Chapter 8

An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. - Mahatma Gandhi

* * * *

Three days later, everything was ready to get Yuri out of the country, though Miki knew that she might never be able to see her best friend again.

Michio had gone to see a friend of his on the day when Miki had made that phone call to Yuri’s uncle, and he didn’t return until late at night with a fake passport in hand. Michio had called in a favour from that ‘friend’ of his to make that for Yuri. And Michio had also called in a favour to have that ‘friend’ of his book an airplane ticket from Singapore to Japan in three days.

Fortunately for the three though, Michiru Ishigawa was hardly home these past few days which they were all thankful for, as the eldest Ishigawa brother might have guessed what they’re up to if he had been home.

And for the first time in her life, Miki was really angry with her eldest brother.

Can’t that idiot who calls himself a police officer see that they’ve arrested the wrong person?

Nearly three days of police investigation had turned up nothing. And the headlines of the newspapers were filled with nothing but news about the murder, stating that a mere nine-year-old had done the murder even though it wasn’t proven yet, though they’ve withheld Yuri’s name as she was still a minor.

“The flight is tomorrow at ten in the morning,” said Michio that night in Miki’s room as his younger sister was packing some of the stuff that Michio had managed to retrieve from Yuri’s house. Things like photographs of Yuri and her mother, though a few had her uncle in them, as well as a few books and jackets for the cold weather in Japan. “Question though: how are we going to get Yuri out unseen?”

There was silence as the three racked their brains before Yuri spoke up. “I have an idea,” she said, and the two Ishigawa siblings turned towards her. Yuri took in a deep breath before speaking. “Problem is that we might have to get up pretty early at a time when no one in their right mind will be awake. Say…three in the morning?”

“That might work,” said Miki, nodding slowly, realising what her best friend’s plan is. “Though you might have to disguise yourself a little, Yuri.” She added, glancing at her friend. “It wouldn’t surprise me if the airport’s police were given a photo of you.”

Yuri didn’t say anything but nodded, and Michio looked at the girl that was practically his sister in everything but blood, and sighed. “Yuri, listen to me,” said Michio seriously, and Yuri turned towards him. “I understand that you’re angry with this woman and her daughter,” he said, careful not to mention that taboo name. “And I also understand that you might want…er…’justice’ on them. But if you ever get yourself caught trying to escape, many people will be involved. That friend of mine who helped in making a fake passport. Me. Miki. And possibly Michiru as well.”

Yuri glared at her feet. She knew that what Michio said is right. Even if she wants that woman and her daughter to get the punishment that they rightfully deserved, she knew that she can’t do it now. She just has to bide her time.

“I know that,” said Yuri at last. “I’ll bide my time. One day, I’ll see to it that that woman and her daughter will get what they deserve!”

Michio and Miki exchanged looks. Miki didn’t manage to see it, of course, but Michio could, especially seeing as how he’s older. He could see that anger and hatred had been clouding Yuri’s mind, ever since her mother’s murder.

He sighed inwardly. He really can’t do anything to help Yuri at this point in time. He could only pray and hope that Yuri’s uncle can help her, and that Yuri won’t lose herself to hatred.

“Get some rest, Yuri,” said Michio. “You too, Miki. We’re going to have to be up pretty early.”

The two girls nodded.

* * * *

Three in the morning came early for Yuri.

It didn’t seem like she’s been asleep for longer than a few minutes before Miki was shaking her awake in the dark. Yuri had to think for a moment with her sleep-clogged mind before she realised that it might invite lots of unwanted attention, as well as lots of awkward questions if anyone happened to see that the lights of Miki’s room is turned on the day when she somehow ‘vanished’.

Yuri didn’t even say a word as Miki handed her a pile of clothes before pushing her into the bathroom to change.

After dressing, Miki had tied Yuri’s shoulder-length hair into a high ponytail before placing a midnight black cap over her head, along with a pair of transparent purple sunglasses to go with it that she had somehow gotten out of nowhere.

It seemed to Yuri that it hadn’t been that long before Michio was bundling both Miki and herself out of the house and down the stairs of their HDB flat, and down to the car that Michio had borrowed from a friend.

The road was empty and pretty silent which isn’t too surprising, considering the fact that it was just after three in the morning as Michio drove silently to the airport. Miki nodded off beside Yuri whilst on the road until Michio had parked the car in one of the parking lots in the airport without actually turning off the engine.

“We’re going to have to wait here until it’s time for the flight.” Michio had told Yuri whilst turning on the radio to a classical station with the volume turned down a little to prevent Miki from waking up. “We don’t want any attention.”

“Really, thank you for everything,” said Yuri quietly.

Michio smiled at her from the driver’s seat. “Don’t mention it,” he said. “You’re like a sister to me. I won’t just sit by and watch as you get punished for something that you didn’t do.” He sighed, kneading his forehead. “Just get some sleep. I’ll wake you once it’s time for us to head into the airport.”

Yuri nodded and closed her eyes, but didn’t fall asleep.

She knew that her mother wouldn’t want her to seek vengeance. What was that that she had always said to Yuri? ‘Vengeance begets nothing but more pain and suffering.’ But then, is it right that that woman and her daughter will be able to get away scot-free without having to pay the price for their crimes?

It’s not fair!

Her thoughts soon allowed her to drift away into a deep sleep. And the next thing that she knew, she woke up to have the sunlight streaming on her face, and the sun was already quite high in the sky. Michio was shaking Miki awake.

“Alright, you two. Wake up. It’s time to go in.”

It’s finally time.

She’s going to leave this country for good.

* * * *

Yuri’s heart was thumping away like crazy in her chest as she sat in between Miki and Michio in the seats at terminal one of Changi Airport whilst waiting for her flight, with her head ducked down as the occasional police officer in the airport walked past her, praying that they wouldn’t recognise her.

“Yuri, just calm down,” said Miki in a low voice. “They won’t recognise you. I can barely recognise you myself.”

Dark thoughts were rapidly running through Yuri’s mind before Miki had even spoken. Thoughts that maybe some police officer would recognise her, and that Miki and Michio would turn her in…

“It’s time,” said Michio at last, glancing at his watch. “You’d better go in now.”

Yuri nodded before all three stood up and approached the customs officers standing at the entrance of the terminal checking the passports of some tourists.

“Be careful, Yuri,” said Miki worriedly before surprising Yuri by giving her a hug. “Be careful out there.”

Yuri nodded, her fake passport in her hand with her plane ticket, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. “I will,” she said. “And thank you for everything. I’m leaving for now.” She tightened her grip on her passport and plane ticket. “But one day, I’ll be back. And Jessica Kwok and her mother will pay for doing this to me and my mother! They killed my mother! They ruined my life! I’ll get my revenge on them someday! And…”

I swear to the heavens who had given me only Hell…that someday, I will get my revenge!