Mitsuko
Citizen
Resident Angel
Posts: 172
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Post by Mitsuko on Aug 12, 2023 1:02:13 GMT -5
For many years Mitsuko had her pay cut as a nurse because she had an asshole for a boss. While Zero had Jean as boss who not only was was their son’s grandfather but who was just a lovely and fair person overall and wouldn’t ask Zero to work the night shift as a bounty hunter unless it was an emergency, Mitsuko had the opposite experience as a nurse. Her boss had claimed that she wasn’t working enough hours and had cut her pay as an act of spite. As a young mom at the time, and newly married this had put her in a very tough position.
She had loved being independent and making a living doing what she loved the most but the pay cut just wasn’t fair so Mitsuko had to make up the difference by helping out as an inn keeper at the Alamo Inn. Zero insisted that his income would be enough to make up for what she had lost but he also understood that if she had fought this at the time she would have missed being with her children. Working at the Alamo Inn allowed Mitsuko to be with her children and to be involved in their lives as they were growing up.
Now that Savannah and Matthew were much older, Mitsuko had decided that it was time that she took on a regular shift as a nurse again at Jowston Hospital. She had spoke to her husband about it beforehand and while he hated that her boss was still there, Zero as uneasy as he felt about her working the night shift, still gave his blessing to his wife provided that she start off slow and focus on a scheduled shift at a time, unless it was an emergency or the hospital was short staffed.
Working a regular scheduled shift would help make the transition back as a nurse a little easier, and it would also help her family make the transition too. Working in healthcare wasn’t easy but this was something that Mitsuko loved to do. So she had chosen to work the night shift. That way she could still help out at the inn during the day, spend time with her family, and prioritize her marriage. Tonight was her first night back to work and before Mitsuko left, her husband made an on the go dinner to take with her. He made her Bruschetta Chicken Wraps. Not only was it easy, but it took him only 30 minutes to make. In addition, he also prepared a small snack for her in case she needed the extra energy which consisted of roasted chickpeas. Mitsuko appreciated how he looked after her, so in return she had left him a thank you card, and his favourite snack of all time. Jellybeans. The little kind acts of appreciation that the angel had always expressed to her family were finally making an appearance again as the depression was slowly healing from her body, spirit, mind, and heart.
Mitsuko remotely started up her car to warm up the engine and she then took the time to hug and kiss her children and husband goodbye-- though the kiss with her husband lasted a bit longer than usual. Zero didn’t want her to go, in fact he was a little anxious and jittery and even though he supported her decision, deep down he wasn’t used to her being out late at night to work. This was going to be a hard transition for him, and for their kids because it was a new routine to get used to. Zero wasn’t sure if he would ever get used to it, but because he loved his wife and wanted her to be happy he would help her out as much as he was able. When their goodbye kiss was finally broken, Mitsuko left for the hospital.
Jean had seen the look on Zero’s face and placed a hand on his shoulder. If he still felt anxious then he can always contact Hunter to text Miki to check in on her periodically-- they were like brothers afterall and having some extra support wouldn’t hurt anyone as this was a big transition.
When Mitsuko reached the hospital and had signed in, and began tending to patients, she had received a kind text from Hunter that had wished her well on her first day back to work as a full-time nurse, along with his signature smiley face emoticon, and then she had gotten a text from Zero, and Jean, and her son Matthew and daughter Savannah. Her family was supporting her and she was going to be okay. “Thank you everyone. I love you,” she said in a whisper after viewing the messages of support.
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Post by NPC: Female on Aug 12, 2023 20:37:35 GMT -5
Jowston Hospital almost always smelled like medicine, and for Sage-Lynn this has been her reality for the last two months , when she was admitted here to be treated for an unknown illness that affected her ability to walk. She was well enough to attend school in Gradia as long as she used a wheelchair and in fact that was where she met Mitsuko’s son Matthew. Sage-Lynn had met Mitsuko when the angel was a part time night shift nurse and was put in charge of her care during the evening hours. Madame May was in charge of Sage-Lynn's care beforehand. As time went on the two bonded and when Mitsuko discovered the young girl’s love for reading she would buy Sage-Lynn a new book every month to keep nurturing her love of reading.
There was no doubt in her mind that this young girl must be feeling lonely while she lived here at this hospital so she was glad that she had books to transport her to many different worlds, and hear the comforting voices of the many authors that brought these stories to life. Eventually Sage-Lynn had received so many books in the two month period that it was suggested that they build her a mini library to keep all of her books safe and sound, and so that her hospital room wouldn’t feel like a hospital room. Enlisting the help of her son Matthew they had built Sage-Lynn that mini library and from then on Matthew began to spend a little more time with her outside of the classroom.
He was always so kind to her and was struck by her everlasting positive outlook on life. He found it admirable that she could pick herself back up and give herself that reminder that everything was going to be okay. Matthew encouraged her whenever he visited and when she was feeling down which did happen once in a while, he would tell her that everything is going to be okay as she has the best medical team helping her through this-- his mom was one of those people.
Sage-Lynn was deeply touched by Matthew’s kindness that butterflies in her heart began to stir. She was starting to develop a little crush on Matthew, but from what she knew about him from class, it was clear that Matthew wasn’t even sure about his own feelings about many things. It was very complex and complicated. So she figured that building a friendship with Mitsuko’s son and getting to know him better was important. Sage -Lynn was a striking redhead with green eyes and her determination matched the color of her hair. She was determined to get better. She was determined to become a pathologist when she got older and develop her green witch abilities even further as from a young age she was always drawn to nature, and animals, to the point that she could understand what they were saying. There was a lot she wanted to discover about herself, but that remained to be seen.
She was touched that Mitsuko kept her company often that when the angel had started her shift Sage-Lynn went to keep her company in her office once she shakily got into her wheelchair. When she entered the angel’s office she thanked her for keeping her company and gave her a hug. Since she became her nurse she didn’t feel as lonely as she did. Madame May was lovely, but there was something about Mitsuko that made Sage-Lynn feel loved and supported--some people just have a knack for making people the center of their worlds even if they were strangers. “Thank you Mitsuko.”
[OPEN]
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Post by Matthew on Aug 16, 2023 4:24:12 GMT -5
Matthew was awake late at night in his bed thinking about all sorts of things. School, homework, friends, bullies, and the topic that weighed on his mind the most- love. He had a conversation about this with his grandfather many weeks ago, but still… it plagued him and he was ready to come back into the conversation, but asking his mother about what she thought about the topic. So since he couldn’t get to sleep he decided to go see her directly at the hospital. Matthew understood that she had JUST started her shift but he needed her. His mom would never turn him away even if she was busy. Mitsuko was the kind of mom always available for her children-- morning, noon, night and beyond she was there. Just like his dad was.
Matthew always thought about things before he did anything-- sometimes it would be to the point where his peers and maybe even a few teachers would accuse him of being indecisive, but this was just who Matthew was. Careful. A thinker. Honest. Weighed in on his decisions with the possible consequences that came along with every decision. But he needed his mom and if him sneaking out got him in trouble when he showed up at his her work place, then he was willing to take that chance. Even if he ended up grounded it didn’t matter. He would take responsibility for his actions regardless of the outcome of what he was about to do.
Matthew knew that if he left the inn at this hour then his mom would drive them home after her shift was complete. She would never let him take two flights on the same night, as that will just tire himself and his wings out. Matthew was half angel yes. But he also was human and had physical limitations.
So before Matthew left home by sneaking out of a window, he packed a few things in his bag very quietly. His father had sharp hearing and if Zero heard some shuffling coming from his son’s bedroom Matthew knew that he would be checked up on if those sounds sounded a bit off, and a bit out of place, and that’s only if his father wasn’t in a deep sleep already. Once he was all packed up Matthew opened his bedroom window, removed the screen from it, put it on the floor-leaning it against a wall, threw his backpack out of the window, and then made his getaway. He summoned his wings and off he flew. Matthew did text his father during his journey the truth and apologized, but he explained to his father in the text message that he needed to see his mother and Matthew couldn’t talk to her about what was on his mind over the phone, and if he didn’t see his mother now he would have felt very stressed out and cranky. 'I'm sorry dad. I'll do some extra chores when I get back home I promise.' Matthew thought once he hit the send button on his phone.
After about two hours Matthew arrived at Jowston Hospital, de-summoned his wings, and headed to the reception desk. “Hi, I’m Matthew Cipher, I’m here to see my mom. She’s one of the nurses on duty.” The receptionist asked Matthew what his mother’s name was and he cleared his throat-embarrassed that he forgot that important detail. Even if his last name was recognizable, the receptionist still had to ask. “Oh I-I’m sorry. My mom’s name is Mitsuko Cipher." He blushed still so embarrassed. ‘Shit. How could I not just say her name when asking for her? It’s not like they will understand what I need if I’m too vague about WHO I want to see.. Jesus.. I mean there are many nurses on duty right now. ANYBODY can be my mother if I’m not specific.’
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Mitsuko
Citizen
Resident Angel
Posts: 172
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Post by Mitsuko on Aug 16, 2023 5:28:22 GMT -5
Mitsuko smiled at Sage-Lynn touched by her gratitude but the angel didn’t do nice things to get something in return. She just did things because it did her heart good and nourished her soul to be there for others. She had to set limits on how much she could do because she was getting older and her energy level wasn’t the same as it was when Mitsuko was in her teens to early twenties and before she had her children, but she still liked helping people. Her husband was helping her learn to say ‘NO’ to things if she was taking on too much, and while Mitsuko was trying her hardest bring in this healthy dynamic into her life she struggled.
In fact, she’d rather compromise and share what she could do to help instead of saying ‘NO’ flat out, because everyone needs help, and saying ‘NO’ just felt too harsh for her, but she understood that it was sometimes necessary to say no. Helping out children though? Mitsuko will always have a heart for. She couldn’t say no to that. She’d always offer to help a child in need.
As she embraced Sage-Lynn in a warm hug, Mitsuko had gotten a call on her office phone. “Oh one second Sage-Lynn.” She gently and slowly let her go, made sure Sage-Lynn was still safely seated in her wheelchair before breaking the hug completely and answering the phone. “Mitsuko Cipher, Pediatric unit.” She listened to the receptionist carefully. "What? My son is here? Yes of course please send him to my office. Thank you.” Concern shown in the mom’s eyes which then spread to her face. She took a deep breath to calm down the anxiety that rushed through her along with the racing thoughts of why her son would come to see her at this hour, while she was on duty. It wasn’t that she minded but this wasn’t normal.
Families know the patterns of their loved ones and Matthew would never show up at her workplace like this if he had anxiety with her not being at home-- Matthew did understand that she had to work. Mitsuko reminded herself that the best way to find out what was going on was to speak to her son. There was no point in making assumptions out of fear- but she was still a mom. Worry was part of being a mother.
When Matthew walked into her office he smiled at her and Sage-Lynn and he greeted his mother with a hug which she of course returned. “Matthew what’s the matter? Are you okay? Is everything alright at home?”
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Post by Matthew on Aug 16, 2023 6:02:03 GMT -5
Matthew broke the hug and reassured his mother. “Yeah everything is okay at home. And don’t worry I texted dad that I was on my way here, I know that he might be a little mad at me when we return home in the morning but I needed to talk to you mom. There’s something that has been on my mind for weeks now…” He took a seat next to Sage-Lynn and closed the gap between them so that the redhead didn’t feel alienated but included in the conversation. He truly didn’t mind that his classmate was going to be listening in. “I spoke to grandpa about my thoughts and worries about this a while ago, but I needed time and space to think about things. I’m sorry it took this long for me to come to you about this, and to let you in about the trouble I’m having, and I know you are on duty but I’m also hoping that you can make the time to talk to me about this. I’m ready now, well to share this part of it.” Matthew blushed a little bit still shy that he was finally ready to confide in his mother. He also felt bad that he’s going to her first instead of his dad but considering Mitsuko’s experience with love and relationships as a teenager, she was the right person to talk to first.
Matthew searched his mother’s blue eyes for her answer and he could tell that she always had the time for him but also needed to know how he got here with his own words. “Yes… I..I flew to see you. I’m sorry but this couldn’t wait until you came home. I explained to dad in the text that if I didn’t see you right now then I would be cranky and even more upset. And I don’t mind that you are on duty. If you have to leave periodically to check on other kids it’s okay mom. I’ll just keep Sage-Lynn company in between you stepping out of the office. Please mom. Please.”
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Mitsuko
Citizen
Resident Angel
Posts: 172
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Post by Mitsuko on Aug 16, 2023 7:59:02 GMT -5
Mitsuko smiled at her son and gently ran her hand through his blond hair and then kissed the top of his head. She had recalled a conversation she had with a colleague who is a psychologist and had once told Mitsuko that while it was absolutely okay and healthy to give children and teens their space for them to figure out their own thoughts and think about things and have the space to get to know themselves, but it was also important to invite them back in the shared space with their family so that they can talk about things. Give too much space and the child will feel like their parents don’t care about them and they will feel unheard and unseen. So it’s SO important to invite them to have a conversation and engage with them once they had their time alone--this was critical to their development and to build trust with their loved ones and feeling safe with them.
Keeping that conversation in mind Mitsuko nodded at her son and got up from her chair. She plugged the base of an electric kettle in a spare wall outlet and filled the kettle with water. She then attached it back to its base and pushed the button that turned it on. She then got out three cups and filled each of them with instant hot chocolate mix. When Mitsuko had visited her sister Syani they had tea together as they chatted about things and it had helped Mitsuko to feel better, so she wanted to do the same thing here with her son although not have tea, but hot chocolate.
Mitsuko was then called to step out of her office for a few minutes but asked her son to keep an eye on the kettle, but to also open up her office drawer and take out a notepad and a pen, so just in case if they were interrupted periodically Matthew could write down his thoughts and not forget what he was about to say. “I’ll be right back Sage-Lynn and Matthew. Please do what I asked of you honey okay? I would hate that if we got interrupted during our chat you could forget your train of thought. The notepad should be right when you first open the drawer and my pen should be on top of it.” The angel then stepped out of her office to take care of a patient who had called for her using the nurse call button. A few minutes later she returned to gather the supplies that she could see right in front of her-- disposable thermometer covers, gloves, and her sethoscope which she put around her neck and then out she went again. Her main focus at the moment was the sick patient in the next room, but she made sure to tell her son with her lips that she loved him once they made brief eye contact, she was still apologetic that she was very busy but she knew her son was patient with her.
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Post by Matthew on Aug 16, 2023 10:13:09 GMT -5
After Matthew’s mom had left to treat a sick patient he went to her office desk and opened up the drawer just as he was asked. In there he found not only a notepad and a pen but also a few health items. His blue eyes caught sight of a pregnancy test box, which looked to be brand new and unopened, some period supplies, and contraceptives. Truthfully Matthew understood why his mom would have those items in her office desk drawer. She was a Pediatric nurse, and had patients that were his age in addition to infants and school-aged children.
Matthew wasn’t worried about the other health items that he saw, but he was struck by the box of pregnancy tests. Was his mom worried about herself? He understood if kids his age needed them because the reality was teens were sexually active and did get themselves into situations where it did require a pregnancy test, and also in his mother’s profession she probably saw victims of sex crimes, so she had those tests to confirm a possible pregnancy so that it can help the victim and their families identify their next steps as well as work together with police or the bounty hunters on a case and other medical colleagues who specialize in this area.
Putting all possible logical reasons aside for now-- he did wonder if his mom was worried about a possible pregnancy. Did his mom become pregnant again? With the rate his dad and mom were going Matthew wouldn’t be surprised if his mom had concerns recently that she had to check herself every so often. ‘I mean she seemed fine at home… she wasn’t puking or behaving strangely or anything… but mom and dad HAVE been… ahem… at least I used to unintentionally hear them. Before dad installed his soundproofing foam in their bedroom.. Practice singing my ass. Yeah right dad… Mom’s got a new box of pregnancy tests! And I really shouldn’t be snooping. I should just take the notepad and pen, and forget about the rest.’ He then grabbed that notepad and pen and quickly closed the desk drawer shut. His face was red and concerned for his mother but he came here to get her advice, not to ask her questions that shouldn’t be asked. If she was pregnant then she will tell him and Savannah when the time was right.
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Post by NPC: Female on Aug 17, 2023 15:15:03 GMT -5
Sage-Lynn looked at her classmate and friend concerned. Even though Matthew had closed his mom’s desk drawer shut, he hadn’t moved away from it. It seemed to the redhead that he was lost in thought about something and worry was spread across his features. She was just about to ask if he was okay when she suddenly needed to use the bathroom- and with her in a wheelchair she needed assistance, and Mitsuko was tending to another patient at the moment. Sage-Lynn blushed but she got the courage to ask Matthew for his help. “Hey Matthew? Can you please take me to the bathroom? I need some help to get there and at the very least out of my chair. I’m not very steady when I stand. I know you need to talk to your mom so I can call for another nurse if that’s less of a burden.”
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Post by Matthew on Aug 17, 2023 15:19:23 GMT -5
Sage-Lynn’s voice brought Matthew out of his thoughts and worries and back to his reality. He took a deep breath to calm any anxiety that he might be feeling and then turned to face his friend smiling at her gently, kindly. Of course he needed to talk to his mother, but he also wanted to help out a friend who was in need, so helping Sage-Lynn was now his priority as his mom will most likely be busy with that patient for a little while longer. His mom always did give each patient she looked after quality care, just like she does with him, his sister, and heck even his bounty hunter father whenever he gets hurt on a mission.
Well, whenever he does have to go to Veyyard on a mission. Zero may work full-time as a remote bounty hunter so that he can always be there for his precious family, but with Matthew’s grandfather Jean being unable to do on- the-field bounty hunts because of his permanent injury, Zero and Hunter have been his boys to handle a few of those. And they each get a little bonus pay whenever they can do those as Jean does appreciate the extra helping hands so that’s the best way Matthew’s grandfather can say thank you to the young men who’s been with him from day one, especially to the man that’s a son to him. “Of course I’ll help you Sage-Lynn. I won’t leave you to alone with a nurse that you may not be familiar or comfortable with. So you are my priority right now. Mom will understand. And hey, by the time you’re all done mom may be back in her office waiting for us! So let’s get going!” Matthew then wheeled Sage-Lynn down to her room where a bathroom was located. He was very careful when he pushed her chair as he noticed that a lot of the hospital wheelchairs didn’t come with seatbelts attached to them, which was concerning to him. What if his friend fell out of the chair? Do the makers of these chairs care about people that can’t walk or people with disabilities, or sick in general?
He didn’t have an explosive anger but the very thought made his blood slightly boil. When they reached her bathroom he parked the wheelchair gently to the side and gave her his hand for her to hold on to. He could tell that she was a little afraid of falling before she even stood up from the chair so he encouraged her. “It’s okay to take my hand. Trust me. I won’t let go. I promise.” When Sage-Lynn took his hand he helped her reach the grab bars that were in the bathroom next to the toilet. “Well at least your bathroom is accessible. Are you okay now? I’ll be right outside. Call for me as soon as you are done okay?” Matthew made sure she was safe and then stepped out to give her privacy.
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Mitsuko
Citizen
Resident Angel
Posts: 172
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Post by Mitsuko on Aug 17, 2023 16:32:22 GMT -5
Mitsuko finally returned to her office after taking care of a sick patient and saw that the electric tea kettle had boiled the water, and the switch was automatically turned off when it was completed. She also noticed that Sage-Lynn and Matthew weren’t in her office but figured that her son was assisting his friend at the bathroom as that is what Matthew does for his grandfather Jean whenever he needs a shoulder for support while he walks to get to where he’s going. So while she waited for them to return, she began to pour the boiled water into the three cups that contained the hot chocolate mix and stirred each of them, and then brought out a big bag of marshmallows and smiled. She recalled a memory where she had hot chocolate with a little girl many years ago. It was then that she showed this girl that the angel can transform the marshmallows into edible marshmallows that flew into the hot chocolate.
The angel wondered if she could still do it so she took a few marshmallows out of its packaging, concentrated on them and turned them all into dancing angels. One by one they each flew in their respective cups. Something that Matthew and Sage-Lynn caught sight of when they returned. “Well, I’m happy I can still do this cute little thing hahaha.” She caught her son’s reflection in a nearby mirror. "Oh! Son. I didn’t see you there. Is everything alright? How are you Sage-Lynn?” The two kids nodded in astonishment. “ You know I don’t know why I don’t use my angelic abilities for the fun cute stuff once in a while.. I guess being a working adult can make it hard for the fun stuff.. Umm..” She blushed a little at how Sage-Lynn and her son were still staring at her. “Please get comfortable you two. I have a bit of free time to start having the conversation you needed. And here are your hot chocolates. Please be careful it’s hot.”
She handed their cups to them and then she began. “Oh right. Before I forget Matthew I want to talk to you about your watch. I’m sorry I didn’t get to before because I’ve been so busy lately.” Mitsuko giggled when she saw her son tapping on to the glass of his watch curiously. “You probably understand by now that we live in a supernatural world and there are a lot of magical items out there. A lot of it can’t be explained but they are useful. About a month ago I was reading some books at Gradia Archives. I wasn’t feeling well that night so I left your father a note, took my car and went to go get my mind off a few things. Well I was reading this fantasy book that had witches in them.“ She was interrupted by her son when he said happily: “Like aunt Syani?!” Mitsuko laughed. “Your aunt Syani is much more special then these fictional witches, however in the story it introduced me to a magical item that I found interesting. It was called the Witches Glass. From what I understood, the Witches Glass is a magical item enchanted with magic that allows a witch to have a window of all the areas of the world or location that they reside in. They sometimes use it to keep an eye on things, on people that they are quite cautious about. So it gave me an idea. What if I created an Angel’s Glass? My version of that same item, but without the checking the world part. Honestly I would get overwhelmed if I saw too much.” Mitsuko tilted her head slightly to the side deep in her thoughts, and then straightened herself out again.
She paused for a second to give her son a chance to digest the information. “A-anyway, your watches, and your sister's bracelet have a special function. You can use it to communicate with any member of the Cipher family- especially when cellphones are not working, or if there are supernatural energies that affect technology. So, let’s say Matthew you get in a situation but your cell phone is not within your reach. I want you when you are in trouble to tap this button right here. This is a distress call button. It will connect you to both your father and me at the same time and once pushed we will have your location and know that you are in an emergency situation needing help. This doesn’t mean that our other family members shouldn’t try calling or texting us, but with you and your sister and even your own dad I need you three to stay safe and well.” Mitsuko was always worried about her family so they wanted all of them to stay connected.
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Post by Matthew on Aug 19, 2023 9:17:29 GMT -5
Matthew listened intently as his mother explained the angel glass magical item she created. It was easy enough to understand how to use, but how she came up with the idea in the first place sounded a bit complicated, which is why he appreciates books! He doesn’t read all that often as he prefers to capture stories through taking pictures, but he admires people that do make time to read and nurture their minds. Mitsuko got her creativity from drawing pictures, and and making time to read a novel, Matthew on the other hand was creative but through the use of his camera lens-- and it helped him see the world on a wider scale--- beyond the countryside of Sougen.
Since he was still underage and couldn’t travel beyond the domain, he had to start with capturing photos of the supernatural world of where he lived first. Then a random thought came to him. He decided to ask his mom about the sisterhood she and his aunt Syani share, as he also was curious about friendship. Ever since he was five, his peers had sniffed out that Matthew was a little different from them and the relationship with his parents were a bit foreign to them.
Peers his age had a lot of problems with their parents, and as teenagers it was a bit triggering to them because they didn’t have the same sense of freedom that Matthew had, so whenever they saw him, they picked on him. His peers were also struck at how Matthew could just talk to his parents about anything on his mind, and they wouldn’t belittle or make him feel bad about himself or the topic he opened up about. His parents also gave him healthy amount of space so if he didn’t feel ready to talk about something they didn’t push, but at the same time they invited him back in a shared space so that they could talk. They were always available for their children. That made Matthew feel very cared about by his family. The same couldn’t be said about his peers though. So Matthew wanted to hear the story about his mom and aunt Syani, because there was always something to learn, even if his mom wasn’t a teenager anymore she WAS a teenager at one point in time.
“Hey mom? I know that this is a bit off topic but how did you and aunt Syani become friends? You two aren’t blood related which doesn’t matter I know but I’m curious to how you two developed your friendship.” Matthew really loved his aunt Syani. And by the way Syani looked at Matthew whenever she saw and spent time with him, she adored him too.
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Mitsuko
Citizen
Resident Angel
Posts: 172
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Post by Mitsuko on Aug 19, 2023 9:29:06 GMT -5
Mitsuko smiled at her son’s question because his question also told her that it wasn’t just curiosity that he had, but it was his way of opening up to her about a problem that he was facing or could potentially run into down the road. She closed her eyes as a way to gather her thoughts and then opened her eyes and looked at her son and Sage-Lynn. “Your aunt Syani and I went to high school together many, many years ago! But we didn’t know each other too well. Most often, it would be just a polite, quick conversation and off we went our separate ways. I think the friendship-- or what I would like to call our sisterhood developed over time. We both don’t know HOW it happened, just that it did. In fact, your aunt Syani was the first person I talked to about your father. She and I had a very different relationship at the time, so I wasn’t affectionately known to her as Mi-Nee yet.” Mitsuko laughed.
“Wow. I even still remember where that conversation. It was at Justice Peak.” Matthew chimed in almost in shock his voice cracking a bit. “The prison?! THE scary ass prison? What were you two doing there striking a casual conversation on a mountain where criminals live?” Mitsuko laughed harder her hand resting on her cheek. “Honestly son, I don’t know her reason for being there. All these years later and I STILL haven’t asked. All I remember is that we started chatting about a number of things and I spoke to her about your father. About how memories of him were starting to come back to me in pieces bit by bit. It was frustrating to remember his face but no name to go with the image. I figured talking to someone about it and having them listen without judgment would help me remember.” Mitsuko then took a drink of her hot chocolate to calm her laughter, or else she will have a laughing fit.
Matthew stressing certain words to get his point across was what caused this laughter. Her son, her boy was super special and she could see why. If she had to pick one good thing that came from being with Zero it would be their children. Her firstborn son however was how they started this crazy, busy journey of parenthood. And Matthew was growing up beautifully even when there are times where a little dysfunction hit their family here and there.
After Mitsuko calmed down she continued. “I like to describe the sisterhood that I have with your aunt as one where we don’t have to speak often to feel and stay connected. It’s one where we just ebb and flow with each other. Ebbing to us means giving each other space like a tide as we and grow our families and nurture our marriages, but flowing means we talk very often. Maybe every week even. Right now, your aunt Syani and I are in the flow which means I do hear from her, and she hears from me.” Mitsuko smiled. “Oh but I don’t want you to worry about how this affects you and your cousin Siofra. Whenever you want to reach out to your aunt you are free to do so no matter what. Your aunt always loves hearing from you son. And I want you to remember this saying because I think it’s very comforting even when it’s hard to believe. Some people come into your life for a reason, season, or lifetime. Can you guess which one your aunt falls under?” Matthew answered. “All three?” Mitsuko nodded her head yes.
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Post by Matthew on Aug 19, 2023 14:23:38 GMT -5
Matthew smiled. He thinks he now understands the concept of friendship much better by the way his mom explained hers with his aunt. But for him to understand it better Matthew will have to build his friendships overtime. There was no rush. Matthew will meet people who will like him and accept him for who he is. He just had to stay true to himself. What Matthew didn’t realize yet however was that he had a friend who liked him for who he was, and she was sitting next to him. Sage-Lynn. Matthew enjoyed the conversation he was having with his mother-- she was so open, and honest about her experiences about that time in her life.
Eventually, Mitsuko received a knock on her office door and it was an asshole of a boss. Mitsuko and her supervisor spoke outside where she got a request to travel to Justice Peak in the next couple of days to take a look at and provide patient care to the juvenile criminals that resided in the domain's notorious prison. The color was drained from his mother’s face when she came back into her office and made her way to the office telephone. His sharp sense of hearing picked up on the sounds of her tapping on the telephone's dial pad calling his dad’s number. Maybe it was his ability with numbers which he inherited from his father. HOW Matthew was able to tell that she was calling his dad, he couldn’t explain it. He just knew.
And he listened to their telephone conversation.
”Hello Zero? I’m so sorry did I wake you? Or are you busy?”
”Miki? No, sweetheart you aren’t interrupting me. What’s the matter? Are you okay?” His father’s voice was always so gentle towards his mother. Well, as of lately it had been gentler.
“My supervisor just stopped by my office. He assigned me and a few other nurses to provide in-patient care to the juvenile prisoners that reside at Justice Peak. I’m so sorry I should clarify: meaning patients that are teens but have committed terrible crimes that caused them to be sentenced there. I provide care to teens too.”
“What?! Is he crazy? He’s fucking losing his mind by sending you there. I would think that Justice Peak would have their own nurses assigned there or at least a whole team. Listen to me honey, can you like refuse the assignment? I know that’s asking a lot from you, because you are such a generous and kind person even to people who have done terrible things and that's one of the many things that I love about you… but…” Matthew could tell from his father’s voice that the thought of his mom going there terrified him.
“Zero.. I…the thought of me not providing inpatient care would weigh heavily on me. You are right about that. I’m just not sure what I should do about the situation.. I was at Justice Peak once years ago where I bumped into Syani. At the end of our conversation she teleported us out of there with her magic. I’m sure there is a way to exit once I do get inside, but I don’t know any teleportation magic. And I can’t just fly out of there. If I do decide to go I can’t even take my car. My car tires are not made for that kind of terrain so I would just be asking for my death. I’m not an immortal angel that we read about in religious texts. I’m part human. I can die. But if I don’t go…”
Matthew could feel his mother’s and father’s hearts speeding up rapidly and he could tell that his dad was growing more and more concerned by the minute. Their son was attuned to their emotions so he could feel when they were afraid, sad, angry.. Even he was growing concerned too.
“Peach… the thought of you going missing up there terrifies me. It terrifies me to hell. I’ve already lost you once before, do you think I’m dumb enough to let that happen again? I don’t like this assignment. If you HAVE to go… then I’m taking you. My motorcycle can handle the terrain up there. I’ll get Hunter to help too with your medical supplies. But you must promise me something understand?” Matthew’s father’s voice turned very serious. “You need to come back to me alive. Got it? If you don’t come back to me alive then I am holding your boss responsible, and he’ll have to deal with me. And he'll be staring at the end of the barrel of my gun. IF we run into some bad luck then this is my promise to you. I’ll find you. I won’t give up until you are back home with our family. I will. Find. You.”
After his parents said their I love yous Matthew’s mom and dad ended their call, his mom slowly and gently put down the receiver clicking it back in place on the phone. “Mom? It will be okay. When dad makes a promise he keeps it. And if something does happen to you, aunt Syani will come running too And she will 100 percent go bat-shit crazy if something happened to you. She knows that place. I still don’t understand why you two would casually hang out up there but since she’s been up there already then her teleportation magic will be much more accurate. I heard teleportation magic is one of the most difficult spells for witches, because if they haven’t been to a place before they can be teleported somewhere else in the area right?”
Matthew tilts his head. This whole witch spell magic thing was flying over his head, but that is what he understands about teleportation magic. He could be ALL wrong, but he’s got to start somewhere if he wants to understand his aunt better and who she is. Aunt Syani was one of the best witches in the whole universe and he’s glad that she’s his aunt. “If it will help mom why don’t we text her? Oh! We could call her? No.. it’s late. Well…..” He pouted. “That’s a mega bummer.”
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Post by Syani on Aug 19, 2023 18:27:16 GMT -5
By pure magical timing, Mitsuko's cellphone dinged from an incoming message just after Matthew's suggestion. It was a message with a short video in the attachment.
In the video is a recording of both Syani and Siofra, seeming to be in their pajamas, sitting comfortably on a bench inside their home. Their hair is frayed, as if they had just woken up from bed. They appear to be sharing a cup of ice cream together.
The video seems to be recorded by Kaekeru, who questioned if they're having a fun girls party. Siofra answered with a smile that it's ice cream time, while Syani said she likes the bench they're sitting on.
Under the short video is a caption written by Syani; 'Siofra had a nightmare. We're eating ice cream now! Make sure to eat ice cream if you have nightmares! Love you!'
She has absolutely no idea what is going in with Mitsuko's life at this very moment, but the small message was her way of support through pure coincidence.
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