Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Just Another Day ❯ Volume One, Chapter Four: Shepherd ( Chapter 4 )

Shepherd

Soon sat at the table in a daze in the morning.

“Hello? Nee-san? Hello? Hello?”

The man jerked his head upwards. Jin was inches away from his face. Soon jumped back in his seat.

“Are you feeling okay?” the boy asked.

“What?” the man asked.

“You were spacing out there,” Jin said. “Mom said you were screaming last night.”

“Oh,” Soon said. Both men went silent. The older of the two looked the boy up and down.

“How old are you?” Soon asked.

“Seventeen,” Jin said. This young man looked older than he did. Maybe it was the glasses. Maybe because he was so tall. Or the hair pulled back.

“What?” Jin asked. Soon shook his head.

“Oh, I'm sorry,” he said. “Where's your dad?”

“Gone,” the boy said.

“Oh,” the man said. “I'm sorry to hear that.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Mai-Pai said. She set down their plates on the table. Soon nodded as he picked up his chopsticks. Mai-Pai sat down at the table. Soon tried not make eye contact.

“Um, I'm sorry I…” he said.

“It's fine,” Mai-Pai said. “How long have you been having nightmares like this?” Soon lowered his head.

“Ten years now,” he mumbled. Mai-Pai frowned.

“Have you talked to someone?” she asked. Soon looked confused.

“Mom!” Jin hissed. His mother shook her head.

“My apologies,” she said. Her son had a sharp look on his face. He picked up his chopsticks.

“Um… when is your summer break?” his mother asked.

“Three more days,” Jin said.

“Ah,” Mai-Pai said. Soon sat quiet as he ate his breakfast. His eyes stayed on Jin. The kid acted so much older than his age. He had so many questions for the boy.

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-Jin-

Mom never talked about her past. I knew of the Exile. But I didn't think it was real.

Soon-san proved me wrong.

He looks so worn out. His screaming woke us up last night. I don't think he's eaten for days either.

But I can't help but wonder…

“Why did you come to Tokyo?” I asked. Mom and Soon-san looked up. I don't know why I asked.

“I mean, if you don't mind,” I said.

“Jin!” mom said.

“It's okay,” Soon-san said. “I don't know.”

“Huh?” I asked. Soon-san shrugged.

“I just go wherever,” he said. I happened to catch mom saying something.

“Hm?” I asked. Mom lifted her head.

“I hope you stay!” she said to Soon-san. He whipped his head around to her. Her face turned bright red. I looked at Soon-san. He lowered his chopsticks.

“I don't know,” he said in a soft voice. Soon-san stood up and walked out of the kitchen. I looked over at mom. She lowered her eyes. I didn't think she was hungry anymore.

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-Outside-

Soon sat down on his futon. His mind went into a strange place. She wanted him to stay? But why? He shook his head.

Then there was Jin.

He couldn't take his mind off the kid. What was the deal with him? What made him so mature like that? Soon rubbed his forehead.

But something told him that he had to stay.

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“I'm heading out now!” Jin called from the front door.

“Take care!” Mai-Pai shouted. Her son headed out the door. Mai-Pai turned towards the hall. She would have to work with Soon to help him today. But first, the chores. She got right into washing the dishes.

“Mai-Pai?” someone asked. The woman jumped and turned around. Soon stood in the kitchen doorway. She made herself calm down.

“Soon! You scared me,” she said.

“I'm so sorry,” he said.

“Did you need something?” Mai-Pau asked. Soon stood up straighter.

“Jin gone to school?” he asked.

“Yeah,” she said.

“Oh,” he said. Mai-Pai tilted her head.

“Why?” she asked. Soon shrugged and shook his head.

“I don't really know,” he said. “I can't explain it.”

“Hm…” Mai-Pai said. The wheels turned in her head. Maybe she might have a way to help him. Maybe…

Young Man