Page 82 of Sixty Meters Under

After a few minutes the main door opened again, and this time a different set of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Ryosuke remained on his side until the echo stopped and his name was called out.

“Ryosuke.”

Ryosuke raised his head and looked towards the bars. It was his father who stood on the other side, studying him with a look he hadn’t seen before.

“Father.” Ryosuke sat at the edge of the bed and put his feet on the floor.

“I see you haven’t eaten yet.” Isamu glanced at the full tray of food.

“I’m not hungry.”

“I know it might be hard to find motivation to do even the smallest tasks while you’re locked in here, but your body needs its daily dose of nutrients. Even though you may not feel it. It will not do you any good to skip a meal.”

“I know, but I really can’t eat.” Ryosuke looked down.

“Are you not feeling well? Should I call the doctor? You still have the right to medical treatment, you know?”

Ryosuke shook his head and gave his father a reassuring look. “There’s no need, really. I just don’t feel hungry. One missed meal will not kill me.”

“Then at least drink the juice. Though it’s a shame that food will go to waste, especially now when we have it in limited amounts.”

Ryosuke knew his father was right, he sighed and said, “I agree. You can take it back to the kitchen. I haven’t touched it.”

“Alright. But promise me you will eat your lunch.”

“Okay,” Ryosuke said and picked at the fluff on his blanket. It wasn’t easy to lie to his father.

Knowing that he had committed murder, Ryosuke could not bring himself to look at his father as he normally would. It was impossible, especially when his father believed in his innocence.

Isamu stood, silent, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Ryosuke didn’t know what to tell him to lighten his mood. There was no hope for him, and his father would only feel worse when he found out the truth.

What should I do? There’s no way out of this situation. I will have to face the consequences of my actions.

“Son…” Isamu broke the silence.

“Yes?”

“You have to be strong. We’ll find the evidence and prove that it wasn’t you.”

But it was me.Ryosuke bit his lip, his eyes misting.How can I tell you that? I can’t. There’s no way. I’m weak. I’m not the son you deserve.

Ryosuke’s eyes were glued to the floor. “Thank you, Dad. For everything.”

I can’t look you in the face. I’m sorry.

“You’re my son. And you always will be no matter what.”

“You care a lot about me.”

“Of course I care! That’s why we are here, you know?”

A broken smile appeared on Ryosuke’s lips as an idea began to form in his mind.

“Don’t burden yourself with this. We will find a solution and everything will be alright,” Isamu said with optimism, and tried to lighten up Ryosuke’s mood as well.

Ryosuke finally looked up and tried to give his father his brightest smile. “Of course, Dad. Everything will be resolved at the end. That’s the way of things.”

Isamu’s face brightened at his son’s smile, and he nodded. He bent down to collect the tray before heading for the exit. When the door closed after him, Ryosuke heard another voice: “It will be resolved. And I hope you’ll face a proper penalty!”