Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Differences ❯ Prelude to Mourning Hiroki: In the Line of Duty ( Chapter 2 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Differences




Diff erences
Chapter 2: Prelude to Mourning Hiroki (In the Line of Duty)
[AN: I started out to only write a second part depicting Hiroki
Hida's funeral. Then I realized that Hiroki Hida's death was the defining
moment for Cody Hida's character as he appears in the 02 series, the event that
establishes certain of his personality traits and secured others. Next I
realized that, rather than simply referring to such powerful trauma as Cody
stood graveside, it would be more effective to show it as it happened to him. I
think it turned out to be devastatingly effective. Hiroki's funeral will now be
chapter three. -- BM]
:

There's nothing that says fate must wait to teach people lessons
until they are old enough. Young Cody Hida had always liked learning lessons,
even those that older people first thought he was simply to young to master.
More often than not, little Cody was a surprisingly fast and capable learner. At
the seemingly reasonable age of six Cody was unknowingly fated to
learn the lesson titled "Life Can Be Unfair." Many children
Cody's age learned the same lesson by not getting their choice of dessert after
dinner or permission to keep pets, but for him the
reasonable lesson took an unreasonably severe form. Cody Hida learned that life
could be unfair when his mother had to tell him that his father was dead. Nor
was Cody spared the meaning of this lesson by childish ignorance. He wasn't a
baby, after all. Dead meant "gone forever". Cody certainly knew what
"gone" meant, and children had a stronger sense of "forever"
than grown-ups kept. He remembered each moment of that terrible lesson
vividly --

One night he was taken from his bed before he was
even completely awake and bundled over to the neighborly Inoue apartment for safe keeping.
Mom had to go with other policemen to see Dad really fast. He needed to be a
good boy and go back to sleep and she would say hello to Dad for him. Mrs. Inoue
made Cody comfortable on their couch. She did not make ten year-old Yolei go
back to bed with the rest of the family stirred by Cody's arrival. Instead,
she told the boy that the girl could sit up with him if he promised to drink a
nice, warm cup of milk with her. He politely accepted and downed the offered
beverage. Yolei was good company, though she looked worried about something.
Soon enough she chattered away like she always did. The sight of her
familiar face, added to the sound of her familiar voice, helped Cody drift
back into sleep.

The next morning it wasn't the sun that awakened Cody from
his bed as usual. The sound of a grown-up woman sobbing roused him from the
Inoue couch. He knelt on the couch and peered over its back into the Inoue
kitchen. His Mom, still wearing her coat, cried at their kitchen table. Cody scrambled off the couch and raced to her. He
didn't even noticed Mrs. Inoue embracing Yolei as he moved past them to his Mom. Yolei instantly
hugged him. Cody thought she was just trying to greet him affectionately, and
squirmed away from her. He never took his eyes off his mother, so he didn't
see that Yolei's face was very white and she was crying too. Seeing Cody brought
fresh sobs from Mrs. Hida. Finding her this sad had made the boy's
own bottom lip quiver, had he done something wrong? Cody's Mom lifted him up
into her lap and held him for a time while she cried. He asked her shakily,
"Mom what's the matter? Please tell me."

His Mom didn't answer right away. She looked at Mrs.
Inoue, who nodded and guided Yolei to another room. Mrs. Hida composed herself as best she could for what she said next.
She looked at
Cody, took a deep breath and began. "Cody last night while Dad was doing his job as a policeman some ... some
very bad men they ... they hurt Dad very badly ... so badly that even the very
best doctors couldn't make him better. Sweetheart, because Dad hurt so much and
so badly he just couldn't stay in his body anymore, so he died. He went to be
with Grandma Hida. Now Dad doesn't hurt anymore. No one can hurt your Dad ever
again Cody. But ... that means he can't be here with us like we want him to be
... like he wanted to be ... Your Dad loved you so much. He'll always be with
you in spirit. But ... in person he's gone. I'm so sorry honey. I'm so sorry.

Cody had started sobbing when his Mom had said his Dad had been
hurt, and trying to listen to her tell him everything had been the only thing
holding him back. When she finished he screamed, and the scream became a series
of terrible, loud wails. Cody wasn't thinking of the future: not the promised kendo
lessons, all the school days and graduations, or the lifetime of other moments
that would be lost. The little boy who shook in his mother's arms mourned the
moment. In that moment he just wanted his Dad. Cody broke free of his Mom, only to ball up on the floor.
He wanted to be strong for his Mom and be as brave as his Dad was ... had been.
Cody couldn't do it, simply couldn't gain control, and this frightened Cody
almost more than what his Mom had just
told him. His breathing became ragged and he was inconsolably shuddering and thrashing
out, trying to physically compel himself into his usual reserve.

What stopped Minako Hida from crying was the fact that her son could not.
More of the Inoue family awakened, and learned the terrible news.
Minako decided she had to get Cody home. Mrs. Inoue insisted on coming with her
because Minako didn't need to be alone. The women thought it best to securely
wrap Cody in a blanket to calm him down and keep him
from hurting himself. Yolei had dressed quickly and offered to help with Cody.
Mrs. Inoue agreed because she had to help Mrs. Hida make phone calls and
other difficult arrangements. Someone else would have to watch the
boy. The four of them made the short trip over to the Hida apartment quickly.
The women put the still restrained Cody gently into his own bed and told Yolei just to watch him,
a vigil she dutifully kept as his wails became sobs, sobs became whimpers,
whimpers became sighs, and his sighs became
silence.

Later Cody awoke. He stirred and struggled
against the blanket that encased him, but he didn't have any strength left.
Gentle and familiar hands quickly loosened the wrapped layers around him and
pulled him up into a sitting position on his bed. Cody had to blink his vision
clear before recognizing Yolei as his liberator. She sat down next to him and
put her arms around him. She smiled weakly at him, though she had meant to do
better. She said quietly, "It's good to see you awake Cody."
The boy found the statement odd. Why shouldn't he be awake? The light coming
through the bedroom window clearly indicated it was past midday now. Why was
Yolei dressed while he was still in his pajamas from bedtime? That was
embarrassing. Why weren't they both in school today? He was a first grader now,
and Yolei's fifth grade was in the same building. The morning routine of the
Hida household was clear. Mom stayed home while he went to school and Dad ...
was dead. Cody recalled the events of the early morning. His Dad was dead, that
would be the way of things now. Cody's eyes felt hot and stinging streams
escaped them again, but he made no sound.

Yolei watched her little friend as he puzzled all this out and
finally put the darkest pieces back into place. When his tears came again she
held him tighter. She guessed it was good that he let himself cry again , even
if he insisted on being so quiet about it. There had been a time when Yolei had
believed she could protect Cody ... her Cody, from anything. But she hadn't been
ready for this, and the fact that no one had, or could have been was little
consolation to her. She'd liked Mr. Hida a lot, such a nice man and a great dad.
What's more the man had been her friend and not just someone her parents knew.
She'd miss Mr. Hida badly. The man had told her several times how grateful he
was that she watched out for Cody. Imagine a grown-up police officer thanking a
young girl for protecting his son, but that's just the kind of guy Mr. Hida ...
had been. She resolved that she would be dedicated to giving Cody at least some
of the happiness she knew Mr. Hida wanted for the little boy. Even if it turned
out to be just the tiniest fraction of that happiness it would be worth it to
her. She loved Cody, and besides it would be her own special tribute to the man
who had been her friend. She'd start right away but carefully. She realized at
the beginning of this mission that she'd always have to give Cody time to be sad
if he felt that way, she would draw him toward happiness as soon as the sadness
gave her a chance. She looked down at him and saw that he had stopped crying and
was just holding on to her. This was her chance. The little guy had to be
starving. Food would make him feel better. "Cody, I bet you're hungry. You
know it's past lunchtime and you haven't even had any breakfast yet. My Mom
fixed some great soup for your Mom, and there's plenty left. It's really good so
would you like a big bowl?"

In response Cody, who was very hungry, mouthed the words
"Yes, Yolei, thank you very much." His eyes widened with
surprise when he realized that, though he had said the words, he hadn't made any
sound. He scowled at himself and tried again, "Yes, Yolei, thank you very
much." When speaking produced no sound again the boy's eyes widened
in fear. Yolei didn't know what to make of this, and took her best guess.

"Come on Cody. If you're trying to politely let me know
you'd like something other than Mom's soup, that's OK, you can tell
me."

The little boy, already scared, now feared that he would not be
able to make his older friend understand. He desperately made eye contact with
her, and seized her hand as hard as he could. Cody brought Yolei's hand up to
his own throat. Shaking his head from side to side vigorously, he mouthed the
words, "No sound, Yolei!" over and over again. His eyes begged her to
understand. Yolei's coaxing expression faded quickly with realization and
concern.

"Oh Cody. Oh Cody!" she understood. "I'll get you help." She raced out of Cody's bedroom, and down the hall to
the Hida living room, where her Mom and Mrs. Hida sat waiting for Cody's Grandpa
Hida. Subtlety had never been one of the girl's strong points, and she had no
time for it now. "Cody's awake but I don't think he can talk
anymore!"

It seemed like Mrs. Hida was instantly at her son's room. Seeing
him mouthing the words "Mom, I'm sorry." and struggling vainly to give
them voice as he saw her in his doorway was almost more than the already grieved
woman could bear. Still, if it took every last ounce of strength she had left,
she would not let her own grief and fear weigh on her son now. She would be the
grieving widow later, it was time to be the concerned Mom. She made sure that's
how she looked and sounded to Cody. She came over and hugged him firmly, then
looked him at him squarely saying, "Cody, I understand something's wrong,
don't strain yourself trying anymore. Is your throat sore?" He shook his
head no. "Open up and let me have a look." The boy obeyed and opened
up his mouth wide. Nothing looked inflamed. She checked his forehead and found
no fever. "I need to have a doctor look at you Cody." she told him
truthfully. He silently winced and his mother saw the defeated look Cody only
used when he had disappointed himself. She hugged him again, "Cody don't
blame yourself, this obviously isn't your fault." The woman thought of
something more seriously and added very carefully, "You know that none
of this is your fault. Cody it's really important to me that you know that,
OK." He looked at her and knew what she meant. He nodded. She held him
close and rocked him, relieved. She got up, allowing him to stay sitting up in
bed. "I'm just going into the other room to call the doctor. I'll send
Yolei back in here with you. Oh, and Grandpa Hida will be here soon
too."

Cody looked up, concerned. Grandpa Hida had
to be formally received in the house. It was a custom of respect that Dad always
observed. Grandpa Hida had told the boy many stories about great warrior
families where the role of a slain father always fell to the oldest son. Cody
realized he was now the "man" of the Hida household, it would be his
responsibility to observe such customs now. He had to get up and get dressed,
the doctor would have to wait. He threw his cover off and was about to climb out
of bed when his mother stopped him. "No Cody. I think I know what you want
to do, but I want you to stay in bed as you are until I can get you checked out,
I'm sorry but that's final. Grandpa will understand." Cody obediently
stayed in bed. His Mom started out the bedroom door, and met Yolei coming in
with a large bowl of soup on a tray.

"This is for Cody." the girl explained.

"Thank you Yolei. I'm sure he needs it. Please stay here
and make sure he doesn't move from his bed while I see about a doctor for
him." said Mrs. Hida gratefully.

"Don't worry," Yolei confided to her, "I'm going
to make him eat every bite of this so he'll be too stuffed to move." The
young girl was serious, but the humor of her statement touched the troubled
woman greatly.

Mrs. Inoue was already on the phone with a pediatrician she knew
would make a house call if necessary. Hanging up, she told Minako not to trouble
herself because a very capable doctor was on the way. Minako was very
grateful for this kindness and all the help the Inoues were providing today.
Trying to express her thanks, she lost all the composure she'd mustered for
Cody's sake and broke down again. Mrs. Inoue guided Minako to the couch and sat
with her until someone knocked at the apartment door. Both women knew it was too
soon to be the doctor. It had to be the senior Mr. Hida. Minako moved to get up
and answer the door, but Mrs. Inoue was up first. "Sit and rest Minako. I
can see him inside." Mrs. Inoue opened up the apartment door and saw
Hiroki's father. The older man, while concerned to see someone other than
his daughter-in-law answer the door, greeted her.

"I'm Mr. Hida, Hiroki's father. I've come to be with his
family."

Mrs. Inoue greeted him by explaining who she was and expressing
great sympathy for his loss. Then she ushered him in to Minako. His
daughter-in-law stood to greet him. The elder Mr. Hida was not a tall man, but
age had not diminished his physical presence. He often described himself to his
grandson as "spry". Mr. Hida embraced Minako, and he maintained his
hold as he helped her sit back down on the couch. It was a sad thing to outlive
one's child, but the older man knew that Hiroki had belonged more to his own
wife and child than to him for some time. Their loss was greater today. He
comforted his son's widow. "Daughter, you were my son's strength and
love, your son was his joy and light. Let me be your strength now and lighten
your burdens in this time of sorrow. Please tell me everything that has happened
and everything that still needs to be done. I'm glad to know that my son's
family has such friends in their neighbors, but I can tell there are things you
have held back in grief. Let them be my burdens now, and take nothing more upon
yourself today."

Minako Hida related everything to her father-in-law in private,
finally finding someone close enough and strong enough to share the most
wrenching details with. She held nothing back about the last night or this day:
Hiroki's rare night duty, the late night phone call, taking Cody to the Inoues',
the ride to the hospital, the unsuccessful attempt to save Hiroki, the necessity
of identifying the body, and the sketchiest of details surrounding the shooting
itself because Hiroki's assignment had been some kind of diplomatic security.
She continued with the events of the day: returning to the apartment building,
having to tell Cody, how badly the boy took the news, coming home, dealing with
calls from police officials, initial funeral arrangements, and finally Cody's
sudden loss of speech and requiring the boy to remain in bed until a doctor
arrived. Letting go of these things, much less explaining them took both time
and effort. Minako was clearly exhausted when finished.

Mr. Hida told her. "It is wise that you kept Cody at rest
daughter, and I think it will be even wiser if you got some rest now
yourself." She objected, saying she couldn't possibly rest until she was
more sure of Cody's condition. The older man insisted. "Until the doctor
who is coming has seen Cody there is little else to do. You will want to be at
your best when the doctor has something to tell you, for that you need rest
too." He turned to Mrs. Inoue. "Please see her to her room, while I
see my grandson." The sensible Mrs. Inoue took charge of Minako,
who reluctantly agreed because she was so very tired.

Mr. Hida made his way to Cody's room. The door was slightly ajar
and he could see a young girl fussing over his grandson, who was just finishing
a meal she had obviously prepared. So this was Cody's friend Yolei Inoue. The
elder knocked on the boy's door as he swung it open. "Greetings, my
grandson. I see they are treating you well." Cody's eyes lit up for
the first time that day. The fact that he only mouthed a shout of
"Grandpa!" was proof enough that he couldn't speak. Yolei barely had
time to move the lunch tray before Cody bounded out of his bed. The boy was
about to rush to the older man when he stopped himself. He could still receive
his Grandpa into his room. Of course Cody realized he was still in his pajamas,
and for now he couldn't talk. His reception wouldn't be ideal, but it was the
best he could offer today. Cody put his feet together and arms at his side. The
boy looked at his Grandpa and bowed as deeply as he could while still standing,
then gestured the man in. Yolei noted that Cody's grandfather did not cross the
threshold of the room until Cody finished. Circumstances may have made such
formality unnecessary today, but the older Mr. Hida let the boy have the moment.
Grandpa Hida stepped into the room and returned the boy's bow. "Thank you
Cody. I am most honored by your greeting." With that he let the boy
fall into his arms, and held him.

Yolei decided to make herself scarce and let Cody be with his
Grandpa. She made her exit saying, "Excuse me while I clear this tray
away."

"Thank you child, you are most kind." offered Cody's
Grandpa.

Yolei decided as long as she was clearing dishes away she could
wash them as well just to be helpful. She was just about to get started when the
Hida's doorbell rang. The girl called out quickly "I'll get it!" She
went to the door and a moment later she called out "It's Dr. Kusho here for
Cody!"

The pediatrician, Dr. Kusho, examined Cody in the presence of
his mother inside the boy's room while Grandpa Hida and the two Inoues waited
back in the living room. When the doctor was finished he and Mrs. Hida joined
the others, Yolei noticed Cody's Mom looked only slightly more relieved. Minako
let Dr. Kusho explain things.

"First of all," the doctor began, "My condolences
to everyone on the death in the family. The good news here is that Cody appears
to be physically healthy. All his vital signs are normal and stable. His
condition causes him no pain."

"Condition?" Yolei wondered. "I thought you said
Cody was OK?"

Dr. Kusho clarified. "Physically he's in no immediate
danger, but there is a reason he can't talk."

Grandpa Hida spoke up. "Just what is that reason
doctor?"

The doctor continued. "Yes, of course sir, I'm getting to
that now. Cody's vocal chords are paralyzed, temporarily I'm sure. I would say
this paralysis is an extreme manifestation of sympathetic shock in reaction to
the news about his father."

Mrs. Hida looked pitifully at Grandpa Hida. "I swear I told
him as gently as I thought I could. I almost wish I didn't tell him ... but I
had to."

"Daughter of course you did, and no one else could have.
Neither you nor Cody could have predicted this reaction, so don't blame
yourself." When the older man had consoled her he continued with the
doctor. "You say this paralysis is temporary? How long will it last?"

Dr. Kusho clarified again, "I said I believe it's temporary
sir. It's clear the shock has impacted on an involuntary level. It's a physical
sign of a coping mechanism -- he had to lose something too or shut down
completely, so he's lost the ability to speak but otherwise functions normally.
As soon as Cody can voluntarily begin to handle the impact of his father's
death, he should regain the ability to speak. I'd like to do a series of tests
at the hospital, but Cody has indicated his refusal to go, and Mrs. Hida has
sided with him."

Minako explained, "Cody wants to be here with me now, and
he normally hates to have people fuss over him. As long as he's not in physical
harm I won't make him go through that away from home."

Grandpa Hida nodded. "My grandson may have lost his speech
for now, but he knows his own mind. We'll keep a close eye on him though, if his
voice does not return soon we will bring him in for the tests you
recommend."

Dr. Kusho sighed. "Very well. However, I think it's
important that no one press Cody to speak before he's ready. Keep him home from
school, and keep him resting today, but afterwards it shouldn't be necessary to
keep him in bed."

"Yes doctor." Minako agreed.

"Good. I'll be in touch to see how he does. Again, my
condolences to you all." With that, Dr. Kusho left.

Mrs. Inoue indicated that her other children would be returning
from school, so she and Yolei would be leaving to give the Hidas time to
themselves. She added that if their help was needed again at any time they would
only be a phone call away. Yolei said their goodbyes to Cody, promising him to
see him soon and lovingly ordering him to feel better soon. The Inoues headed
home with the Hidas many thanks.

Mr. Hida insisted he could settle himself into the apartment's
small guest room himself. This left Minako free to be with Cody. He was still
dutifully in bed and no longer flustered by the disruption of medical attention.
Cody was paging through a set of his beginner storybooks, he would be an
excellent reader. Minako came and sat down beside him, so he put his book
down. She spoke to him gently "Cody I want to make sure you
understand what the doctor was telling you about your voice. He thinks that
you're not ready talk yet after what happened to Dad, even though you want to.
But Cody, please don't worry about it. When you are ready your voice will
come back. You can't force it, you'll just know when you're ready. Until then,
nobody will make you try to talk, and promise me you won't try until you know
you're ready, please." The boy nodded and she hugged him. "Thank you
Cody. There are difficult days ahead, but I'll let you be a part of as much as I
can because I know you want to be. Together we'll get through them."

Cody Hida knew this was true. As bad as this day had been, the
days ahead would be hard. He would have to say goodbye to his father. Six-year
old Cody Hida also wondered if he would be as unready to talk again as he was
unready to step into his father's role, as he felt he must.