Naruhito (21)
“Naruhito, I assign a very important mission to you.”
Hitachimaru spoke seriously. I was on my enlarged bed, sitting and reading a picture book, so I straightened my back and saluted as best as I could.
I can’t walk properly yet, can I really do it, Commander?
“I want you to cheer up Otoha.”
While I was tilting my head, Otoha, looking absent-minded, was brought over. Her complexion was bad, and her eyes were red and swollen. Hitachimaru had Otoha sit on the sofa, then knelt in front of her, locking eyes.
“Otoha, I have to go out as the companion of Master Hiiro. Please stay here and take care of things while I’m gone.”
Otoha nodded solemnly. Hitachimaru tightly held Otoha’s hand, stood up, and left. Before leaving, he looked back at me and said, “Please.”
It’s been two days since I last saw Otoha. I got off the bed and walked to the sofa. Clumsily, dragging my right leg.
“Otoha.”
I sat beside her and spoke. Otoha vaguely turned towards me.
“Want juice?”
When I asked, Otoha nodded. I walked awkwardly to the fridge. There, the mixed juice Hirotsue made, was placed in a container easy to open with one hand. She made it for me, saying I could drink it whenever I wanted. A precious juice.
I poured it into a glass and inserted a straw. Today, it had a beautiful color.
Mixed juice tastes like happiness.
When I handed the glass to Otoha, she opened her eyes wide in surprise.
“… Naru?”
Comparing the glass with my face, she blinked rapidly.
“It’s yummy.”
I said, and she took a sip while saying, “Hmm,” and tasted the mixed juice.
“It really is delicious.”
She said, taking another sip. As she drank, tears welled up in her eyes.
Sobbing, Otoha emptied the glass.
After placing the glass down, Otoha hugged me. I also wrapped my right arm around her back.
“My sister is dead, but I’m saying that the mixed juice is delicious.”
Crying softly, Otoha said.
“My sister is dead, but I’m alive.”
I patted Otoha’s back gently.
“Nijou Mihane is dead.”