Thurday March 16, 2011.
Yukino and Tomo had spent the night in the overturned truck. In the morning they’d
marched the man into town and handed him over to some medical workers at one of the
evacuation centers. They then returned to Yukino’s cousin’s house and were standing
outside.
“Just friends, right?” said Yukino.
Tomo sighed. “Just friends.”
Yukino stuck out her hand and Tomo reluctantly shook it.
“Shall we,” he said, pointing to the stairs.
“Yes, you lead the way.”
They climbed the stairs and Yukino was about to knock on the door when she
turned and looked Tomo straight in the eyes. “Just friends, right?”
Tomo nodded.
Yukino knocked on the door and a few seconds later Sachie face appeared.
“Oh my god!” exclaimed Sachie. “You’re still alive.”
Yukino smiled. “We came across each othe–”
Sachie, paying no attention to Yukino, pushed past her and hugged Tomo. “I
thought you were dead. It’s like a dream come true.”
“I’m fine,” said Tomo, looking over her shoulder at Yukino.
Yukino shrugged and entered the house.
“Yukino!” shrieked Kumiko and Seko, running over and hugging her.
Her uncle hearing all the commotion entered the living room, a big smile
stretched across his face. “I knew you’d be fine.”
Kumiko made some tea and they sat around explaining what had happened over
the last several days.
**
Mackeller kissed Riona on the back of neck and she rolled over and kissed him back.
“I have to leave. I have relief missions to fly this morning,” he said.
Riona gave him another kiss and released him from her grip. “I must get moving
myself,” she said. “I have to check on the children.”
“Will I see you tonight?”
She giggled softly. “Every night, I hope.”
**
By Thursday afternoon the radiation levels had decreased and the Fukushima Fifty had
returned.
Kenichi entered Suzuki’s office. “Main power has been hooked up sir. We’re
about to start the cooling systems.”
Suzuki looked up. Dark circles ringed his eyes and clumps of spiky hair dotted
his head. “Let’s hope it works.”
They both entered the control room.
“Start the cooling systems,” ordered Suzuki.
Suzuki, Kenichi and the other operators stood staring as the monitors and
cooling systems hummed to life.
“Number One reactor’s systems operational,” called one of the operators.
“Number Two and Three reactors back online,” called another.
“How’s the cooling system for the Number Four reactor’s spent fuel pool?”
asked Kenichi.
“Operational,” said an operator.
Suzuki let out a long sigh of relief.
Someone began to clap and then everyone joined in.
Suzuki nodded to Kenichi and he nodded back.