Chapter 25: In Silence we Confide

"Today I visit my liege," Jishi's voice thundered across the room as he vowed. A smile painted across his lips as he did.

"My ever faithful servant, I see you've been well," My father approached as his self-esteem flooded the house. Even deeper than usual, since Jishi is the only person who follows his game.

He stopped right in front of Jishi. Their eyes locked onto each other as they both raised their hands. Puffing out their chest before yelling "SCREW FOREIGN OPINION!!" their words exploded across the room. Feeling the full brunt of their self-awareness, I cringe my way into the kitchen.

"Welcome back, Yata" Mother's soft voice caressed my ears as she came to greet me. Her white sleeping gown fluttered at her feet as she came closer. Her pale, thin arms wrapped around me gently. Hesitating out of reflex, I bite my lip, making me stay put. Soon her warmth made me feel at ease. As her warmth slid away, she gave me a grin before her eyes looked at my shirtless father.

Her emerald green eyes turned into daggers as they gazed at him. The vein in her forehead popped as her lips slid into words.

"Tell me, is that your shirtless father greeting an unexpected visit?" Ice dripped out of her voice. Shivers ran through my spine as I nodded nervously. A malicious smile ran across her lips as she slowly walked towards Father.

"Honey, did you forget something before daring to greet someone at the door?" Her uncompassionate words stabbed at Father. Sweat bulleted out of his pores as he knelt on the floor.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." His words compelled by a fear of death repeated themselves. His skin had already turned transparent, but Mother didn't care. Her eyes still glared daggers as a diabolical smile painted her lips.

"Its fine, I'll only take it out on the bike,"

"NO, ANYTHING BUT HER!!" Frantically, Dad tried to retort, but he made a terrible mistake

"Oh, that's a 'her' now," Her eyes now with a hint of death in them glared at him. Dad turned ghostlike before rushing to his room at mach speed. With a deep breath, Mother turned to Jishi.

"How've you been Jishi? How's your mom?" Her voice transformed into a gentle tone as she greeted Jishi. I guess hell is empty, because Mother is definitely a devil. But I'd rather keep the thought to myself.

"We- We've been good, tha- thanks for asking," Jishi stuttered as he struggled to put up a smile.

"Thats good, dinner is ready in the kitchen so help yourself." Mother gave him a bright smile. One that conflicted with me even further.

As Jishi stepped past Mother, a faint whisper filled the air.

"You're showing sincere expressions now," Her voice was quiet enough so I couldn't hear. But for a split second, Jishi's face turned pale. Before continuing his walk towards me.

"You okay?" My hands nervously moved as I asked.

"Yup, why do you ask?" In response it was as if it didn't happen. Jishi's usual grin painted his lips as he headed to the kitchen.

***

After eating dinner, we headed to the attic. Jishi had told his Mom he'd sleep here, so he borrowed Father's clothes. A huge plain white shirt that reached his knees. With that, a pair of black shorts.

The attic was empty as always, with the lone piano sleeping in the center. The room is dimly lit by the moonlight seeping from the sole window. Jishi stretched his arms as he did a lap around the room.

"Man, this brings me back" His voice quietly echoed against the walls before being followed by his tired yawning.

"Yeah, I remember the day you first came in here." My hands calmly moved themselves into words. Jishi scratched the back of his head. As he hesitated to respond.

"This is embarrassing" His hands nervously made the words as he looked away. His cheeks slightly blushed.

"I've always had on question though," Jishi's eyes widened as his face took on a nervously stern expression. He gulped heavily as his lips moved.

"Ask away" His voice shaky yet strangely earnest. Giving him a weak smile, I nodded. With a deep breath, I lifted my hands into the words, as clear as I could make them.

"Back then, you ignored me. Even when I was being bullied. Why?" His eyes widened as silence set in with the hollow sound of the breeze. A smile flew into his lips only to fade right after.

"Be-Because I feared someone like me. Who only watched by the sidelines. Didn't deserve to dance in the same theatre as you." His hands shook, slowly making words. Tears filled his eyes, streaming gently down his cheeks. These are the words he confided in silence.

"What made that change?" My voice rot into the silence. Shakily bouncing off the walls. As I looked into the night of his eyes.

"The sight of what you had to endure. How even afraid you walked into the lion's den. The strength of your silent heart," The night had edged the move away from the window. And as our faint shadows mingled into the room. In my eyes was engrained the sight of my friend confiding in silence.