January 22^nd

      Noboru came home a little later than usual today, with his hair drenched in sweat and his clothes damp from playing in the water fountain. We ate dinner without Ryuji for the first time in weeks, and at half past eight, Noboru went upstairs to his room. I cleaned up and sat in the main room, reading newspapers to pass the time. There was nothing of interest in the news to me but I used it as a distraction as I waited for Ryuji to return. It is 11:25 at the moment, and Ryuji still hasn’t come home. It’s been bothering me for quite a while, my fear of losing Ryuji. I often have dreams where he returns to the Rakuyo for “a little trip”, and I end up being left behind with Noboru. I’ve told him about my dreams, and he promised that if he ever travelled anywhere, that he would go as a family. Poor Noboru was asking me earlier where he had gone, and was sad to know that he wasn't joining us for dinner. My fears are now returning as I wait up for Ryuji’s return. I hope he comes soon. 

                                  -Fusako Kuroda