Page 61 of Cherry Moon

Somone knocked on the door.

“Yeah?” I called.

“Brother Akira? It’s me.”

Riku.

“May we come in?” Sarah asked.

“We have snacks,” Uncle Ryoka added.

G and I laughed, taking our hands back.

“Come in,” I answered.

My uncle really wasn’t kidding when he said he’d brought snacks. A shit-ton of Pringles, glacé cherries, chocolate raisins, G’s favorite Doritos—the ones with the hint of lime—along with a twenty-four pack of Fanta. Oh, and a bunch of green grapes for balance.

Nice. I’d give it all my best shot.

While Sarah and Ryoka chatted with G about the new security measures implemented around the city in the wake of this new development, Riku and I devoured sour cream and onion Pringles.

“These are the best,” he said, crumbs around his lips.

“Sure are.”

His expression turned serious. “How badly are you hurt?”

The way he asked it tugged at my heartstrings. “I’m fine, Lil Bro.” I ruffled his hair.

He wasn’t buying it. “You’ve been hurt lots in your life. I hate it.” He shook his head. “It’s not fair.”

Things had never been like this between us before. In this moment, he seemed, I don’t know, wise beyond his six years? I wasn’t sure. But also, he wasn’t quite the little kid I knew.

“A lot of people go through hurt in their lives,” I tried.

He folded his arms. “I’m sad for them. But you’re my brother. And I love you. I miss you. I get worried at night. I have the night sweats.”

“Because of me?”

He nodded. “I’m scared. I don’t want to lose you. And I feel…” He paused, scratching at his chest. “And I feel time is running.”

“Running?”

“Away. Running away.” His forehead creased. “I want to see more of you. And Zach.” His dark eyes glistened with sadness. “I get lonely. I want my big brothers. I want my big brothers to be safe.” He dipped his head.

“Riku…”

“I’m the only one here. Dad’s gone, and I never met him. What if you’re gone next? What about Zach?” He sniffed. “I know you’ve got lives, but what about me?”

Damn, he sounded so down. And his cracked and sad little voice shed light on something I’d never considered before.

Hiding myself away in a bubble invertedly hurt him, as well as myself.

I’ve been missing too much.

“I’m so sorry, Riku.”

He kept his head bowed.