The Lonely Ryuji

Takeda Ryuji was in his black suit exiting the taxi. Today was the day that his beloved brother lost his battle against liver cancer. Even if its 6 years ago, he couldn't bear the pain of losing the only family that he had. He walked over to the memorial grave of the Takeda family. "Mom, Dad, Takehiko, Ryyuji is visiting you again. I wish I can see you all again." Ryuji's eyes turned misty, and tears slowly rolled to his face.

Ryuji was silently crying kneeling on to the grave. The Takeda siblings have a large gap between them since Mrs. Takeda had a hard time getting pregnant. They thought Ryuji was their only son but Takehiko had come as a blessing to the small family of three. The family was harmonious, they were living away from Tokyo at the request of Mr. Takeda who was an agriculture scientist, he and his wife was researching new ways to farm, and they settled at Aori Village, about 1-2 hours away from Tokyo.

Twenty years ago, their parents left them after getting caught in a landslide going back to Aori Village. In one night, they became orphans, Takehiko was still small to remember but Ryuji was big enough to witness the loss of their mom and dad. He could remember how they pulled out the lifeless bodies of their father and mother beneath the rubble of mud. To him it was like his heart was pulled out seeing the bodies of his mom and dad while he saw Takehiko silent in the car watching from a far. He was at loss of what to do. He was only 15 and Takehiko was 5 years old at that time. It was a blur how he managed those dark days while taking care of his young brother who was clueless that their parents won't be back forever.

After few weeks, he started to work aside from attending his school. Their parents had saved enough money for their school, but they still have to eat and live. It was at that time that his younger brother learned the big change in their lives that is happening. Takehiko grew accustomed without their parents these days. They had to sell the plot of land in Aori and move to a small rental place in Tokyo. He started working odd jobs after his school life to get by, he picked up Takehiro from school frequently and usually stayed with him until his dishwashing job is over. For a few years they were able to get by after working 2 to 3 odd jobs so he can get himself and his brother Takehiko to live.

Ryuji was an above average student, but despite the workload that he had to face, he was still considered an average student. Teachers were used to him sleeping during classes because they knew already heard from the principal about his case. By the time he was 18 he switched over to waiting jobs at bars and delivery service nearby. He had to endure this hardship for them to live. He did overtime work and during free time he would study so he can get to a good university. For Ryuji, a good university would get them a better future.

During summer he would still take construction jobs so he could save more money. He was very frugal for himself, but he would provide his brother's needs. By the time he finished his university course, he quickly applied to sales and marketing for a better job. A few years of working odd jobs. He became an employee of an electronic company. While it was a tough time for him transitioning from job to job, he was able to let his brother go to a good university before their parent's savings literally ran out.

They were hardly getting by when Takehiko started working. He got accepted to a factory as a part time. Ryuji was recently promoted to a manager after working several years. He was still frugal, but he has savings and was able to spoil themselves with their hobbies. It was a good run for both of them until that day when his younger brother was sent to the hospital.

The doctor told them that he had an advanced stage of liver cancer. It already metastasized to his system. Ryuji's world fell apart. He had yet to see another family member leaving him again. He had to put a brave face like he did when their parents died. He encouraged his brother to take treatments. He had to work overtime and bring his work to the hospital. He basically was like a living zombie but in front of his brother who he knows was fighting for his life, he had to put a mask that everything will be ok.

Ryuji would literally have tears alone in his desk while doing reports. He hardened himself. Before he goes to the hospital to spend his time, he will bring him some manga and light novels or even games. But a month went by the chemotherapy did not work. His brother was frailer by the minute. It was agony for him to smile and treat like everything will be fine. Whenever he leaves Takehiko's ward he usually breaks down. After a life of hardship for his brother's future, Takehiko will leave him.

It was another void in his heart like what he had experienced when their parents were dug out from the muddy rubble. But this time, he would experience something much harder than that, every day he visits he feels his brother slowly slipping away. He busied himself to work during the day and spend the night at the hospital those days at day off, he would just go home then quickly go to the hospital. He wanted to spend every waking second to be with his brother.

One afternoon, during crunch time to submit a deadline at the office. the nurse called his mobile phone.

"Mr. Takeda, I am afraid your brother might not survive tonight. If possible, get here as fast as you can." The nurse immediately said.

At that moment, Ryuji's pupils shrunk. He quickly called his supervisor to ask for a leave. Only to get a disappointing reply.

"Ryuji-san, you know we need to pass the proposal by the end of the week. Its only Wednesday and based on how it runs, we need to do overtime for the next few days." His supervisor knew how many days he missed and now the proposal is suffering though he could not blame Ryuji but his hands are tied. He is a key person working on this proposal and they could not afford to put it to waste.

Those words shattered the fragile Ryuji. He did not know that the company he is working for is a black company. He went to his desk dejected and lifeless. His brother is currently dying and here he was stuck on some desk because of a stupid proposal. He wiped his tears while working which was a mental torture to his colleagues. Even a small-time manager like Ryuji can't even get a leave for the sick and dying family member. His colleagues were sympathetic but could not do anything about it.

At 10 pm he was able to finish the proposal. He rushed immediately to the hospital and arrived 20 minutes after. He was cold and his mask to show his strength had already worn off. His face was filled with despair and fear. He could not bear the suffering for his only kin. His tears were flowing since he got the news. He was praying if he could see his brother Takehiko for the last time alive. After a few minutes he arrived, Takehiko was still awake but very weak.

"Takehiko, brother is here. I'm sorry that I had to finish work when I received the call. I'm sorry for being a bad brother." Ryuji was a grown man but in front of death that he is witnessing right now, he is afraid to lose the only family that he left. "Forgive brother, that he was not able to see you earlier." He was blaming himself. Why did he had to put work before his only kin? He should be the one dying. He prayed for some hope, somehow, he clings to that speck of light but at the back of his mind, like what happened to his parents years ago, a miracle that he desperately needed that will never come.

"Nii-san, if I were to live again, I'll wish every day for you to be my brother again." Takehiko weakly smiled to his brother and then peacefully closed his eyes.