The pain would become a companion for the next couple of weeks. He knew it. But unlike before, he didn't panic. He just accepted his fate.
He looked at his phone.
There was a message from Ishikawa: Uncle and Aunty arrived safely?
Hiro smiled. Yes. Mom brought food and started dissing the hospital food. As for Dad, he looked completely fine.
Sumire replied almost instantly: That's very much like Uncle.
Hiro laughed. You've only met him once.
Once was enough. He's terrifying, but I respect him.
Terrifying?
He looks like a yakuza boss who retired to raise a child.
Hiro laughed again—a real, full laugh that echoed in the quiet room. He hadn't laughed like that in days.
He couldn't help but recall his father's face. Except for his gaze that's somewhat intimidating to look at, there are no other features that make him look like a Yakuza. Hence, he couldn't help but attempt to picture him as a Yakuza.
