Hospital Meeting [Sayuri]

"You need someone's and since I'm the only one standing here now it has to be me. Now stop being dumb and admit it!"

She followed after him. "You're just as stubborn as Hideki. He was really close to his grandfather and when he died he tried to act like he was perfectly fine and independent and didn't need anyone. But he was miserable and anyone with eyes could see it.

Eventually he broke out of his shell but it's more acceptable for a five year old to act like that. People do expect people with respectable jobs to behave differently."

Sayuri reminded herself of her patience. Kiriha had lost a dear friend. Of course this was going to be difficult for him. She wished she knew the perfect thing to say; but, she didn't. So she'd be quiet until Kiriha spoke or until she thought of something decent. But there was no way she was leaving him alone. Not when he was this upset.

"I'll be sure to say a prayer for Hiro," she said eventually. "I wish I knew him better though. I'd like it to be more personal. What was he like? You said he was friendly but how? What was your first meeting like?" Sometimes it helped people just to talk about the deceased. And if this wouldn't help Kiriha he wouldn't answer anyway.

She saw his clenched fist. "If it'll help you can hit me," she said sincerely. It wouldn't be the first time someone struck her in a fit of anger. She never held it against the person. Sometimes they needed to let their emotions run free for a moment.

If it gave people any measure of satisfaction she'd tolerate the pain. And she was a warrior. She'd recover.

She just wish she knew how to make Kiriha feel better. She'd tolerate pretty much anything if it would make him feel even a trifle better.

She wasn't sure if she was relieved when he put his hands in his pockets or not. If Kiriha hit her it would definitely hurt but it might have been good for him.

"Will you attend Hiro's funeral?" she asked. Funerals, although having a way of making people cry, generally gave people a sense of comfort and closure. Sayuri didn't really feel that way but she supposed she was the abnormality not the norm.

Now he was screaming. Was that a good sign or a bad sign? It was definitely a negative emotional response but it was still an emotional response. Perhaps better than his disturbingly even tone earlier.

"I can't," she said simply, continuing to follow him. "I'm really worried about you."