As I entered the house I could hear the news silently playing -” Twenty-three deaths have been counted tonight due to what Tokyo residents believe to be a serial killer.”- A blurry image of a large muscular man appears on the screen. -”This is an image captured on the cellphone of his most recent victim. Police seem to think the man is targeting the widows of powerful mart--”- Mom turned off the TV before the caster could finish.

I looked at her and smiled. “Hey, mom!” The air smelled like a rich Butajiru soup. My nostrils filled with the essence of simmering pork. The wonderful sensation caused my mouth to water profusely, much like a starved rabid animal. “Is that Butajiru?” My hands clenched waiting for the response. ‘Mom’s Butajiru is the best! The way she stews the pork for so long, and how thinly she slices the carrots and spring onions creates a party in my mouth!’ I was melting away at the excitement that is coming.

“Yes, Nogu! I know it’s your favorite so let’s go grab a bowl.” Her soft warm smile made me feel at ease. “How was the exam? I take it that it went well, considering you have a uniform in that bag.” She reached out for the bag and I handed it to her. “I’ll get these washed and ironed for your first day at school Nogu.” She galloped over to the laundry room and set it down on the washing machine. “Go ahead and start eating without me. I'm sure you are as hungry as a bear after today.”

The terror I felt from my encounter sent my body on high alert. ‘Calm down I’m sure everything is going to be fine. No need to worry!’ My hand was shaking as I ladled soup into my bowl. Every muscle in my body was in maximum instinct mode. Small simple parts of the reality around me sent of danger signals. I felt like cornered prey in my own kitchen. ‘Did that ogre really have this effect on me, I feel like I’m having an anxiety attack.’

The sounds of broth hitting the bottom of my bowl sounded like artillery shells impacting the ground of a warzone. Every small minute movement of the ingredients swirling around in the soup made my teeth grit in response.

The washer door slammed which sent me into a frenzied attack. I threw the ladle at the back wall of the laundry room which left hole after the impact. My mom let out a surprised scream. She looked at me as I stood there like a deer in headlights. Tears welled up in her eyes as she came running towards me. “Sweetie what happened to make you so anxious.” She pressed her ear to my chest and listened to my frantically beating heart. “Your heartbeat sounds like his after he got out of a fight.” She stood up and lightly touched my temple. “You were fighting someone in here, weren’t you? You were fighting someone you feared greatly.”

Her touch calmed my nerves instantly. The anxiety faded away leaving lingering tightness in my chest. My breath was still irregular as if I just ran a mile. “I… Can’t talk about it, mom.” Tears rolled down my face uncontrollably. She stuck a finger over my mouth to hush me.

‘Does she somehow know what happened?’

She smiled as tears streamed down her face. “Nogu, I know the battle you are facing will be hard. Your father had similar struggles. I know that I can’t always know the details of everything and that’s okay.” Her voice was cracking due to sobs escaping her mouth. “Do what you’re good at. I live by that every day for you Nogu. I’ll be here whenever you can’t fight your battles alone!” She was sobbing loudly now. “I need you to do the same Nogu, I need you to do what you are good at. I need you to succeed because that’s what your father would have wanted!”

My tears rolled off of my cheeks onto the floor. I couldn’t speak a word because of the maelstrom of emotions in my heart. Each thought in my brain melted into a ball of mixed emotions inside of me. “Thank you, mom!” I forced those words through my fits of crying. I clenched my fists and bit my lower lip.

My mother looked into my eyes that were inflamed with determination. She laughed weakly. “You look so much like him sometimes, but remember you are Nogu Takeo, not your father Mihara Takeo. As much as you want to uphold your father’s legacy, you have to forge your own. One day you will surpass Mihara Takeo as Nogu Takeo. They will no longer just call you Takeo’s boy.” She placed her hand on top of my clenched fist. “When you are ready, come eat some Butajiru. Okay?”

I smiled and wiped my tears away. “I’m ready for it now! After all, it’s quite a famous meal in this household.” The sound of a window breaking shattered the sanctity of that moment. “Mom, stay close!” Footsteps could be heard coming from the family room that was separated from us by a wall. “Who is that?” I noticed it started to rain because I could hear the rain hitting our family room floor.

“I’ll call the police.” Mom reached into her pocket, but couldn’t find her phone anywhere.

“Nogu, I think my phone is in the family room.”

My heart raced once again. I struck my defensive stance in preparation for whatever is to come. I heard loud footsteps emanating from the other room, each vibration shook me right to the bone. I had to be ready. -Thud- The footsteps ground to a halt. “Nogu?” The voice was deep and terrifying. “That’s Takeo’s brat kid, isn’t it? Hahaha!” His chuckles were as slow and menacing as his stride. I’m not here for you, boy. I’m here for your mother, Hahaha. Don’t worry you can watch!” His large looming frame stepped into view.

“That’s the serial killer from the news!” In a flash, I kicked the stool into him at full force. It splintered on contact with his block.

“AH! Nevermind kid, I’m going to beat you senseless and then rip your mother apart before finishing you off.” His twisted face grew red with rage.