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Chapter 11
Brian and AJ started thinking about what to do after what Masaru told them the night before.
On the other hand, Masaru decided to start surfing again. It seemed that Masaru was very determined. But he hadn't surf for years so no one liked the idea. However, no one could stop him. Masaru didn't think that he was too old at all.
He bought all the necessary equipments and went to the beach, holding his yellow surfboard. Everyone followed him behind, feeling worried - all ready to keep an eye on him.
But he wasn't able to get on the surfboard and was thrown over by the waves. He was shocked at this but didn't want anyone's help. Brian tried to pull him up from the water but he pushed him away.
He decided to get some exercise to regain his stamina before start surfing again. Brian and AJ were most willing to help and so began the strenuous days of training. The two decided to concentrate on helping Masaru to find back his dream and not to think about their own situation at hand. Everyday, a strenuous schedule awaited Masaru but he didn't give up. He would eat twice as much as all of them. He was really serious about this. His determination touched the taxi driver and the postman. As a result, the both accompanied Masaru in his training as a way of encouragement.
One morning, Brian was leading the team as they jogged passed Ayumi's school. Suddenly, the counting of '1,2! 1,2!' faded away. Feeling odd, Brian turned behind and realized that his team was missing. He looked around and found the row of four following behind a group of girls who were also jogging.
"Bakka." He was mad but was amused by AJ and the others when they tried to impress the girls.
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The morning when Masaru was to attempt surfing again came. This time, Masaru succeeded. He stood gallantly on his surfboard, looking confident and smart. Masaru thanked the two for helping him worked out.
At dinner, they celebrated. Ayumi, who was against the idea from the start told Masaru to be careful of high waves. She also warned him not to surf alone without her consent. Masaru just nodded.
When Brian and AJ were busy cleaning up, Masaru told Ayumi and Takako that if one day the two decided to leave, no one was allowed to stop them. Ayumi was unhappy at this but she promised. He then walked into the kitchen and talked to the two.
"Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be. Because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do."
"Why are you saying this to us?" asked AJ.
"I've achieved my dream. Now it's your turn," Masaru replied and walked out.
Masaru went back to his room and listened to the weather forecast but it was not good. It was reported that the wind would be strong, meaning that the waves would be extra high. Despite so, he didn't want this to stop him. As a surfer, he wanted this kind of challenge.
The next morning, he woke up before the others to surf despite Ayumi's warning.
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When Ayumi woke up and went down to the ground floor, she found out that Masaru was missing. She searched high and low for him but he wasn't there. Brian and AJ woke up and were told by Ayumi about her missing ojiisan. The surfboard was also missing too.
Feeling worried, they went out to look for Masaru. The three spitted up and ran to the beach to look for Masaru. But they couldn't find him. Disappointed, Ayumi sat on rock. Suddenly she spotted a yellow surfboard being washed to the shore. It was Masaru's.
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