Cycles of Eternity

Something in Shirogami and Eriri was beginning to change—a subtle yet powerful awakening was stirring within them. Without realizing it, as they focused on the drawing, a faint silver aura enveloped Shirogami's right eye, while a bright blue light shimmered in Eriri's left eye.

Minutes later, which felt like an eternity to them both, they finally snapped out of their trance.

"What… what just happened?" Eriri asked, somewhat bewildered.

"I don't know…" Shirogami replied, looking at the drawing in his hands.

"It's strange, but I feel like I'm forgetting something…" Eriri murmured, gazing intently at the drawing. To her surprise, what he had sketched was an image of her, rendered with unexpected delicacy.

"By the way, your drawing turned out really well," Eriri said, giving him a warm smile.

"Thank you," Shirogami replied, letting out a barely perceptible smile.

Noticing his faint smile, Eriri grinned even more. "Well, I think it's time to get ready for bed," she said, feeling tired after the long day.

"Good night," Shirogami said, starting to walk toward his room.

"Good night," Eriri replied, yawning.

.

.

It's still too soon…

.

.

A few days later…

The family was gathered in the living room, enjoying tea as they chatted.

"Well, I think we should start thinking about your education," Mr. Spencer said, addressing Shirogami.

"I want him to study with me!" Eriri exclaimed, visibly excited about the idea of having her new "brother" by her side at school.

"For that, we need to know how much he already knows," Sayuri added, smiling tenderly at him.

"Exactly," Mr. Spencer continued. "Since we don't know your exact age, we've decided you'll be the same age as Eriri, nine years old. She returns to school after summer vacation in a month, so we can enroll you at her school by then."

Shirogami nodded silently, accepting the family's decision.

After doing some tests, the family was amazed by his knowledge: he excelled in mathematics, science, and even spoke and wrote in several languages. However, he lacked basic knowledge in history and social studies.

"It's incredible!" they exclaimed, impressed by his natural ability in so many areas.

"Well, we'll need to catch you up on those subjects," Sayuri said cheerfully, gently patting his hair.

The following weeks…

Over the next three weeks, Shirogami focused on studying geography, history, and other social studies subjects, while Eriri completed her summer homework. In their free time, they had fun together, whether playing in the garden, drawing in Eriri's studio, or sharing their small daily accomplishments. During these days of innocence, their bond grew stronger.

A week before the start of school…

On that day, the family had decided to do something special. The Sawamuras had planned a trip to the amusement park, a place filled with games, lights, and laughter. Upon arriving, Eriri's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Come on, Shirogami, we have to try all the rides!" Eriri said, grabbing his hand and pulling him excitedly towards the attractions.

They started with the roller coaster, and although Shirogami initially seemed uncomfortable, he ended up letting out a small laugh as they descended the steepest slope. Sayuri and Mr. Spencer watched with joy, happy to see them enjoying themselves like siblings.

"Do you want some cotton candy?" Sayuri asked, offering them a giant cotton candy. Shirogami looked at the treat with curiosity, and Eriri encouraged him to try it, bursting into laughter when she saw his surprised expression at the sweet taste.

The afternoon passed in laughter, games, and unforgettable moments. They went on bumper cars, explored the house of mirrors, and tested their aim in carnival games, winning small prizes they exchanged with each other.

Finally, as night fell, they decided to take a final ride on the Ferris wheel. The four of them settled into the cabin as it rose slowly. From the top, the view of the city lights was breathtaking, and the quiet of the moment felt magical. While they admired the view, Eriri, exhausted, leaned on Shirogami's shoulder and began to fall asleep.

"It's so beautiful…" Eriri whispered, her eyes half-closed, her voice softening.

"Yes…" Shirogami replied quietly, though he kept his gaze on the nighttime view.

As the night went on, both children fell asleep in their seats, lulled by the gentle sway of the Ferris wheel cabin.

When they got off, Sayuri and Mr. Spencer gently carried them, taking them to the car. As the children slept soundly, their parents exchanged a look of satisfaction and tenderness, knowing they had experienced a day that would stay in both children's memories, strengthening the bond that united them as a family.

The weeks passed, and finally, the long-awaited day arrived. Eriri and Shirogami were on their way to school, where he would be introduced as the new student.

Shirogami wore his school uniform: an immaculate white shirt, a navy blue tie, and a dark jacket with the school crest on the chest. The neatly tailored trousers gave him a formal appearance that, combined with his serious expression, made him look like a very particular student. Beside him, Eriri wore her own uniform: a white blouse with an elegant blue scarf tied in a bow and a pleated dark gray skirt. Her blonde hair, always tied in twin tails with blue ribbons, bounced to the rhythm of her cheerful, energetic steps.

As they walked down the hallway, some students turned to look at them, whispering to each other as they noticed the new classmate. Noticing the attention, Eriri gave Shirogami an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, it'll be fun. I'll introduce you to all my friends!"

They finally reached the classroom. The teacher greeted them with a smile and gestured for Shirogami to step forward.

"Good morning, class. Today we have a new classmate. This is Shirogami Sawamura," the teacher said, introducing him to the group.

Shirogami nodded slightly. "Nice to meet you…" he said in a low, monotone voice, surprising some students who were intrigued by his appearance and seriousness.

Eriri, still brimming with enthusiasm, urged him to sit next to her, saving a desk beside hers. "Here, Shirogami!" she whispered, as he took his seat, still a bit uncomfortable with the attention.

The class continued, and although Shirogami remained silent, he felt curious about the new environment—the books and notebooks before him and the warmth of the brightly lit classroom. Eriri, by his side, whispered comments about the teachers and activities, making him smile slightly from time to time.

On this first day, as he looked around the classroom filled with students and the smiling faces of Eriri and the others, Shirogami felt an odd sense of peace. Perhaps, he thought, this was the right place to start creating new memories and rediscovering what was lost within him.