Chapter 73 - Hinata-A Running from the Fire (1/2)

Sombre evenfall to an orange darkness from fires that crackled, hissed and spat flames from the burning cabin.

Hinata's heart raced. Her body tensed with fear and relief the further Yuri drove them away from fire.

She had seen the secret police's approach as abnormal twinkles of sunlight moving up the path earlier. It didn't take her long to determine the danger and stir up the others into action. She was relieved when Yuri had already packed their things in the truck. He had somehow received warning from Rocko.

The children naturally reacted with confusion. But they were used to having to pick up and go that it didn't take them long to settle in the truck.

Their timing was slightly off when they came head on with a group of secret police. Yuri drove abrupt circles to dodge the gunfire on them from the bushes and cover of trees.

Akira had jumped out of the truck to lead the police away from them, granting them time for an escape.

”Honda-san.” Hinata sighed, feeling the loss of another great man.

”He'll be fine. He's a fast runner despite his poor eyes.” Yuri soberly said.

”I hope so.” She sighed again.

Too many good people were being sacrificed to this war. Why?

Her heart stirred another image of a man to her mind. The man she yearned for, but would never see again because of war.

”Did you loose someone to war too?” Yuri bravely asked Hinata who sat in passenger seat with Miki, Mei, Shouta and Miwa between them.

She checked the cover of the blanket that were over the kids, making sure they were warm.

Hinata glanced to the window. Feeling the urge to curl her hands into fists.

She wondered how many loved ones did Yuri take away under the pretence of honour? No. That was wrong thinking. He had been a solider doing his orders for his country. He was not to blame for losses. Those who gave the orders were.

”I did.” She gazed to formless darkness outside her window.

A tear escaped her eye, making a slow trail down her cheek.

”Was he a soldier?” Yuri continued to probe, carefully.

”He was a navy doctor.” She answered monotonously.

”A good man then.” Yuri sighed with sorrow. ”Another good man lost to this war.”

Hinata glanced to Yuri. Her heart sensed his internal war scars and the pain he'd always carry.

She inwardly cursed her stupid moment of self-centredness and felt she had no right to judge those who fought the front lines. Yuri was a good and kind man at heart.

”I hate war.” She cursed under her breath.

”I love life. You focus on that too. Miki-chan needs a mother who focuses on living.” Yuri answered back with serious expression.