The alarm rings, slicing through the quiet morning, which wakes the girls from their slumber.
Erika stirs first, eyes fluttering open, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and urgency,
"Mei, are you awake?"
Mei groans softly, her voice thick with sleep.
"Yes, I'm up."
Erika tone sharpens with purpose.
"Then get dressed quickly. You don't want to be late for your flight."
Mei nods rubbing her eyes.
"Alright, I will hurry."
Mei grabs her clothes, her movements swift and decisive. After a few minutes, she steps out of the bathroom, dressed neatly, her luggage in hand.
Downstairs the warm smell of breakfast greets her.
Natsu smiles the moment she sees Mei.
"Hey Mei, you are ready. Come have some breakfast before you go."
Mei smiles softly,
"Ok, Aunt."
Natsu glances towards the stairs.
"Where's Erika?"
Mei replies,
"She's dressing up. She'll drop me off. But tell her not to go through that stress. I can call my driver."
Natsu chuckles knowingly.
" You know that she just wants to see you off. Oh, yur mom called, by the way."
Mei face lights up with surprise and delight,
"Really?"
Natsu nods, her expression warm and loving,
"Yes. She said to tell you she is going to miss you, and take care of yourself. She wishes she could be there, but her blessings are with you."
Tears brim in Mei's eyes.
"I'm going to miss her to."
Erika rushes downstairs, her voice bright with anticipation.
"You are ready? Let's go!"
Natsu raises an eyebrow.
"Hold on, aren't you two going to eat first?"
Erika checks the time and shakes her head.
"Mom, I will eat when I get back. I can't let her miss her flight."
Natsu sighs, but smiles softly.
"As you wish."
Mei turns to Erika, taking her hand.
"You know, Icould call my driver instead."
Erika frowns.
"So you want to deprive me of saying goodbye to my sister?"
Mei laughs quietly.
"No, I can't, and I won't. Of course not. I won't dare."
Erika grins.
"Good. Let's go then."
Before leaving, Mei hugs Natsu tightly.
"This is for everything you have done, Aunt Natsu. Thank you for taking such good acre of me."
Natsu hugs her back, thinking her a little too long.
"I love you, Mei. Everything Idid was for your happiness. You deserve peace away from that man who's hurt you for so long."
Mei's voice trembles softly.
"Thank you, Aunt. I'll be okay."
Natsu touches her cheeks gently.
"If you need anything, call me right away. I love you."
Mei smiles through her tears.
"Love you too."
Erika jingles the car keys.
"Shall we?"
Mei nods.
"Ok, let's go."
They step outside into the cool morning air.
As Erika drives, her voice breaks the silence.
"You must feel a little bit bad that your mom and brothers couldn't see you off. If your dad found out they would all be in trouble. We can't risk it.
Mei lets out a small laugh.
"At least, I have you. That'smore than enough."
Erika smiles, her expression warm.
"Take care of yourself, okay? Find the best doctor for your arm now that you are finally free."
Mei nods
"I will."
Erika glances at her quickly.
"It's strange that it didn't bleed yesterday. "
Mei shrugs slightly.
"I didn't do anything stressful. That's probably why."
Erika sniffs, eyes misting
" I'm really going to miss you. Don't forget to call, alright?"
Mei chuckles.
"Yes ma'am."
They share a quiet moment, the hum of the engine filling the space between them.
After a while, Erika speaks again.
"We are almost there."
Mei looks out the window, her eyes widening as the airport comes to view.
"Yes, we are here."
Erika parks the car and turns turns to her, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
"Well, this is it. "
Mei exhales slowly.
"Yeah, it is."