The Psychiatrist - Chapter 3 Rukawa never expected that Sendoh could play so well. He thought that Sendoh was nothing but a big mouth guy. ‘He’s not as bad as I thought,’ Rukawa said to himself. He did not really try hard to prevent Sendoh from scoring which was an advantage for our Sendoh-kun as he easily scored first two balls. Of course, Rukawa also scored two basket. Suddenly, two boys ran by and asked Rukawa, “Hey, aren’t you Rukawa Kaede, our national team player?” This attracted Rukawa’s attention. Cheeky as always, Sendoh took the chance and scored the third basket. Rukawa realised what had happen and stared at the two boys coldly. The two boys ran away quickly. “You cheated,” said Rukawa. “No, I didn’t. A player is supposed to pay full attention during a game. You’re not suppose to easily get distracted. It’s your own fault,” said Sendoh. And who could go against him. Rukawa stood there silently, knowing what Sendoh said was true yet not wanting to admit it. “Now, you have to tell me your story. Don’t tell me you're going to break the deal,” urged Sendoh. Rukawa had to agree and both of them sat under a tree nearby. “I used to go out with this girl called Kaoru. I'm not really interested in girls and stuff. Basketball was my life but she was somehow different from the rest. Maybe it’s because she played basketball... Well, I don't know. I met her here while playing basketball,” Rukawa suddenly stopped. As we all know, he never talked so much before. Sendoh kept quiet knowing it’s best to let Rukawa continue on his own. “We were together for more than a year. I never thought I would ever feel that way. I really loved her. We shared everything; in fact she was the only girl I ever really talked to besides my mother. We totally understood each other. At least I thought so...” Rukawa paused for a while trying to hide the sadness inside him. “There was the national competition and I was gone for two weeks. I came back, eager to see her. I went to her house and saw nothing!! NOTHING!! There was no one and no funiture, nothing... she was gone.” Rukawa sobbed a little. This was the first time he ever told anyone the story. “What about her parents, neighbours?” asked Sendoh. Deep down inside Sendoh felt sad too. He did not know why for he never felt like this with his other clients. But he felt his heart ache seeing Rukawa like this. Rukawa shook his head. “She lived alone. Her dad lives overseas and her mom’s already dead. Neighbours know nothing about her disapearance. I made a report. It has been almost two years now, and the other day they told me they’re going to closed the case. Do you know how I felt when I heard that? Do you know? I don’t even know what I felt that day; hurt, angry, disapointed...” Sendoh stared into Rukawa’s eyes, seeing the bluest eyes that were trying hard to hold back tears. He felt like crying too. He did not know why but he really wanted to cry. They both were silent for a moment until Sendoh forced a smile on his face. Rukawa really hated that smile. ‘Of all times, he must smile right now. I’m telling him my sad story which I never told anyone before and he thinks it’s funny. Why did I tell him anyway?’ Actually Rukawa did not know either but he felt much better after telling everything to Sendoh. Feeling slightly confused and angry he stood up and wanted to leave. “Wait...” Sendoh said. “Don’t you feel hungry? Let’s get something to eat,” he did not know why he said that. It was not the right thing to say after listening to someone’s sad story. ‘Sendoh, you stupid fool! What kind of psychiatrist are you? What was that advice?’ Sendoh scolded himself. Then he realised he was worried; worried for Rukawa. He did not want Rukawa to go on just like that. He looked up again and saw Rukawa begining to walk away. “One on one again tomorrow?” Sendoh shouted to Rukawa. Rukawa turned, looked at him and then walked away. Sendoh just stood there, disapointed that Rukawa did not answered him. But he made up his mind that he would be here tomorrow, waiting for Rukawa. Rukawa Kaede. To be Continued... **Previous**Next**