, and suddenly, a loud shout echoes, "WILLLLLLL!!!"

That's my cue to speed up and escape the impending lecture.

As I navigate through the bustling airport, trying to escape the echoing "WILLLLLLL," I can't help but reflect on the unexpected twists and turns of this summer journey. Saya's stubbornness, Grandma's warmth, and the memories created on the farm all linger in my mind. 

With a mix of excitement and uncertainty, I board the plane, leaving behind the rustic charm of Grandma's farm for the familiar yet unpredictable world of Japan. As I settle into my seat, I can't help but grin, thinking, "Japan, here I come!"