Marika's Transformation: Section 3

MARIKA'S TRANSFORMATION: SECTION 3

Extracted from Chapters 21-30 of the story *Our Transformations*

A few days later, after Marika had left Parou's house, finds Yuuta (Marika in male mode, wearing the boy's school uniform) and Tomochi eating lunch together outside on the school campus. Yuuta has to talk to someone about what 'he' told 'himself', that their head is 'all messed up' inside, and Tomochi was willing to listen. So, Yuuta describes what happened when they, as Marika, went over to see Parou at her home. It wasn't all that pleasant of a visit. Parou looked to be in a lot of emotional and spiritual pain. Yuuta says that they don't know how to handle that experience mentally or emotionally. Tomochi asks Yuuta if they, as Marika, still like Parou? They do ! Tomochi recommends to 'step back for a while', and give Parou 'breathing room'. Yuuta says that they already tried that, but while they were separated, they (Marika) would just mope around and be downcast. However, Yuuta can't leave well enough alone, and consented to go with Yui to visit Parou, when they previously said they would not do that. Tomochi comes right out and tells Yuuta that they really did nothing wrong, no matter how one looks at it. Yuuta disagrees, saying that they have been dealing with a lot of self-loathing and condemnation lately. Tomochi mentions what is wrong with one expressing their honest feelings? But there are limits as to when and how one can handle the feelings in their heart and soul. Yuuta is in awe of Tomochi, and tells him that he is very mature in his advice.

Two girls walk by Yuuta and Tomochi, and one of them says 'Hello' to Yuuta. The other girl swoons over Yuuta, mentioning how cute and feminine-like 'he' is. The first girl whispers to her friend that the other guy with Yuuta used to cross-dress as a female student, even wearing the female uniform to school for quite a while. After the two girls go by, Yuuta apologizes to Tomochi, saying that they are sorry for dragging him into their own messy emotional world. No problem, as Tomochi, when they were the female student, had all of that happen to them, and then some ! Just then, the school bully who tried to emotionally 'smack down' Yuuta for being so girly and feminine, walks by. He 'eyeballs' Yuuta and Tomochi with a scowl on his face, but says nothing, and walks past the two and then turning to go into a classroom. Tomochi remarks that it doesn't seem like he is going to say anything to you anymore, Yuuta ! So be it ! Yuuta says that they certainly hope so. During the next class, Yuuta is sitting at their desk, but their mind is not on the lesson at hand. Yuuta keeps thinking about Parou, and that 'he' still has feelings for the very distressed and disconcerted Parou.

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One day, during summer break, Yuuta is sleeping in bed. It is morning, however, he has not gotten up yet. Mom comes into the bedroom saying that breakfast is ready, and to get up so as to eat breakfast with Mom. Sleepily, Yuuta barks out that they are not hungry. Mom comments that it seems as if Yuuta's voice is changing, getting deeper. Did they catch a cold or something? Yuuta, from under the covers, barks again to leave them alone ! Mom leaves without a word. Yuuta hides under the bedcover, and tears come to their eyes, as they acknowledge to themselves that their voice is actually beginning to change !

Next day, in the morning, the same thing happens. Yuuta doesn't want to get out of bed. Mom asks how many days has this been happening? If you are tired, we can go see a doctor. No response from under the bedcovers, so Mom says that she is going. Suddenly, Yuuta cries out, begging Mom not to leave. Mom says that she has to go, she has to be at work, and that we can talk later today after she gets back. Yuuta scoots further under the blankets and tries to go back to sleep, until the iphone goes off. It is Tomochi, wanting to know if Yuuta wants to hang out together today?

The two friends meet downtown. Tomochi is sorta dressed as a girl, wearing a polka-dot patterned shirt, and girl's dress slacks. Marika is wearing a white hoodie, a blue denim mini-skirt, black above-the-knee socks, and a mask over her mouth.
Tomochi wants to know why she is wearing a mask? A cold or something? Marika is not honest about her voice changing, and says that it is a mild cold, however, other then that, she feels fine. Tomochi says for her to take it easy today.

Tomochi leads the two of them to their home, where they are greeted by Tomochi's Mom. She addresses Tomochi's friend as 'Marika'! How did Mom know? Tomochi says that everybody in the family knows. And that's not a bad thing, didn't I tell you that it would be okay? They next meet Tomochi's oldest sister, Maki-chan, who works as a night nurse. She thanks Marika for befriending Tomochi; however is was the other way around. Tomochi takes Marika up to their bedroom. Tomochi remarks that they have two other older sisters, one in college, and one in high school. Marika remarks that today is the first time that she has been called 'Marika' outside of her few friends, and that just surprised her, but that's okay.

Marika notices a high school sailor suit school uniform hanging over the window curtain of Tomochi's bedroom. She remarks that it must have been okay with the family for Tomochi to wear it to school. It was. Marika stares longingly at it. Tomochi notices, and asks if she wants to try it on, as Marika probably has never worn a sailor fuku before? Tomochi says that they can't wear it anymore, but it would fit you perfectly, Marika. In a little while, Marika is for the first time, wearing a real, actual, girls' sailor suit school uniform ! She has removed her mask, too. "Oh my gosh! YOU LOOK SO CUTE!", shouts out Tomochi. Tomochi wants to take a picture, but Marika says that would be too embarrassing. Tomochi leaves the bedroom, leaving Marika to herself. She is in awe of the fact that she is wearing a sailor fuku, and takes a little twirl around for good measure, causing the pleated mini-skirt to flutter. A generous smile comes to her face, just as the door to the bedroom opens, and a camera goes off ! What a great picture !

It is Ayumu, the sister that is in high school. She is an avid cosplayer, and knows a lot about makeup. Tomochi says that they brought Ayumu here to do makeup for you, Marika. After a while, Marika looks so much older, and so very much more attractive and sexy with the skillful use of makeup. Marika's image has changed from little girl to mature, provocative teenage girl. Tomochi remarks that Marika can now put the girls at school to shame with her passionate and incendiary looks. Marika says the she doesn't believe that. Ayumu asks if Marika's voice seems to be changing? Probably. Tears come to Marika's eyes. Tomochi scolds Ayumu for saying such things. Ayumu counters by saying that you, Tomochi, cried your heart out when you could no longer fit into your female school uniform because of a growth spurt. Marika asks if that was true? Yes, it was true.

Trying to comfort Marika, Ayumu addresses her, saying that she needs to go see a gender specialist doctor. Ayumu says that she knew of a girl who cried a lot because she was born perceived as a boy. Therefore, you, Marika, have been on my mind for a while now. Ayumu asks Marika if she has talked to her parents about her gender concerns ? Marika doesn't answer, as at that very moment, Mom bursts into the bedroom to say that dinner is ready. And of course Marika is going to stay for dinner, right?

At the dinner table is Mom, Maki, Ayumu, Tomochi, and Marika. Family talk and gossip goes around and around. Where's Nozo (the college sister), asks Ayumu? On a date. Tomochi apologizes to Marika, saying that the family can get quite noisy. Marika says not to be sorry; her Dad works a long way from home, and her Mom also works, so she, Marika, always eats alone. It's been a long time since she has had a meal this lively, and she is having a lot of fun. Marika smiles, as all the others think to themselves how incredibly cute Marika is when she smiles. Mom comments that Marika is always welcome to come here to eat. And by the way, is Marika's voice changing? Marika's smile turns into a thin wisp, and says that yes it is.

After dinner, back in Tomochi's bedroom, Tomochi states that their family is so insensitive. Marika disagrees. Later. still feeling guilty for the family's conduct, Tomochi says that they should not have invited Marika over to spend time with them. Marika smiles her unnervingly cute smile, and says that she is happy that she is here. Tomochi asks if it is okay to go ahead with a sleepover? Marika replies that she has already talked to Mom, and it is fine. Marika has always wanted to have a real sleepover. Tomochi confesses that this is the first time they have had a friend in their bedroom. That also makes Marika happy ! Tomochi then suggests that the two of them stay up all night; a real girl's all-nighter ! Like playing video games and watching cable TV? However, after a few rounds of video games, Marika is 'done for' and collapses onto the futon set up on the floor next to Tomochi's bed, fast asleep. Tomochi sits on the bed, softly saying to themselves that it is not even midnight yet.

Even in deep sleep, Marika is unbearably and unnervingly cute, sweet, and innocent. With a sad and melancholic expression on their face, Tomochi silently watches her for a long time. Finally, Tomochi whispers to themselves that Marika is too vulnerable. Quietly and stealthily, Tomochi gets up from sitting on the bed, and assumes the *Tachi Position* over Marika. Marika, laying on her side, is in the *Neko Position*. Tomochi remains motionless, not moving, and not touching Marika in any way, only quietly and intimately watching her. Tomochi's breath comes in mesmerizing deep and slow cycles. Finally, Tomochi breaks the pose, and returns to laying on their bed. "For crying out loud......", Tomochi scolds themselves. For most of the night, sleep escapes Tomochi, as they lay flat on their back on the bed, with the embers of their mind in a incessant soft glow.

Next morning, at the breakfast table, Tomochi is biting into a slice of toast. He is silently berating and lambasting themselves for this onslaught of recent emotions that kept going almost all night long. Marika is next to Tomochi, apologizing for going to sleep so early last night. "Who's the girl? Is that your girlfriend?", comes a voice. NO! The voice is that of Nozomu, the college aged sister. So that's supposedly a boy, remarks Nozo. She jabs at Tomochi, saying that she thought that they would, in fact, make friends with another "cross-dresser". SHUDDUP! Nozo leaves to go take a bath. She is replaced in the kitchen by a sleepy Maki, trying to wake up. She downs a pint of mineral water, and goes to leave. However, she gives Marika a business card, saying that Ayumu asked her to do so. Since she is a professional nurse, and that if something concerning gender ever comes up that Marika can't talk to Tomo about, come see her.

Later that morning, Marika is walking home, wearing yesterday's hoodie and denim mini-skirt. She is looking at the business card, thinking that this is somewhat meddlesome. Nevertheless, Marika trudges onward. She clears her throat, and tries to introduce herself with a feminine voice. She was not very successful. That evening, Marika is in her futon, reading a manga. Mom comes in to say that she is home. Mom comments that it looks like Yuuta is feeling better, and leaves. Marika gets up out of the futon, and finds Mom in the kitchen doing dishes. Marika says---

"We have to talk ! I......I......I want to be a girl......."

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In the next week or so, Marika and Akane-chan have a long, heart to heart talk. The two of them are at Marika's house. They have been close, intimate friends since childhood, so naturally, they eventually share everything that comes upon their respective minds, hearts, and spirits. Today, Akane-chan is telling Marika about the fact that she thinks that she is in love with someone, in fact, that person and herself went on a "date" together recently. Akane-chan is just about to 'spill the beans' by telling just who this person is, when Marika's Mom comes home and into the kitchen, where the two friends are. She asks Yuu-chan (Marika) if they are okay with going to the hospital the day after tomorrow ? Akane-chan asks if there is something wrong ? Mom only says that she is surprised to see Akane-chan. Akane-chan turns her attention to Marika, asking if that is the reason that they have been skipping school recently ? Marika is unsettled as to whether or not to tell Akane-chan that she has done a "Coming Out" to Mom as a trans girl. She ponders it for a few moments, and then says that it is nothing.

Two days later, Marika went to the hospital with Mom, the hospital that Tomochi's sister told her about. The Gender Therapist begins by questioning Marika. How is she feeling today? How long has she felt that she was a girl? Ever since she was a kid. Once Marika began answering the questions, her words overflowed like a summer rainstorm. She told all, up to recently when her voice started to change and deepen. The therapist listened carefully to all that Marika said, frequently nodding his head in agreement. Marika told him about all the emotional and spiritual pain that she has had to endure all through her childhood and into the teen years. Yet the worst pain is occurring right now. Marika ended up saying that she wanted to be.......NO......I AM A GIRL !!! Marika told everything that she had kept bottled up all these years. The doctor commented that she has gone through a lot. At that, Marika breaks down and begins crying profusely. As she cried bitterly, she thought to herself that together with the tears, the pebbles in her heart that she carried so painfully for such a long time, began to reform into lumps of sugar, and gradually dissolve. That process was sweet, warm, and pleasant. And so she could finally catch her breath.

After the hospital visit and consultation, Marika and Mom when to a nice restaurant. Mom, rather simpleminded and pathetically, apologizes for ignoring all the obvious signs that Marika had displayed all through the many years that she was telling Mom that she was not a boy, but a girl. To add insult to injury, Mom says that she knew all along about Marika's condition, but never felt the need to act on it. She now says that she should have done something for Marika sooner. (DUH!) Mom then repeats the nonsensical statement and pale excuse that she has always said thousands of times over the years, which gave no real help or comfort to Marika---

"No matter if you are a boy or a girl, I will love you, Yuu-chan (male name)". Mom continues, "Isn't the cake here great?"

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A week to ten days have gone by since Marika went to the hospital. Marika returned from her encounter with the doctor and gender specialist, only to remain at home with no social contact whatsoever. No school, no friends, no going outside, nothing. After a while, Akane-chan, the childhood friend, becomes concerned, and pays a visit to Marika's home. She calls out loudly from the sidewalk, but to no avail. Finally, Mom comes to the door, opens it, and apologizes to Akane-chan, in that Yuuta (Marika) is not seeing any visitors at this time. Miffed, Akane-chan leaves. She ends up at a coffee shop, where she meets with Tamura (Parou in male mode). Akane-chan complains that Marika went home from the hospital, and has not been seen since. What gives? She has not received a text from Marika, Marika won't respond to her texts, and won't answer the phone. What is wrong with Marika? One would like to know.

One day Tomochi receives a phone call from Marika, wanting to know if she can come over for a brief visit. Tomochi agrees, and in a while Marika is in Tomochi's bedroom. They talk for a bit, until Ayumu, the avid cosplayer, comes in and wants Marika to try on a female cosplay outfit. This she reluctantly does. Unfortunately, one costume becomes three or four before Marika can't take the attention and modeling anymore. So Ayumu leaves the bedroom, somewhat pleased, but also annoyed that she couldn't continue to use Marika as a 'dress-up toy'. By now, Marika only wants to leave and go home. As she prepares to go, Tomochi asks her if she is going to return to school tomorrow? "Yeah!" Tomochi wishes her well.

The next morning, Marika is all ready to walk to school. Mom walks her out to the sidewalk, and then says her goodby's. With a smile on her face and in the upmost heights of good spirits, Marika tells Mom that she will see her later today after school. Marika turns to go, wearing her crisp, new, school uniform. She will be wearing ***the girl's sailor suit school uniform** to school for the very first time !!!*

Joyful and righteous thoughts bubble up from Marika's heart as she walks. "The hem of my skirt / flutters in the wind / just like a flower petal / the funeral session of wearing the boy's school uniform is over !" As Marika approaches the school campus, she joins the other students heading the same way, and catches bits and pieces of conversation that is exchanged between the students. More good thoughts are entertained by Marika. "Starting today, I have been reborn as the real me !"

In the morning homeroom class, Marika is greeted by Tomochi, sitting at a desk a short distance from hers. Marika returns a cheerful and optimistic 'Good Morning' ! When the homeroom teacher comes to class and begins the day's sessions, he has Marika stand before the entire class. He introduces the 'real Marika'---

"Starting today, the former Yuuta will be coming to school as a female student. There are times when it would be best for all of you to offer her support and understanding. If you have any questions, you can ask me, or any other teacher. Or you can go to the school nurse with your concerns." Marika is then seated at her desk, and the 'new girl' at school begins her first day of classes.

At the first classroom break, a bevy of girls crowd around Marika's desk. Comments are expressed one after another, that she looks so much better as an attractive girl instead of a feminine boy. The girls knew it all along. Marika tells the girls that she is so happy now. The girls want to know what to call her, as her previous name, Yuuta, is masculine? Tomochi interrupts, saying that her female name is "Marika". How pretty ! One of the girls addresses Tomochi, recalling that didn't he come to school all last year wearing a female school uniform? Tomochi, being deliberately vague, only says that he doesn't look good in the female uniform anymore (actually, he outgrew it, and was too disappointed to continue). Another one raises the question of which bathroom is Marika going to use? The girl's restroom, of course, is the consensuses. Tomochi takes offense at the question, barking out that if there is something about Marika you want to ask......Marika takes hold of his shirt sleeve and says that the questions are okay. One boy stays at his desk and merely observes all the interest and attention that is directed toward Marika. With a scowl on his face and a frown on his lips, he is the bully that confronted Yuuta and made fun of the fact that she wanted to be a girl. Now his mockery of Yuuta being a girl has become a reality, as he sees Marika presenting as a female student wearing the girl's school uniform. He now has to 'eat humble pie'.

Later in the school day, during the cooking class, Akane-chan sees Marika for the first time since Marika's hospital visit. Akane-chan berates Marika for suddenly showing up at school (supposedly) cross-dressed. Tomochi corrects Akane-chan, telling her that *Marika is not cross-dressing !* Akane-chan realizes her mistaken concept, and apologizes. Marika says not to worry about it, Tomochi is already doing too much worrying already. Tomochi says that he is doing it for Marika's sake. Marika says that he is putting everyone on edge. The ones at school will have to stop calling Marika "Yuuta", as that is not proper to call a girl by a boy's name. Everyone in the cooking class agrees. Marika apologizes for the supposed worry that she is causing everybody today. A girl who is an underclass student approaches Marika and shouts loudly that Marika is **REALLY AMAZING !!!** The girl becomes embarrassed when she realizes that she said what she did in front of all the others because she now feels a romantic interest in Marika, girl-with-girl ! Akane-chan suggests that the class bake a celebratory cake to commemorate Marika's first day at school as a girl. The cooking class soon finds out that they don't have the right ingredients to make a cake, so they made celebratory pancakes !

At the end of the school day, Marika tells Akane-chan that she, Marika, is going to try and meetup with Parou again. She wants to apologize to Parou for hurting their feelings. The two friends discuss the pros and cons of Marika doing that. Akane-chan expresses her hope that Marika and Parou can reconcile.

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That weekend, Marika meets up with Parou in a coffee shop. They talk about the other one in their threesome circle, Yui. Afterward, walking outside, Marika explains what she had recently gone through to be diagnosed as a trans girl. There is nothing physically wrong with Marika, it is only that her mind is telling her that she has been, and continues to be, a girl, not a boy (the medical term is Gender Dysphoria). Parou comments how mentally and emotionally strong Marika must be. Marika says that it is not that; it is actually that she couldn't keep on crying about her gender concerns, that and thoughts of suicide had begun to be considered by her. She does, however, admit to being very resilient. Marika confesses that even if Parou had disliked her, or may have thought many other bad things about her, nevertheless, she, Marika, still from the very beginning, has always had romantic feelings for Parou. That has not ever changed. Marika says that she still likes you, Parou. You must find me so persistent, but I can't do anything about that. Parou agrees that Marika is very persistent. Parou next reveals that Akane-chan also confessed a romantic interest in her. Marika says that she already knows. Yet Marika tells Parou that she would not come to dislike her over something like that. Marika asks Parou what is she going to do knowing what she, Marika, just said? Parou bluntly says to "show me your true feelings, Marika" !

Both retire to Parou's house, to her bedroom. Marika is sitting on the floor next to the bed, looking upward to a standing Parou. Parou slowly kneels down, and very delicately yet deliberately, kisses Marika. They reluctantly separate with both silently expressing mixed emotions. Marika begins to quietly cry, as tears wet her reddened cheeks, and drip down. Suddenly, without warning, something inside Parou's mind and heart explodes and reeks havoc upon her. Her emotions go on a rampage. Her conscience 'puts a knife right into her heart and twists it', thereby soundly condemning what she just did. Her mind begins replaying previously repressed memories of child abuse done to her long, long ago. Parou clasps her hands across her mouth, gets up, and rushes toward the bathroom. Marika gets up and follows, only to see Parou vomiting into the toilet.
Eventually getting up, Parou begins sporadically coughing, in between saying that she is sorry, but she suddenly got very sick. She painfully tells Marika not to cry, as this is not Marika's fault. Marika cries all the much more so, telling Parou in between her painful sobs that she feels so sorry for her. So, so sorry. Parou orders Marika to leave immediately, this she does.

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After leaving Parou's home, Marika walks over to Akane-chan's house. They go to a park nearby. Sitting on the swing set, Akane-chan asks Marika if something happened to her, as it is rare for Marika to come over to her house? Marika is silent, as Akane-chan sorta changes the subject by saying she confessed her romantic feelings to Tamura (Parou) the other day. She was so nervous when she did so. Marika says that she already knows, as Parou had told her about that. Akane-chan tells Marika that she knew that Marika was going to meet up with Parou. That happened today. How did it go ? Marika only says that she also confessed her romantic feelings for Parou. This takes Akane-chan by surprise ! However, Marika did tell her some time ago that she was romantically attracted to someone, she just didn't say it was Parou. Akane-chan wants to know why she was kept in the dark about Marika's love interest? Marika says that she thought that Akane-chan would 'put her own feelings toward Parou on the back burner', and Marika did not want her to do that. Why did Marika wait until now to tell her best friend, Akane-chan? Because Marika wanted to wait until she was presenting fully as a girl, only then would she reveal that she was attracted to Parou. Not before. Marika apologizes to Akane-chan for the misunderstanding, and error in judgement about their friendship and romantic intentions. Akane-chan says that we just like the same person, that's all. Marika states that regarding herself, it has gone a little further; she and Parou have already kissed. Akane-chan feigns being upset, but then states that she is glad that she has been told about the kissing.

Walking from the park back to Akane-chan's home, she complains that Marika was in the hospital, then came to school as a female student dressed in the girl's uniform, and she, Akane-chan, never knew anything about any of that. Akane-chan thought that Marika was mad at her, and that is why she was never kept up to date about Marika. Not the case. However, since the silence toward Akane-chan was not deliberate, she says that she forgives Marika, but only if Marika treats her to some ice cream, like right now. This the two friends do.

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Ryou (Yui in male mode) for quite some time now has not been going to school. Not the least of which was the placing of their mother into an institution where she can receive care for her mental illness concerning her deceased daughter. Finally, one day Ryou returns to school, only to find out that he has missed a great deal of the curriculum, and has to somehow make it up. A tall order, indeed. In the hallway on this particular day, Ryou comes upon a cute, pretty pale blonde haired girl wearing the girl's uniform. Recognition slowly follows, *It is Marika* ! Marika is with Akane-chan. Marika addresses him by their female name, "Yui" ! Ryou wants to know why Marika is dressed as a girl? Marika does not really answer that, but tells Ryou that she is glad that he is back in school, and that she was so worried about him. Worried? Really? Marika says that she though that Ryou hated her. After all, that one time way back when, he pinned her to the outside window, and said that he would kill her if she ever made any effort to indicate that she knew him at school or otherwise when he was in male mode.

Marika wants to know what has happened to Ryou since he dropped out of school? Ryou doesn't have a chance to answer, because Tomochi comes to collect Akane-chan, and make sure that she makes it to cram school, soon to begin this afternoon. Tomochi and Akane-chan leave to try and make it before they miss the beginning of cram school, leaving Ryou and Marika alone together. Ryou wants Marika to walk home with him. Marika tactfully points out that he in the past did not want her to even talk to him, let alone walk together. Ryou says that he though that he apologized for that rudeness some time ago. Marika doesn't remember if he did or did not. Ryou says that he reconsidered, than consented to talk to male Yuuta here at school in the past, so he can't be all that mad or upset. Marika acknowledges that he has been polite to her, even if it was only at odd and random times. From a distance, Ryou's girlfriend, Hacchi, sees the two of them together, and suspects the worst about Ryou. Why is he being socially intimate with another girl ?

Ryou and Marika end up at a donut shop, sitting together and eating donuts like they are on some sort of date together. Marika remarks that she is happy for Ryou. He returns the remark saying that Marika is 'really something else' !
He goes on to say that she is gutsy, so determined, and has really worked hard at being an authentic girl. Why is Marika grinning now ? Because she is so unbelievably happy that Ryou is praising her, instead of how he used to be unkind to her. It has been a while since we could talk so openly and honestly with each other. Ryou silently staries at Marika for quite some time, silently telling himself that he always knew Marika to be a real girl inside. But now she is so indescribably cute....an then some !

Marika breaks the silence, and Ryou's train of thought, by innocently asking him what has happened to him, and why did he not come to school for so long ? Ryou blows it off by saying that nothing big happened; he apologizes for making her worry. Silence reigns again as Ryou falls into another session of private thoughts. He tells himself that he doesn't now have to dress as his deceased sister anymore. This because Mom is away at an institution. But if he tells Marika that he is done cross-dressing for good, that would probably make her lonely and sad. Would that eventually break up our friendship, and we would no longer meet together ? Who would be the lonely one then ? Is he prepared for that ?

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The doctor and gender specialist established regular checkups for Marika to attend to make sure that her transition from boy to girl is going smoothly. Today is one of the checkups. The doctor asks Marika if she is having any particular problems with her transition, at school or otherwise ? "Not at all.", says Marika. Leaving the hospital, Marika notices that it had begun to snow. The first snowfall of the season. How pretty ! Marika is so mesmerized at the snowfall, that Mom asks her if everything is all right ? "Yeah" Mom takes Marika by the arm, and walks together with her. What's the matter ? Nothing. Mom only wants the two of them to get something warm to eat on the way home. Marika wants sushi. But that's not warm ! Mom doesn't mind, though.

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(Click on Section 4 to be taken to the next and final story section)