Chapter 1: Shimizu Kai
CRACK! SWOOSH! The sharp sound of the axe biting into the thick tree echoed through the quiet forest. The air smelled of fresh pine and damp earth. Sweat dripped down Kai's brow, his fiery red hair with bright orange tips plastered to his forehead. His crimson eyes burned with determination as he swung again.
"AHHHHH!" Kai yelled, summoning every ounce of strength to bring the tree down.
With a final THUD, the tree toppled, crashing to the ground with a heavy CRASH. He wiped the sweat from his face and glanced at his watch.
"5:20 PM… I gotta move."
Kai quickly bundled the wood, stuffing it into his firewood carrier backpack. Strapping it tight, he jumped on his bike and pedaled hard down the winding path toward the lumberjack's shop.
At the shop, Mr. Toshi leaned on the counter, watching Kai approach.
"Thank you, Mr. Toshi," Kai said, bowing respectfully.
"No problem, kid. Don't be late next time or you'll get less payment," Mr. Toshi teased with a smirk.
Kai's face flushed. "I'm really sorry! I'll be quicker next time."
"Lighten up, kid. Just messing around."
Kai checked his watch again—6:45 PM.
"Sorry, but may I please excuse myself?" he said, already hopping on his bike.
Sweat beaded down his face as he raced through the streets, heart pounding. He arrived at the small pharmacy just as the clerk was starting to close the gate.
"Wait! I'm here!" Kai called breathlessly.
The pharmacist smiled. "You made it just in time."
Kai grabbed the medicine—a small bottle of cream for his mother's skin—and paid the 1,200 yen with trembling hands.
Back on his bike, Kai rode even faster, sweat soaking his shirt.
He reached the old wooden door and knocked gently. A faint, muffled cough drifted from inside.
"Mom? It's me. I'm home."
END CHAPTER 1