[ HIATUS ] Crossroad 『Detective Conan』

Chapter 50 - Remembrance of the past...『2/2』

   It had been raining for a good hour. Kyoka and Yosuke used to play together in a room they occupied when they went to the Nishimuras. The two children were used to going there after school, by the time their parents returned.

   The young girl sulked. She had pictures to show her father. She was proud of it and she wanted to know if she had improved. It had become her passion and it was close to her heart to seek the advice of her parents. But they were always very busy.

   A ringing sounded. The dark-haired girl straightened up and walked out of the bedroom to go up the stairs, leaving her brother alone. She had a big smile on her face. It had to be Masashi and Kaede.
   -How ?!
   This cry of horror came from Akahara. He made Kyoka stop short, in the middle of her descent.
   - They really had an accident?! Did you call an ambulance?
   -Yes... But we don't know when it's coming... I hurried to warn you...
   This unknown voice was that of a distraught woman.
   -What are we going to tell Yosuke-kun and Kyoka-chan...? If the ambulance doesn't arrive in time...? Panicked Akahara.

   Why need to talk to Kyoka and Yosuke? What was this accident and ambulance story? Why was everyone so worried, panicked?
   The girl finished going down the stairs and walked towards the adults.
   -Where are mom and dad? What is this accident?!
   The couple was surprised by this sudden arrival. They didn't know what to say. They didn't know what excuse to find. It didn't take long for Kyoka to understand the situation. If they kept silent, it was about Kaede and Masashi. If no one answered her, she would go and check on her own.
   -... I will see !
   - Kyoka-chan! Cried Akahara horrified.

   The girl didn't listen to anything. She quickly put on her shoes and walked out into the rain. She started running through the streets to find her parents. She did not hesitate to ask passers-by if there had been an accident nearby.
   And after a few minutes of research, she found the place of the accident. A crowd was gathered there. The girl had to slip between them, see what was going on.

   The girl's blood froze. The sight before her was horrible. It was a car rammed into the wall. An arm stuck out from an open, destroyed door. From this arm streamed blood. It was Kaede's.
   -Mom ! Kyoka yelled going towards her.
   She put her hands on her shoulders and shook the woman several times calling her for an answer. But nothing. Tears welled up in her eyes as she backed away.

   -Kyo... ka...
   That voice... It was her father's. The concerned headed hastily towards him. He was in a terrible state. Weak and bleeding in the head.

   The man barely moved his head to see his daughter.
   -You... You shouldn't be... here... He said harshly.
   - But you didn't come back...
   He put his hand to his daughter's cheek, trying to wipe away her tears. Then, he moved a wet wick being on the face of the little one.
   - Don't cry... I'm here now... Don't cry no...
   Masashi put his hand on Kyoka's head to try to comfort her.
   - But... Mom doesn't answer... She cried.
   - Calm down... Everything is fine... Everything is fine, okay?...
   -But...
   -Listen to me... Kyoka... Just... Listen to what... I have to tell you...
   -Y... Yes?...

   There was a moment of silence. The man wiped the tears from his daughter's cheek with a faint smile.
   -I want you to keep smiling... You know how to do it... In all circumstances... No?... So... Don't cry... Everything is going well... Don't forget what you like... who you like... Don't forget anything, okay? Not even that... your mother and I... love you and your brother... And keep smiling...
   There was a new silence under the whispers of the assembled crowd.
   - Come on... Give me a nice smile... please...
   The little girl looked at her father, calmer, forcing a smile. She didn't want to disappoint him.
   -Thank you... Kyoka...

   Masashi's arm fell heavily, his smile fading. His head rested against the steering wheel of the vehicle.
   - Dad... Dad?
   Kyoka's eyes widened. She grabbed the man's arm and shook it.
   -Dad ! Answer me ! Dad !
   Her panic returned. Like Kaede, he was unresponsive.
   -Dad ! Please ! You said everything was fine! So answer me! Pity !

   Someone grabbed the girl, forcing her to let go of Masashi's arm. It was Asahi. He had found her.
   -Let go of me ! Let go of me ! she ordered as she struggled
   -Calm down ! The help is there, you must leave the place!
   At these words, Kyoka stopped struggling and looked at Asahi. She gripped the man's clothes, tears still falling.

   Yoko was installed on the safety rail, away from the camper. She was staring into the distance although she could hardly see anything. The night air was good for her, as always.
   She was still lost in thought. She still had her father's words in her mind. It echoed again and again.

   -Yoko-san! Mitsuhiko called.
   The concerned turned her head towards her comrade.
   -Yes ?
   -The case is over, so I came to get you so we could go home. He explained to her.
   -I'm coming.
   The girl got up and followed Mitsuhiko. A slight smile was displayed on her face. A melancholic smile.

   The two children walked towards the rest of the group. The freckled boy turned his head towards his friend.
   -Are you better, by the way?
   - Yeah... I was just lost in memories... But walking made me feel good...
She reassured him with a more sincere smile.
   -On the other hand, don't count on me to go back to camping! Every time it goes wrong... I don't want to...

   The boy was going to say something but didn't have time for Yoko to walk away a little faster, eager to get home. The smile she had was more reassuring than the gloomy look she had on discovering the body.
   -You come ? She called him.
   -I'm coming ! He replied, joining her.