My mother named Chikashi after the values she saw in Father – purpose, will, and ambition. Her second child was named after a foreigner she met on the day of my birth, New Year's Day, a nurse named Lyn. When my mother passed away during his birth, Father named Haruaki after the last sunrise he had seen that morning with Mother, on the first day of spring.
Aika San always told me not to worry. I knew the myths behind names; their importance. Chikashi grew to be strong, faithful and determined. Haruaki was the most beautiful soul – his name was meant spring was invited; the coming dawn. Except Lyn meant nothing. Aika San told me that you didn't have to grow into your name, that I was who I wanted to be. I never believed her, and now I understand why - because now I have nothing.
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Rising Fire
Historical FictionOur greatest glory is not in never falling - but rising every time we fall. -Confucius This fictitious short story encapsulates the heart-breaking effect of war on the family of a Japanese military official who moved to Australia in the hopes of inf...
