The Going-Away Present
Kei slapped a strip of clear tape over the flaps of a large cardboard box, then stood up, wiping the sweat off of her brow. She looked around at the bare white walls of what used to be her bedroom, and smiled a bittersweet smile.
In just a few days, she and her mom would be on a plane to Los Angeles, to start a new life.
“Kei, honey, you almost finished?” Her mom called up the stairs.
Her voice shook Kei out of her reverie. “Yeah, Mom,” she said, picking up the box and heading toward the stairs. As she walked carefully down, she looked around, taking in the view and sighing as memories filled her head.
The reason they were moving was simple: her mom had a new job that required them to move. But Kei knew it was more than that – her mom wanted to get away from anything and everything that reminded her of Kei’s dad.
It had been five months since Touma had died, and the pain of that loss was still fresh. It had been hard for both of them, continuing to live in the house with countless memories of him plaguing their minds. In that sense, the move was just as much for Kei as it was for her mom.
“I can see where Mom's coming from, wanting a fresh start,” Akira said over videoconference when she found out they were moving. “But all the way across the country to L.A. seems a bit much…”
Kei shrugged. “She wanted as far away from D.C. and ITI as possible,” she replied, “And to be closer to you.”
Akira didn't say anything for a moment. “Not sure what to think about that,” she said softly. “But what about you? You excited?”
“Kinda. I mean, I’m sad I have to leave my friends and all. I don't know anyone in L.A. But then, it’ll be good to have someplace to come home to and not think about Daddy all the time.”
“I see.” Akira sighed. “Well, let me know as soon as you're settled – I’ll come visit you!”
Kei nodded. “Okay.”
The memory faded as Kei approached the car, pushing the cardboard box into the open hatchback. Her mom also approached, carrying a box of her own.
“Was that the last box?” Her mom asked, placing her box into the back.
“Yeah,” Kei answered.
“All right,” her mom said, “Now we go to the moving company and get all this sent over to the new house!”
“Kei!” A voice called out from across the street.
Kei looked up and smiled. “Rion!”
Rion jogged across the street to her, carrying a backpack.
“I wanted to catch you before you left,” Rion said, catching his breath, “since next summer you won't be here anymore.”
Kei looked down. “Yeah…” she said glumly.
“I can't believe you're leaving,” Rion said softly, “All my life, you’ve always been across the street. It won't be the same anymore.”
Kei sighed and shook her head. “No…”
Neither of them said anything for a moment. Then Rion took off his backpack and set it on the ground.
“I made something for you,” he said, opening the bag. “A going-away present.” He lifted a small stuffed toy out of the bag.
Kei gasped. It was almost an exact replica of Terriermon, crocheted out of green and cream yarn. Its eyes were made of smooth plastic discs.
Kei’s eyes filled with tears as she reached for the toy and hugged it tightly. “Thank you…” she said softly. “He’s perfect!” She looked up at Rion, her lip trembling, and she threw herself into his arms.
“Kei…” Rion said, catching her.
“I’m going to miss you, Rion,” Kei said, crying, “So much!”
“I’ll miss you, too,” Rion answered, hugging her tightly.
“I’ll keep in touch,” Kei said, sniffling. “As soon as we’re settled, I’ll call you.”
“Okay,” Rion said.
“We can talk to each other, every month. Every week. Every day!” Kei wiped her eyes. “It won’t be exactly the same, but being far away shouldn’t be a reason for us to stop talking.”
Rion nodded. “Right.”
They smiled at each other, then Rion spoke up. “When are you leaving?”
“In two days,” Kei answered, “We still have a few things to pack up and send on to the new house.”
“I’ll be back in Manila by then,” Rion said. “So I guess this is goodbye. Until we meet again.”
Kei nodded, and hugged Rion again. “Goodbye,” she whispered. “And thank you.”
As Kei and her mom got into the car and drove away, she opened the window and waved at Rion until she couldn’t see him anymore, the stuffed Terriermon nestled in her arms.
“You’ll keep in touch with him?” her mom asked.
Kei nodded. “Yeah. I don’t want to let go of anyone, just because I’m going far away.”
Her mom nodded. “I’m glad you know who’s important to you and keep them close to your heart, no matter where you go.” She looked distant for a moment. “It’s something I need to remind myself to do sometimes.”
Kei nodded, hugging the stuffed Terriermon tightly.
Rion. Akira. And Terriermon.
They may be far apart, but Kei resolved to keep them close to her heart, and never stop reaching out. To keep their connections strong. To never forget. But at the same time, she would move forward and make new connections.
So it wouldn’t just be a goodbye, but a welcome!
Notes:
Just a glimpse of how Kei and Kyoko deal with the fallout and aftermath of the main story, since it affected them the most. Thinking about it, Kyoko’s method of dealing with things is a little extreme, uprooting her life and starting anew in a new place, and cutting off all contact. This is the second time she’s done it. Kei, thankfully, is the opposite, knowing what’s important to her and never letting go.