Remember When Hina was here

A Story by kiritohu19

About this story

The original of this short story and this one was created in honour of Emily Kay Halliburton (December/24/1999 - October/13/2017). Emily and I were very close during work.She just had this light that that you loved . On October 13th about 6:30(it is an estimate , we don't know the actual time) Emily passed away and leaving everyone that loved her into shock. She has been missed a ton since she passed . Then i heard the new about 8 during my shift my heart dropped and i was in shock for my whole shift . 度もアリアが戸エマリーさま。

Remember When Hina Was Here

The morning sun arose slowly to the sleepy, sea side town of Katagami in Akita Prefecture.The streets light had finally turned off around the town and the people’s alarm were starting to going off.Once sunlight hit Joe’s room he arose from a light sleep.He wanted to sleep more; since his body was still not used to the time zone difference but he got up anyway.

Joe showered, put on his school uniform,and put his hair back.He looked almost like a Samurai once he was ready.He headed downstairs to see if his father and mother had made him and his sister,Jill breakfast.They both left a note saying “See you this weekend I hope you have a great week- Love Mom and Dad”.Joe finished his breakfast and then looked at his watch ,“shoot Jill needs to get up”thought Joe .

After some time Jill came downstairs to realize that she has 20 minutes to get ready and eat . After rushing through getting ready in her uniform and downing her food (which she wished that she had more time to enjoy). They headed out the door with a few moments to spare.

They headed to the train to go to Akita , which was a short train ride from where they lived .Once they got to school they went to the office to do the final paperwork .Then got the final arguments figured out. While Jill was signing some papers Joe looked out to see students talking and heading to homeroom .He felt very out of place. Jill on the other hand was so happy to start school and start over.

After the paperwork was done they headed to their homerooms .Both teachers let them introduce themselves to the class.Jill was automatically welcomed to the class .Joe on the other hand completely forgot how to speak and just said very shy “ I'm honoured to be in your class”.He was completely in shock and everyone in his class just glared at him.

Between classes he heard a voice saying” Hey Joe why so sad?” Joe in shock replied “Who the heck are you?!?” He exclaimed. “I’m Hina Ito, I would like to welcome you ,” She said proudly,” how about you join me for lunch today.” Joe nodded, and Hina sat down in her seat.

For Jill , class was something she alway dreamed of . She was going a good pace in class instead of going way too slow .For Once in her lifetime math made her think hard and she loved it.By the time lunch came around Jill brain hurt. During lunch she went to the vending machine and grabbed coffee.She thought,”Dang this is cheap compared to the stuff at home”. Afterward she headed back to class.

Lunch time came around for Joe and Hina grabbed Joe.” come on,” she said with a big grin on her face. He followed her up a flight of stairs to the school’s atrium. They sat in the big glass dome. Joe looked down to see a small courtyard with some small trees and bushes covering the floor.

Meanwhile, Joe pulled out his lunch and started eating. While he was eating Hina was smiling and looking at him, Joe blushed. Hina continued smiling then Joe asked,“why did you want me to sit with you at lunch today?Don’t you have other people to sit with?” Hina put her chopsticks down and rice bowl then said sternly ,” what high school did you go to last year?’’ Joe replied shock about the question,” Lone….. Peak….. High,” replied nervously.” See”, Hina replied,” and I’m guessing that you don’t know the area, do you?” Hina laughed, then drank some green tea. Joe continued eating then, Hina asked “what in the world are you eating,” pointing to the plastic container that Joe had been eating out of,” Oh that is barbecue pizza I made yesterday,” said Joe.” Oh, then I can I have some please feed me some please,” Hina replied with curiosity . Joe blushed then fed her some. At first she seemed confused about the flavor but, after a few seconds later , she was taking more of his food. Which Joe had very little of . By the time lunch had ended Joe and Hina were very close, as if they had known each other for years. The lunch bell rang and they headed back to class still taking. Class started and Hina left the room for quite some time.When she returned she was white as a ghost;she was sent home shortly afterward.

After school, Joe walked home alone. About two hours later,Joe finally got a text Jill that will be studying at friends house for the night. Joe did his homework and made dinner for himself. Then a great peace fell upon the house which seemed to last forever, but only lasted for a short time.

Weeks went by and Jill was busier than ever.Then a few weeks later a rollercoaster hit Joe and Jill .His Mother and Father split after his Father found out that his Mother was cheating on him with a co-worker. Jill was in some many activities and working hard in school that she was home much.At the most Joe saw Jill when she would get home ,but other than that he didn't she her much. Hina seemed to be losing weight pretty fast and seemed to be getting sick more often and sometimes not be at school for a few days

One day at school Joe was waiting for class to start. Hina tried to jump on his desk but instead fell on the floor.After getting up then asked to him, ” are you free tomorrow?” Joe replied,” yeah I’m open.” “Good,meet tomorrow at the train station at 9,” Hina said limping and blushing. Then she went back to her seat; class started again. After school, Joe invited Hina over his house to eat some good ,classic American food.

After school Hina and Joe headed to Joe’s house.Jill wasn’t home because of some club and cram school.His mom wouldn’t be home until Saturday evening so they had the whole house to themselves.They Finish Homework and Joe started dinner. Joe Ground Fresh wagyu Beef into a bowl then added eggs,spices and some soy sauce together . He mixed them together and let them sit. Meanwhile, he started his makeshift charcoal grill . By the time he was done cooking Hina’s mouth is watering. He grabbed condiments and bread then they started to eat. By the time they finished eating it was really late and Hina left. Before she left she said smiling ”see you tomorrow”. Afterward, he put the leftover food in the fridge and cleaned the grill . He watched some Tv and fell asleep on the couch.

The next morning he arose about 8:00 and got ready , then proceed towards the train station. He left about 8:50 and got to the train station two minutes later. He waited for a few minutes then Hina showed up looking very tired .They got on the train and headed towards Morioka.Joe had only been to Morioka once, when he moved to Japan;he had only stayed for a couple of hours. Now, he got to spend the whole day in Morioka. Hina fell asleep on Joe’s lap during the train ride”. She must have gotten tired from the walk to the train station odd,”thought Joe.

Once they got off they headed to lunch . After Joe asking for about an hour they found an okonomiyaki bar,one of Hina favorite places.They got their food then talked and laugh for quite a while. Joe at most of his ,while Hina only a few bites. Once they finished Hina lead Joe to the Morioka castle ruins.They both sat down ; Joe could tell something wasn’t right. “Joe, I have something to tell you ,” Hina said sadfully.”yea, what is it ,” Joe replied softly. Hina took a deep breath and started talking” I don’t know how much longer I’ll be alive for;I have genetically formed AIDS.”She was crying by This point. “I like you but, I can’t be with you for much longer.”Joe held her hand he leaned in they both close their eyes and embrace. The rest of the time they visit shops their hands don’t let go once. They head to the train station and get on the train . On the way back they fell asleep. Once they get to their stop they hugged then said goodbye and headed their separate ways .

A month went by and hina got weaker and weaker. Joe and Hina both stay close to each other most afternoons they just go to joe’s. They often did small dates to Akita to get for or just be together.Sometimes Hina would be able to much farther than a half mile walking . 3 weeks passed by and then Hina collapses during class Joe rushes to her side .She looks pale as a ghost and very weak. They quickly call an ambulance and rush to the hospital .When she gets to the hospital she is put on life support. She stays in the hospital for a few days and seems to be doing better. Then Joe gets that nightmare call from the hospital. Joe leaves class and runs to the hospital where she is staying at . Joe got to her room just before it’s too late. The doctor said”,she has been calling for you, she is very weak so be careful.” “How long do I have?” asked Joe .” We aren’t sure but not long,” he said.

“Joe,”she said in her weak voice,”I knew you would that you would come... .Please let me speak I don’t have much time . Ever since we met those many months ago .I’m glad we met and became lovers . I knew you were very special .Once I die I want to be buried behind your house so we can stay close.Please don’t be sad or blame yourself.”Wu hold Hina small, shivered hand for last time. Hina breaths become gasps. The machines in the room went mad and then doctors rush in to see what is wrong the machines .Hina final words were “I…lo..v..e...y......o..…..u.” Then she took her final breaths and died peacefully with a smile on her face.

After Joe walked out of the room the doctor motioned him to come over. Joe walk over and they both sat down.Then the doctor said” Hina was a wonderful person; she made everyone happy ,you were a lucky man to know her.You know ,she alway talked about you and, how you were so cute and wonderful .” Joe walked out of the hospital weeping with tears. Joe walked home alone in shock.Once he got home he shut the door and weeped .He moved the picture he had in this room the front of the house. He didn’t eat for a few days. All Joe did was cycle through crying and wondering why she had to leave him.

The a few days later Hina funeral came . Although everyone was sad they were happy that Hina was finally about to live without being sick. Jill surprisingly showed up with both of their parents getting along.Everyone from the school came to say good bye . Joe heard so many stories about Hina’s joy helped them out. They buried Hina in Joe’s backyard so that Hina wish could be fulfilled. He went to her grave every morning to see her. Her headstone said ”She loved all. Will always remembered in everyone minds.” Many years pass and Joe never left the house where Hina laid.The End -

Japanese Pronunciation guide