Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [247]
—What is he talking about? It’s like he’s dreaming, or hallucinating with a fever. Like he’s gone too far into one of his games, and can’t get out. But still, something’s different.
Then, she knew what it was.
—He’s stronger now.
Though his words didn’t make any sense, it was clear that he had grown.
“Sometimes I’m scared,” Wataru was saying. “Other times I’m sad. And most of the time, I have no idea what I’m supposed to do. I have a feeling there’s more of the same to come. But, Mom, I have to continue this journey. I have to find the true path to the Tower of Destiny. I know that what I’m searching for awaits me there. Maybe it’s not what I wanted at the beginning, but it’s what I need. So wait for me, okay? I promise I’ll come home when my journey is done.”
The strength in Wataru’s words caught Kuniko by surprise. For a moment, she let go of his shoulder and clasped her hands in front of her. She looked just like Romy praying in Dr. Baksan’s study.
“You promise to come home?”
“Promise!”
“Are you…are you alone?”
Wataru shook his head firmly. “No, I have friends.”
“This journey…” Kuniko stopped, searching for the words. “You’re not the only one who’s gone missing. That Ashikawa boy…”
“I know. He’s in Vision too. But I’ll find him and bring him home with me. We’ll come home together. I promise.”
Though Wataru’s words made little sense to her, the strength behind them was beginning to have an effect on Kuniko. “What should I do then?”
“Believe in me, and wait,” Wataru said, smiling.
Then Kuniko did something she hadn’t done in a long time. She smiled back. “Are you sure? That’s all?”
“Yep!”
From somewhere behind him, Wataru heard the ringing of the bell that signaled the Corridor of Light was beginning to close.
I’m running out of time.
Wataru gave his mom another hug and said, “Get better soon. And tell Grandma and Uncle Lou I’m okay.”
Kuniko hugged him back.
“I have to go,” Wataru said, stepping back from the bed. At that moment there was a knock at the door.
“You up, Kuniko?” came a voice from outside. The door opened. It was Uncle Lou. Wataru stopped, one foot already in the corridor.
“Uncle Lou!”
His uncle took a step inside the room and froze in his tracks. His eyes and mouth went wide open, and he dropped the paper bag he was holding onto the floor.
“Wa-Wa-Wa…” he babbled, shaking his head. “Wataru?!”
Uncle Lou ran toward him, but Wataru’s ears were filled with the ringing of the bell. It was ringing faster, more insistently now. The entire entrance to the Corridor of Light was flickering—blinking like an emergency cone.
“I’m fine!” said Wataru from the entrance of the corridor. “Take care of Mom for me, okay? I’ll come home, I promise! Wait for me!”
Wataru dashed into the corridor. Uncle Lou’s outstretched arm caught only air.
“I’m sorry!” Wataru called back over his shoulder, his feet racing along the corridor that threatened to disappear under him. “I’ll be back soon!”
As he ran, fresh tears welled in Wataru’s eyes. He ran on without bothering to wipe them away. He could feel the corridor fading, crumbling just behind his pounding feet.
Up ahead he saw the exit to Vision. Dashing forward, he threw off the encroaching chaos with flailing arms, and dove through the exit headfirst…
…and collided with something very solid. “Oof!” It said, catching him in midair. “Urk? Wataru? Wataru!”
It was Kee Keema. He was huddling with Meena, Dr. Baksan, Captain Ronmel, and Romy.
“You made it!” Meena said, running up. “We were worried—the corridor was about to disappear.”
Kee Keema gave Wataru a massive hug. His powerful chest and strong arms reminded Wataru of his uncle. The warmth in Meena’s gentle voice reminded him of his mother’s.
That’s right. Of course. The real world and Vision have the same heart: me.
“Are you well?” Dr. Baksan asked, his eyes showing that he knew better than anyone what was happening inside Wataru.
“I’m fine, thank