While Ray was saying goodbye to Miku warmly, doubts still lingered in his heart about whether he had made the right decision. He had always taken relationships seriously—that was one of the reasons he had been with no one since Lily's death. Fearing his own doubts, he left it to Miku to decide how their relationship would develop.
It wasn't easy for him to leave the girl right after they had crossed the line. But he needed to talk to Tucker and Rob. Besides being his best friend, Tony was also the godfather of these boys. Although they didn't see each other often, the bond between them remained strong.
"Uncle Ray," said Tucker. The boy took after his father in character: he respected Ray for his imposing size and strength. Rob, on the contrary, took after his mother. So the two brothers complemented and balanced each other well.
"I can imagine how hard this is for you right now. But your parents were very strong people, and I'm confident you can get through this. I have a couple of options for you. If you want, I can take you in. Your mother's parents are also gathering the paperwork, but we have a good relationship, and I think we can work something out. But the choice is yours. Whatever you decide—you can always visit me or them. You will always be welcome in my home."
"Do we have time to think?" Tucker asked, after a moment's thought.
Tony and Michelle both understood the value of education, so the boys were very smart for their age.
"I give you my word that you can visit them anytime, as long as it doesn't affect your studies. Also, in my house, everyone has their own responsibilities. If you fulfill them, you can ask for something. If not—you will be punished."
"That sounds like some kind of prison," said Rob.
"My sister has lived like that since she was very young. The last thing she asked for was a music teacher."
"If you don't like it, you can leave anytime for your mother's parents. If you can't handle that kind of life, it will just mean I was wrong about you, boys."
After their lesson with Deya ended, Yuno called Miku aside to talk. Without any preamble, she asked:
"How did it go? Did you enjoy it?"
Given Yuno's age and her direct question, Miku couldn't help but feel embarrassed. But composing herself, she answered:
"I don't understand why you're setting us up. It's obvious to me that you love him."
"That's true," Yuno said calmly.
"But he only sees me as a child. And even when I grow up, I'm not sure I can make him see me as anything more than a little girl. I believe you can make him happy and bring him back the joy of life. So I'm willing to step aside."
"What makes you love this man so much? I don't think there's a man in this world who could make me do something like that," Miku asked with interest.
"We are very close. And I'm very glad you came into our lives. Thanks to your voice, I've been seeing Dad smile more often. But there are still things I can't tell you… Mommy."
Miku, overcoming her embarrassment, asked:
"Why are you so sure our relationship with him will continue?"
"It's simple. The old man is a bit rusty, but I still believe he could have any girl he wanted. It's just that after what happened to Lily and the little ones, he convinced himself he has no right to a happy life. Right now, only Deya and work are holding him back. But one day she'll grow up, and I alone won't be enough. I hope you can become another anchor. But if one day you find it's too much for you, you can leave. Just please—do it properly."
Yuno spoke in riddles. But thanks to what Miku had seen in that video, she could understand this little girl. Years had passed since the tragedy, but guilt still gnawed at Ray. His constant desire to get into fights seemed like a way to punish himself.
"I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet. But your manipulations gave me a wonderful night," Miku said. It was her attempt to embarrass the little one.
Instead, Yuno smiled softly and said:
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I have to say, I'm a little jealous. Maybe next time, dear Mommy, you could make a home video for me?"
Seeing Miku's shocked face, Yuno laughed merrily and added:
"Relax, I'm joking. For the next couple of years, Dad definitely wouldn't approve of that. And we're good girls, we don't want to upset him."
The little girl's words sounded playful, but Miku couldn't help but shiver.