Kiku POV

I walked slowly, taking in the scenery. The scent of fresh flowers blew in the breeze and serenaded my sense of smell. It was a beautiful day, and what made it even better was the note I had in my hand. It was folded into the form of a plane... It was one like those that the kids threw at teachers on the last day of school... a paper airplane.

And to top off the note, I saw the smile of the orphan boy. He was always so happy to see me, and I him. Sometimes, I thought he made living on this dull world a little better.

Since I saw the way he was locked up, I decided to live. Maybe it wasn't for me, or for my dead mother... maybe it was for the poor orphan boy.

So as I neared the barred window from which he smiled broadly each day, I stopped and took aim. To my surprise (because I'm not one for sports other than baseball) it flew perfectly through the bars. Before he could see, I had turned and was trailing down the sidewalk. I pulled my baseball cap to cover my eyes and hide my smile.

I didn't know if I had made the orphan boy's day, but he had definitely made mine.

I made my way down the sidewalk, pulling away from the more quiet side of the city into the loud rough part. The sound of cars occasionally grew too overwhelming, and I had to cover my ears... And within what seemed like no time at all, I was in front of the tall building I called home. Father ran out immediately and greeted me.

I didn't quite hear what he said, but he took me into the cold building... My prison. He stood with me in the elevator and held my hand as we walked down the hall. He took me to the dull room with gray-blue walls and sat me on the bed.

"Kiku," he said, "You can't be gone for too long like that! I thought the worst of what could have happened!" I nodded. I said nothing more, and looked down. "You're such a smart nine year old, and you know better than to worry me --"

"You worry about everything," I scoffed quietly.

"And I have reason to!"

I took off my hat and set it on my side table. I knew father looked at me few remaining locks of hair sadly... I wish I could do something to make him happier. I know this is a hospital... But father insists on playing dumb. If only I could make him smile... But not a forced and sympathetic smile -- a genuine smile...

For now, I'll have to work off of the smiles I get from the Orphan Boy.

Those seem to be the only truth I have lately.