Chapter 4: Ring the bells

Many hours later.

The trip was as tiring as Josuke expected.

Jolyne and Jotaro were talking in whispers while pointing at something on their phones. Josuke wanted to ask, but Giorno had completely frozen on top of him. And upon seeing the circles under his eyes she reflected that he did not want to take away much-needed hours of sleep.

Grandfather, with the strongest stomach he had ever seen, was reading a very heavy book. While Mr. and Mrs. Kujo were watching the movie that their mother had put on the minibus screen.

Josuke was tempted to fall asleep like Giorno, but he was still a little wary of the previous night's sleep.

All that smooth movement of the vehicle, and the movie in the background, made him remember; What made him admire the figure of Santa Claus so much.

It was just another very cold Christmas, there wasn't much visibility outside that shopping center, but the lights everywhere in the city made it possible to return home*. That's what they would have done, if only her mother hadn't left her side while she was looking at some toys, although she said that it was Josuke who got distracted and walked away to look at some shop windows *.

The fact is that Josuke was away from her mother Tomoko and he didn't know where to go, he didn't remember what her mother told him that he should do for her in case she lost sight of her, should he stay? still? Why did people ignore him?

He was cold even with his jacket and gloves. He was starting to see everything blurry, and he was no longer trying to pretend that he wasn't scared.

A child's cry was swallowed by passersby.

Fortunately, the local Santa, who was on his one-hour break and was replaced by another Santa; he saw it there.

This one was in a bit of a bad mood because his bosses wouldn't let him call himself Santa Claus, since, where he's from, that's what they've always called Santa Claus.

He seemed more familiar to her than Santa, but if it's his job... He had to do it right.

Hell, time is almost up, but that kid won't find his way alone. Tsk.

—Hey, kid, what are you doing here?

Josuke looked at him for a moment and continued crying.

—Okay, okay…Look at me, little one, I'm Santa Claus. I can fulfill your wishes and help you if you ask me, okay? You just have to ask for it, with words.

—My mom was lost. —He said between tears and snot.

Santa Claus looked at him for a moment, sighed, and proceeded to wipe his face with his handkerchief that had just been washed that morning.

—Very well, little one, we will find it, but you must be very clean to see it well. Okay?

—My name is Josuke, not little one.— Josuke answered more calmly.

Santa Claus looked at him smiling, Josuke thought that now that he had the powerful Santa Claus by his side, he would be safe.

—Will you help me find my mother?

Although he felt she was great, he had always seen him sitting in that chair.

—Santa Claus will never leave a child in trouble alone, jojojo. That's why I exist. You'll be fine, Josuke, follow me.

The confidence with which he said that made it work. His gloved hand was very warm.

*Little Josuke was impressed and continued by his side hand in hand until his mother found them on their long walk to the safety of the shopping center. She was explaining what happened to the guards inside that giant room, then Josuke resumed his crying in his mother's arms. *

They both thanked the Lord. Josuke didn't stop seeing him until he couldn't anymore.

Back in the full size car.

-Mother…

-Yes darling?

—What is Santa Claus?—He couldn't stop thinking how cool he looked at that moment.

Tomoko, relieved that everything went well, laughed a little at that question.

—Santa Claus is Santa Claus, darling. That's what they call it in other places.

Josuke could never forget that, and since then he left 'Santa Claus' for 'Santa Claus'.

Even though he was the only one in his neighborhood who said that to him, he always remembered the most important thing; the help he received from him.

In a way, he reminded her a little of Giorno and how they met.

Ding dong.

—Earth to Jojo! Josuke!

—Ah! Hey? —He rubbed his eyes a little to wake up better. And he saw Giorno lying on the side of his seat. “What happened to you, Haru?”

—You passed me, mio caro. —He said mockingly, while accepting Josuke's help to get up.

-That? —Only his mother called him for those corny things. So shameful.

—Don't you remember?—Giorno shook his clothes as if he were a peacock. —You pushed me while I was trying to wake you up.

-I do not get it. But I think I remember some screams.

—Your mother asked me. We have already arrived at the hotel where we will stay tonight before continuing. He asked me, and I quote, “Haruno, pick up my dear Josuke, please.” It's the last time I make it soft, next time I'll play loud music near your ears, Jojo.

—Come on, and thank you. Have they all left already?

—Yes, all that remains is for us to close the vehicle and go through the registry. Here we go.

Josuke, still half asleep, was dragged by Giorno where the others were waiting for them.

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