Naruhito (52)
Grandpa let me off in front of the room. My legs couldn’t gather enough strength, but I wanted to walk into Sai's room on my own. Grandpa helped me walk in a way that wasn't noticeable to those around us.
"Sai, welcome back."
"Naruhito…"
Sai watched me silently as I slowly walked from the door to the bedside. When I reached the side of the bed, he called my name with tears in his eyes.
Is he in some kind of pain?
Mutsumine, who was in the room, brought over a chair with a backrest.
"Naruhito, would you like to sit?"
I shook my head. If I sat down, I might not be able to stand again. Besides, I wanted to see Sai's face clearly.
"Is your head hurting?"
I spoke to Sai, who was crying a little. The hat on his head was a matching set handmade by Yoshino, mine was red, and Sai's was dark blue. I chose the red one because it matched my scarlet clothes. Does Sai like blue?
Sai gently shook his head.
"I’m home, Naruhito. I’m not in pain anywhere anymore. How about you?"
"I'm fine."
Sai smiled very happily. Tears spilled from the corners of his eyes.
"Are you sad?"
"People cry even when they're happy, too."
Ohh! I didn’t know that.
"Are you happy?"
"I'm very happy that you are well, Naruhito."
"Yes. I'm well."
Though I'm a bit tired from standing. I leaned against the bed with my right hand.
"I’m satisfied. Seeing you well again gives my life meaning."
Sai smiled softly and closed his eyes.
"Let's have dinner together."
I said, and he opened his eyes again, looking surprised.
"Everyone will be eating together."
"Even you, Naruhito?"
"Yes. I’m eating a lot."
"Not really that much."
Mutsumine, who had been silently beside us, interjected.
"The yellow stuff is delicious."
"What is that?"
"Food tastes better when we eat together."
With that, Sai closed his eyes again.
Is he tired?
I’m tired too.
"See you later."
I was supported by Grandpa, who had come close without me noticing, and left the room.
As soon as we left the room, Grandpa lifted me up. I was tired, so I gratefully leaned against him.
Sai wasn't very well. I hope he gets better soon.
I thought about that while being comfortably carried in Grandpa's steady arms.
Sai didn't come to eat dinner.
What do you think about this chapter?
