Birthday

Rick stared for a good second.

As he stepped over some rubble, his mind went blank. However, his body kept moving.

Walking towards the boy he had let down fourteen years ago.

He opened his mouth.

“Nori-” He tried to get the words out, but they got caught in his throat.

“Oh?” Norio turned around.

Rick quickly turned.

Chris and Maru pulled up.

“Hey!” Chris ran out.

“Wait, what the hell are you two-”

Norio stared at Maru.

“Ah.” He said.

Rick quickly turned back to Norio.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know why they’re here-“

Norio closed his eye, nodding his head.

“Nah, it’s fine.” He then opened his eye.

“What’s the kid's name?” He questioned.

“M-”

Norio narrowed his eye at Rick.

“Let her answer.” He said.

Maru looked at Chris.

“Go on,” Chris said.

Rick chuckled nervously.

“M-Maru...” Maru whispered.

“Maru, huh?” Norio closed his eye, nodding.

“Maru,” he opened his eye, pausing for a moment.