FMS Episode One 49 [End] (Patreon)

Chihaya and Aya had been spotted by Uncle who was on his way back to port after offshore fishing. Close to shore, He saw an unmanned rubber raft floating close to the Yaeyama Maru wreck. When he realized that its occupants were in distress, he immediately jumped into the sea and administered rescue of the girls who were drifting at a depth of about ten meters. First aid was given, and while Aya soon regained her senses, Chihaya was in a state of unconsciousness through the rescue and her delivery to the hospital.

"You were terribly reckless, my girl."

Uncle grabbed Aya's head with his hand and gave it a few rough strokes. "And you decided to take Chihaya on your misadventure. I know you’re a fabulous diver, but I’m telling you time and time again that overdoing is a no-no."

"Dad, that hurts." Aya tried to flee from her father's rigorous hand.

"Aya. Tell Chihaya that you’re sorry."

Auntie demanded. Nodding, Aya stood up at bedside and faced Chihaya. With a solemn face, she did a deep bow.

"I’m…sorry."

"No, don’t be," Chihaya shook her head slowly. "It was you that helped me while we were in the water. If Aya hadn’t done that to me, I would’ve given up right after the flooding."

Aya nodded and sat back in her folding chair. Then she suddenly blushed red, perhaps remembering when she had done that to Chihaya. She touched her lips and fell silent, looking down. Chihaya inadvertently mimicked her cousin, also blushing and letting her fingers slide on her own lips. Puzzled Auntie observed the two’s collective silence.

“Anyway, Chihaya, your parents have been notified. They are very worried.”

"Oh," Chihaya replied.

Mom and dad are coming. Together. To take me home.

"Is this…a goodbye?"

Aya said soberly.

"Well, I’ll be right back," Chihaya smiled.

"Really? Is that true?" Aya's face shone with hope. “Here, we can do lots of things together. Even when the water gets too cold. Like going to the beaches and checking out the coconut crabs. And on New Year’s Eve, we have sips of sake and drive out to the east cape to see the first sunrise.”

"Aya, try to come down," Auntie reprimanded her daughter softly. "Chihaya still has to rest."

"It's time to go," Uncle said, putting on his fishing hat and getting up on his feet.

“Chihaya, you will need a change of clothes and a few items for the toilet. And I need to tell Kasumi that you’re awake and are looking better,” Auntie said. “I’ll drop by again in the evening.”

Aya still seemed to have an inventory of discussions she wanted to host, but Auntie and Uncle ushered her to exit Chihaya’s ward.  "I'll come to see you soon," Aya said, and the door closed behind her. With their departure, the room was very silent. Outside, a breeze shook the cycad trees and made soft rustling sounds, with their shadows dancing on the white linen of the curtains.

"I'll be right back."

Repeating her own words, Chihaya put her fingers back on her lips. There, it felt like the faint scent of the tide and the sweet odor of sunburnt hair still lingered.