Chapter 73 - Hinata-A Running from the Fire (2/2)
More tears slipped from her eyes as her heart persistently stirred memories of her husband's face. Of cool green eyes etched with deep laugh-lines, square split-chin and always a cocky, knowing expression. His blond hair would shine underneath the sunlight as he'd lend down to kiss her.
”He would've loved Miki.” She sighed. ”You're right. I need to keep living for the children.”
Yuri gulped down his words and understanding.
Slithers of sunlight broke through the darkness as they neared the mountains near Rocko's shrine.
A raven crossed paths in front of the windscreen to catch Yuri's sight. He realized it was flying with a tiny scroll of paper tied to its neck.
He eased the truck off the road, following the birds flight into a safe clearing. A man was standing in the distance.
He stopped the car and ambled out towards him.
”Rocko!” Mei cried out when she jumped out of the back of the truck.
She reached Rocko before Yuri did.
Rocko looked like he had been running the entire night. His navy kimono was torn, muddied and unevenly tied. His face was pale.
Hinata ambled out of the truck to observe the arm wound that Rocko was holding with this good hand.
”Let me look.” She calmly demanded.
Rocko removed his hand.
She saw material crusted over a circular laceration typical of a gunshot graze. It wasn't a deep wound, but left unattended would allow infection and gangrene.
The women helped Rocko to the truck, where Hinata tended to his wound to the best of her skill. She was able to haphazardly clean, dry and dress it with what they had on them. It would suffice until they reached a medical facility.
She suspected that was another dilemma. As by now a lot of the medical units would be under military control.
”Dun yah worry about me. Gotta get to my master's shrine further down the valley. He'll make sure I can heal up fast. These kids be safe.” Rocko reassured Hinata.
”And Honda-san?” Hinata gulped, knowing her answer already.
”He'll be fine. There're other problems we need to be safe from.”
The raven swooped down to Rocko's shoulder and bowed its head. He gingerly untied the slip of paper that had been held around its neck with fine red string. He read it with a sigh. Removed seeds from his pocket to feed the bird. Then sent it on its way with whispered blessings.
”We have to hurry. Dem secret police are nearby.”
Hinata helped Rocko into her spot of the passenger seat, next to the little kids.
She climbed into the back with Mei and the others. Snuggling next to the twins to keep them warm as Yuri restarted the car and drove down near paths to safety.