16 Decision

( REI POV )

My heart trembled and pained seeing dad's grave. The whole thing felt like a nightmare. I cried my hearts out until no tears came out. By the time I stood up again, I noticed there was no one around and only the couple were left standing to the side looking at him.

I slowly came back with them and also had the talk with Shirogana-san about moving to him and living with his family. I felt uncomfortable thinking about how I should live with them as I don't know them properly. I decided to ponder over his decision and tell him tomorrow.

I slowly entered his hose and left the shoes in an organized manner. I went up to my room and changed clothes to something comfortable. I immediately plopped down on my bed and drifted to sleep. By the time I woke up, it was dinner time.

Feeling refreshed dut to the sleep, I stood up and went down to cook up some food. Seeing the available ingredients inside the refrigerator, I decided to cook up pasta. I learned cooking as dad would not come home some days. Slowly liting the stove I proceeded to cook. Pasta was a favorite for both me and dad.

Finishing the food I sat on the table to eat. Staring at the food, I couldn't help remember the moment I was taught by dad back in the 4th class.

* FLASHBACK *

I was sitting on the couch holding my stomach from rumbling. It was already late and dad didn't come home yet. I didn't have food as there was nothing to eat and I did not know how to cook. I could only wait for him and see the television.

The door opened and hearing it I ran towards it. I saw dad removing his shoes and coming inside him. Relieved he finally came back, I let out a small smile.

Seeing him back, I couldn't help but complain, "Otou-san, Why are you so late. I am hungry, please cook something."

He smiled and went to his room. He ruffled my hair as he passed by me. I smiled and went behind him. He then turned back, reaching the stairs and said, "Ok then, today I'm going to teach you how to cook pasta. Let me get ready and come down."

I nodded feeling enthusiastic about how to cook and went to the kitchen. After a while dad came back down and started to cook. He slowly taught me the ingredients one by one. He then taught me how to cook the pasta and slowly one hour passed by as we finished.

This was my first time cooking so I felt nervous about the taste. I saw my dad eating the food without any discomfort which assured me. I also proceeded to eat. Although it was not as good as dad's it was fine for a beginner.

As we both were done, we washed the dishes and went back to my sleep.

*END OF FLASHBACK *

Now tasting the pasta, I couldn't help but wonder how far I have come. A smile formed on my face as I wolfed down the food. I cleaned up all the dishes and went back to my room.

I fell on the bed and started to think about Shirogana-san's proposal. There were many pros and cons that came with living with them. I hesitated as I didn't know Shirogana-san for a long time enough to completely trust him and live freely with his family.

As I was thinking over my decision I saw a picture of me and dad in the park. I was grinning ear to ear holding a mitt in one hand and a ball in another. My dad was standing beside me with his hand on my head with a smile on his face.

My dad's words struck me at this moment, 'Rei, always stay happy and true to yourself. Never take decisions that would make you sad. Promise me this Rei.' thinking them the tears started to slowly roll out of my eyes.

I quickly wiped the tears off my face and took a decision and slept.

* NEXT DAY *

I woke up early as I had no idea when would Shirogana-san would come to the house. I quickly got ready and came down. I cooked up some quick breakfast and ate in silence. I went over towards the hall and sat on the couch. I turned the television on and watched some cartoons to pass the time till he comes.

I heard the doorbell as I was watching the television. I stood up and opened the door to see Shirogana-san standing outside. He had a smile on his face and carried a bag.

I let him inside and went inside the hall. He set the bag on the table.

I then greeted him as we sat on the couch, "Good morning, Oji-san."

He greeted back with a bit of worry in his face, "Good Morning to you too Rei. Are you doing well/ I also brought you some groceries in case you need them. Did you have your breakfast" pointing over to the cover.

I nodded, assuring him and said, "Thank you Oji-san. I had my breakfast already Oji-san"

He then sighed in relief but asked in a tone with nervousness evident, "So Rei, Have you decided on my proposal." I could also hear him gulping as he asked me.

I nodded with a serious look on my face and answered him back, "Yes Oji-san I have decided and come to a decision. I would...