Malachi and I

“They said we were free and then they took that freedom away. We are either free or we are not. That is what my father says. That’s why we’ve decided to go back to Japan.”

“Kiku!”

She bit back tears. “They hate us, Kosuke! They will always hate us. Danny ran because he hated them too and didn’t want to do anything bad. It’s not his fault, it’s their fault. The war is over but Japs won’t be welcomed back, that’s what my dad s

aid so we have to go. Tell your dad to—”

“He won’t go,” Kosuke said softly. “He says he fought for this country, and he believes in it.”

“He couldn’t.” It wasn’t Kikuko who spoke but her father who came outside of the house and placed a scarf over her neck as he stood beside his daughter.

“You’re going to Japan, Mr. Sato.” Kosuke nodded to him.

“We are.” He put his arm around Kikuko. “And your father is wrong to make you stay here. Your life will be harder here. This country took your sister and your brother. He doesn’t owe it anymore.”

“It’s not debt.” Mr. Yamauchi stepped up beside his son and placed his hands on his head. “It’s loyalty. Just because they have wronged me does not mean I should give up on the belief I have in this country.”

“Fine.” Mr. Sato stepped down and stood in front of him. “You stick with that belief but at the very least send Kosuke. We’ll watch—”

“No.” Mr. Yamauchi offered a kind smile. “Thank you. But my wife and I need our son. They are giving those of us who want to go back home twenty-five dollars and a train ticket. If you ever return we’ll be heading to Irvine, California. A friend of mine says he can get me a job there.”

“What?” Kikuko looked up at him. “When do you go?”

He patted her head. “First train tomorrow. Why don’t you go say goodbye to everyone with him while your father and I talk?”

“Okay.” She frowned as she took Kosuke’s hand, and without a word to anyone, he led her away.

“Don’t be sad. When we’re older we’ll get to live together wherever we want,” Kosuke tried to sound happy but his voice cracked.

“Why would I live with you?” Kikuko stuck out her tongue.

“Because I’m going to marry you,” he said to her and Kikuko looked at him, her eyes wide before she laughed. “I’m being serious. Don’t laugh.”

“But what if I don’t want to marry you?”

“Fine.” He prepared to walk away but she jumped on his back. He didn’t say anything but carried her as they walked.

“I don’t want to leave her here,” Kikuko whispered softly. “But Dad said we can’t move the dead.”

“Yeah,” Kosuke replied letting her down as they both clasped their hand and bowed their heads. “Danny. Sarah. Goodbye for now.”

“Toshirô. Takeshi. Tsutomu. Goodbye for now.”

Kosuke looked to her. “What about your mom?”

“My mom never leaves me.” She smiled. “She sent Toshirô, Takeshi, and Tsutomu off but she’s going to be watching out for Tomi, Dad and me. She heard you say you are going to marry me.”

“And she’s happy about it. I’m the best guy.” He turned around for her to get on his back and she climbed on but didn’t reply. “You’re supposed to agree, Kiku.”

She snored.

“Kiku?”

She snored louder.

“You’re kinda heavy. Like a piggy.”

“Hey! Take it back.”