They all smile at each other, nodding in agreement, but they are soon interrupted by a loud yell. “Kei!” In seconds a small boy is upon Keiko, and clings to her around her shoulders. “Kei! You came back! You finally came back!” He hugs her tightly, tears falling down. “I missed you Kei!”
Keiko is momentarily shocked by the boy’s sudden affection, but her recognition returns in an instant. “Oh my god, you’re Lou?” She leans back to get a better look, and his green eyes are familiar and warm. “Oh, it is you, Lou.” She hugs him tightly. “Oh god Lou I’m glad you’re ok!”
“Yeah, this little one has really given us a time.” Shai laughs. “But he’s brought more life to us.”
“Ma-ma…?” A tiny whisper can be heard in the distance, but it gets everyone’s attention. The small girl who cannot communicate with words stands at the arc of the hallway, wearing blue flower pattern pajamas. She rubs her eyes sleepily, but soon her eyes widen with recognition.
