I stared into space, not even thinking about anything. Just wasting time, it was one of those times where I was literally doing nothing. The only thing that pulled me out of my trance was a light tug on my pants. I looked down and let a tear fall when I saw Nagisa’s face. But it wasn’t Nagisa. It was Ushio, the spitting image of her mother…her mother who was no longer with us. Holding back the tears I asked,
“What is it baby?” Ushio had just barely started speaking. I smiled as I watched her struggle to find the right words.
“Otousan…I need mommy.” This time, I couldn’t hold them back. I threw my arms around her and cried. I just let the tears flow, like a waterfall.
“I told you Ushio,” I said, trying not to cry again, “mommy isn’t here anymore. She never will be.” I did feel I was being harsh, but I couldn’t avoid telling her the whole truth anymore. I couldn’t let her keep waiting for a mommy that would never come.
“Then I need a mommy.” She stated, very determined.
“Well, daddy is very upset right now and…” I stopped myself, and she cocked her head to the side. I couldn’t help but smile at her cuteness.
“Why do you need a mommy?” I asked in a childish voice. She smiled and said,
“Because I can’t just have a daddy and no mommy!” She said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I tried to smile. Deep inside, I knew she was right. It had been a couple of years since Nagisa…passed. I knew I needed to move on. Ushio needed a mother. I just couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t forget her. I sighed,
“Ushio, I don’t know when, but I promise you’ll have a mommy someday.” She smiled brightly and started to jump around.
“Arigatou otousan! I can’t wait!” She yelled. I felt bad, knowing that she might be disappointed. I didn’t know if I ever would move on.