237-Remembrance 15 Jeanette

Turn the sign on the door to 'Close' and we're done for the day.

'Thank you for your time.

I gently stroke the door.

The door, having been exposed to the outside air, is a little cold, but it gives me a solid sense of security.

Our place. The Sunken Pavilion.

It's been here since my grandfather's generation, and since Yashiro's arrival, it's been renovated and the road in front of it has been turned into a big street.

There have been many small and big changes ......, but it is still here as it has always been.

The sunny pavilion will always be here, in this place, waiting for you. For visitors. And for those who come back to .......

There were more customers than usual today, and we had to clean up a lot, so the end time was much later than usual.

Loretta went home first, and Magda, who had been helping with the cleanup until just now, went back to her room. ...... I'm sure she's resting now.

I look back behind me once.

The road to the main street is brighter now, and the visibility is much better than before.

I'm no longer afraid to be outside alone.

This is all because of ......

'............'

My heart hurts a little.

But this is a pain that should not be expressed in words.

I don't want to worry that person who is more kind than anyone else.

'After all, ...... just a little more.

Muttering, I turn over the "Closed" card and set it to "Open" again.

Let's stay open a little longer today.

Just a little longer.

I go into the cafeteria and close the door.

Now, what shall we do?

We've already cleaned up and there's still tomorrow morning to prepare.

I don't have anyone to cook for, and I don't have anyone to eat for. ......

Oh, that's right.

'If you want to prepare scrap vegetables, you might be able to do it now.

Although it is rarely ordered nowadays, stir-fried scraggly vegetables are still on the menu at the Sunda-mari-tei.

It would not be a problem to cut up the scraps now.

Before Wendy's marriage, we had a cooking class together.

I hadn't made stir-fried scraps in a long time, and I thought it was kind of fun.

It takes a lot of time and effort to make, but apparently I like the effort.

I wonder if anyone will order it again.

With a thought that can't be described as hope or expectation, I went into the kitchen and spread out the scrap vegetables that Mr. Assunto had given me at an unbelievable price.

Now, where should I start?

The tough carrot stems?

Or should I chop up some leafy greens first to get my hands used to them? ......

I'm sorry. Cooking is fun, after all.

After that, I mindlessly enjoyed cooking for a while.

How much time had passed?

Suddenly, I heard the sound of the door opening.

Before, the door used to shake, make noise and creak in the wind, but after the renovation, there was no such noise, and the only one who heard the door was the customer.

By the way, I had just changed the sign in front of the store to 'Open'.

So it must be a customer.

I hurriedly wiped my hands and ran to the floor.

'...... ah'

It was Mr. Yashiro who was standing there.

'Hey. Are you still at it?

The way he asked me was ...... very similar to the day we first met. ......

My heart began to heat up.

'Yes. We're still open. Would you like to have dinner?'

'Yes. ......'

At this point, Mr. Yashiro lifted the corner of his mouth in a smile.

That face is that of a child who likes to play pranks.

It's the face of a child who wants to start a joke.

'Sorry to bother you at this hour.

That's exactly what I remember.

Mr. Yashiro says the words from that day.

So do I. ......

'No, I don't. We have a huge surplus of ingredients, so we're totally fine.

I say the same thing I said that day.

Then Mr. Yashiro looked happy, and I smiled too.

'Then, I'll get ready right away. Please wait at your favorite seat.

With that, I entered the kitchen.

As soon as I entered the kitchen and realized that I was no longer being watched, my steps started to lightly bounce.

I skip ahead to the work table.

I'm glad ......

That was the first emotion I felt when I saw Yashiro's face.

The whole day, even while I was working, I was actually worried ...... that he would leave and forget about me and the sunny pavilion, and never come back ....... I was thinking about that for a little while.

But my fears were unfounded. ......Yashiro came back to us.

I can't tell you how happy that makes me .......

Cooking is also very fun when you think there are people who will eat it.

No matter how time-consuming or difficult it is, it becomes fun when you think that there will be people who will eat it.

Feeling like I'm about to sing, I add heat to the scrap vegetables.

But... I don't sing. Mr. Yashiro once laughed at me for my 'unique melody'. ...... That was very embarrassing, so I don't sing anymore. ......

Heat the hardest and hardest to cook first.

I'm not sure if you'll find it tasty. I'm anxious, but also excited. ............ Oh.

I forgot an important thing.

I took the frying pan off the heat and rushed back to the floor.

When I got to the floor, I found Yashiro sitting at his usual seat.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've been so impressed.

...... This is definitely a tease, isn't it?

'Um, Yashiro-san.'

'Hmm?What is it?

'That .............'

Anyway...

Continue with the joke from earlier: ......

'Do you have an order in mind?

'No, you've already ...... started making something, haven't you?'

'Yes, accidentally. Then, when it was almost finished, I realized, 'Oh, I didn't get your order! And then I realized, 'Oh, I didn't get your order!

I remember the same line from that time and say it while sweating.

But from the smile on Yashiro's face, it seems that he knows that I really forgot to ask him.

'Then, the one that is almost finished is fine. Make it that one.'

'Yes, sir. Um, .......'

Mr. Yashiro does not take offense at failure.

No matter what words he utters, he never sincerely blames others.

'You are kind. I knew it.'

The feeling I had that first day was not wrong.

When I returned to the kitchen and looked at the floor again, Mr. Yashiro waved his hand as if to say, 'Hurry up and go.

One thing has changed, hasn't it?

At first, Mr. Yashiro used to sit at that table with his back to me, but now he sits facing me.

When I go in and out of the kitchen, our eyes often meet.

That makes me very happy.

'......Myu'.

I feel a little embarrassed when I think about it.

I made a stir-fry of scraggly vegetables, put it on a platter, and served it to Mr. Yashiro with a little extra rice.

'Thank you for waiting.

'Aren't you going to eat?'

Mr. Yashiro says, pointing to the seat across from him.

I wonder if that finger is permission to sit down. I guess he knows that I like to watch people eat, so he's doing that for me.

I'll take your word for it.

'If you'll excuse me.

'Nn...... bad.'

'Bad?'

'...... eating alone is a bit, well, ...... lonely.'

Yashiro showed a bit of embarrassment when he said he was lonely.

It seems that I misunderstood you.

It seems that you did not mean what you said for me.

I'm embarrassed that I was a little too self-conscious.

But...

I'm sorry that I was a little too self-conscious about it. Oh, but there are many times when Yashiro-san would do something for us "just like that". ...... It's hard to judge in general.

'So, where's the food?

'No, I haven't.'

I haven't eaten, but I'm not hungry.

Cooking makes me feel like I've eaten.

And ...... just a little, but ............ my chest is in pain.

It's no good.

Even when I look at Yashiro's face, my heart is still tight.

If I don't smile properly, I'll cause trouble for Yashiro again.

I smiled ............ properly, and chopsticks were held out in front of me.

'......?

'You should at least eat a little.'

So says Yashiro, offering me his own stir-fried vegetables.

One bite - a well-balanced mix of leafy greens and root vegetables, a bite that looks delicious.

I think I should take advantage of his kindness.

...... I'm a little embarrassed, though.

'Ah,......, ahhhh.

When I opened my mouth, Yashiro's chopsticks carried the stir-fried vegetables into my mouth.

It is very delicious.

But ...... I'm still a little embarrassed.

The chopsticks that I put my mouth on ended up in Yashiro's mouth. ............ This is something I can never tell anyone, though.

It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time with your family and friends.

You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier. ......

...... It's a little hot, isn't it?

'Well, Yashiro-san, ...... when you're done eating, that's fine.'

'Hmm?'

'Would you like to join me for a short walk?

A night walk.

I had done it before, after the festival, and I really enjoyed walking with Yashiro along the beautiful lighted path, and I felt that it was a pity that ...... it was over.

That may have been the first time. I felt that I didn't want to go back to ...... the sunny pavilion for a little while longer.

'A walk. Nice.'

I put my chopsticks together and Yashiro nodded.

'Let's go, it's been a while.

'Yes.'

It may be bad manners, but ...... we decided to put off the washing up for later, and Yashiro and I went for a night walk.

The night breeze was a little chilly and made me shrug my shoulders slightly.

'Are you cold?

'No.' ...... Oh, it's cold, after all.'

If I say I'm fine here, Yashiro will surely be concerned about it for a long time.

Let's not be a burden, let's just bring a jacket.

'Please wait for a moment.

With that, I walked quickly to get my jacket.

I quietly walk up the stairs to my room so as not to wake Ms. Magda.

As I picked up my jacket on the wall, I noticed a shelf near the ...... wall.

On this shelf are some of my treasures.

On this shelf, I have some of my treasures: a cute 2.5-headed doll called "Fiyugia", given to me by Mr. Yashiro.

A portrait of me drawn by the children of the church.

A pendant with the coat of arms of the Church of the Holy Spirit, given to me by the sisters when I left the church.

An old, battered kitchen knife that belonged to my grandfather.

'A......'.

And the first 'birthday present' I ever received - Soleil's hair ornament.

I've never worn it out before because I'm afraid of scratching it. ......

'Now, ......'.

Yashiro is with me. I'm sure it won't get lost in the crowd. ......

And it's a special day, too.

With a careful hand, I fasten the hairpiece to my hair.

I look in the mirror and see the angle at which the hair ornament looks best. ............ This is about right, right?

'Will ...... Yashiro remember me when he sees this hair ornament?

I don't want to overwhelm you, Mr. Yashiro.

If he forgets me, I want to be by his side as usual at least until the ...... moment.

However, if it is possible, ......

'...... Spirit God. Please ............'

I know this is a very selfish request, but ......

'......Forever and ever............'

May you and Yashiro-san be together ............

Then I prayed for a few minutes and hurried back to Mr. Yashiro.

'I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

I apologized for keeping him waiting so long and bowed my head.

Then, Mr. Yashiro showed an expression of 'Huh? Then, Mr. Yashiro showed an expression of 'Huh?

Oh, did he notice the hair ornament? ......

'Hey, ......, can I talk to you for a minute?

'Huh?Oh, yes.'

Yashiro is peeking at me with a serious expression on his face.

The closeness of his face ...... makes me nervous.

In addition, such a crisp expression is ............ that ...... wonderful and ...... ......That .......

I'm not sure. It's different.

As soon as he said that, Yashiro touched my head.

He removed my hair ornaments, combed my bangs with his hand, and stroked the back of my head. ......

While he was doing this, my heart rate was going up and up, but I couldn't interrupt him because he had a very serious expression on his face. ......

I'm not sure what to say. Here we go.

He pulled his body back, looked at me, and nodded in satisfaction.

After staring at me for a while, he said something like this.

'Because your face was hidden in the previous one. This one is better.

He seemed to have adjusted Soleil's hair ornament by moving it backward a little so that he could see my face better.

'Oh, is that so?I think Soleil's hair ornament is very beautiful, so I thought it would be better for you to look at it. ......'

'What are you talking about? The hair ornament is just a complement. They are not meant to be the main attraction.

Even so, it's such a beautiful hair ornament that ...... it's shallow, but I want to show it off and ......

'Besides, you're more beautiful than your hair ornament.

'What ......?

'Ah!

In a panic, Yashiro turned his back on me.

My heart beats in my chest with a thud thud thud thud ............. It strikes.

I'm not sure if that was a ...... gaffe or not.

Is it a misstatement?

I'm not sure.

Thud thud thud thud thud............ blood is flowing through my body like never before. It's a torrent. It's like a river after a heavy rain, roaring and rumbling.

...... Would it be disgraceful to have a nosebleed?I'll be careful.

I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.It's natural to look beautiful when you wear accessories!

'That's right, isn't it? I know!I understand!

My heart ached, and a strange voice came out.

In addition, I can't think clearly, so my thoughts ...... are spilling out of my mouth without my permission, even things that I haven't thought of.

I've never known that before!

It was right after I said that that I felt the atmosphere had changed.

Mr. Yashiro turned to me and looked at me with a very calm ...... and slightly unhappy look in his eyes.

'It's true that accessories can make a woman beautiful, though.

'......Yes.'

You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

Maybe I'm making Mr. Yashiro uncomfortable. ......

It is also true that you are beautiful.

'............'

..................

..................

..................

'To ..................?'

'Come on, come on, let's go for a walk!

'Oh ......, yes!

I followed Yashiro, who had already started walking, and lined up next to him, keeping pace with him ...... and following a little behind.

dodd dodd dodd ......

doddle doddle doddle ......

Mr. Yashiro............ I'm going to fall over.

I've not had much experience with this kind of ...... thing, so I'm not sure how to react.

I'm not sure how to react to that, but if I'm honest, I'm just happy.

To be able to hear Mr. Yashiro say that you are beautiful, ...... even once in a lifetime, I am so happy to hear those words in my ears.

I am very happy.

But ............ I am very embarrassed.

When you gently look up at the back of Yashiro's head,......, the tips of his ears are faintly tinted red.

I'm not sure what to say. ......

Yashiro is ............ cute.

We walked slowly along the quiet street, illuminated by the light.

The sound of the wind was pure and the scent of the night was clear.

It is a very pleasant weather for a walk.

'Yashiro-san.

'......Hmm?'

'............ I'm having fun right now.'

'I see.'

'Yes. Yes.'

'Yeah. ......'

We had a casual conversation and walked at the same pace.

I'm a bit stinky and slow, so Mr. Yashiro has to keep up with me.

I feel sorry for him, but on the other hand, ...... I feel that he cares about me and I am happy.

Is it shallow of me? Is it shallow of me to feel fulfilled by something like this?

'What do you say?Shall we go to the gate?'

Yashiro asked me as we walked down the street.

I think it would be fun to walk along the street like this, but ......

'Do you mind if we go towards the ...... wetlands?

I begged, pointing to a path I don't usually take.

I really wanted to see the wetlands with Yashiro.

'It's dark, so be careful.

'Yes, sir.

We turned off the road and walked for a while until we came to a path between baby steps.

In the old days, all the roads were uneven like this, and it was normal to walk on the gravel, but nowadays, we were told to watch our step.

Since Mr. Yashiro's arrival, everything has really changed.

And for the better.

I am truly proud of you, Mr. Yashiro.

And I admire you for remaining humble even after accomplishing so many great things.

The sisters and grandfathers that I have admired the most in my life.

Perhaps Mr. Yashiro may surpass them both. Maybe you have already surpassed them.

I am alive today because of my sisters and grandfather.

But ......

In order for me to live in the future, I need ...... you, Yashiro.

I can't live without you.

You are a very special person to me.

It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.

'...... Yashiro-san'.

If you can, ......

'Please always be by my side ......'.

My voice, lost in the wind, probably never reached Yashiro-san.

That's okay.

It's just self-satisfaction.

Then, we crossed the river and continued on, and when the road became even more bumpy, we stopped.

'It's still the same grimy place.

Before entering the swampy area.

Mr. Yashiro said this as we looked out over the thick virgin forest.

Indeed, it was damp and stale.

If you look at it at night, you might even feel fear.

But ......

'This is the place where I started.

I was abandoned in a swampy area when I was a child.

Sister said that I was probably thrown from the top of a cliff in the 30th district.

If we dump them there, there will be no more unwanted children. ......

'......'

Suddenly, Mr. Yashiro grabbed my hand.

I'm not sure what to do with it.

...... Ah. I'm sure he saw the sorrow on my face.

I apologize again for making you feel uncomfortable.

'...... It's okay. I'm ...... very happy right now.'

If I talk about my origins, it is true that I may be unhappy.

But because of that, ...... I'm surrounded by wonderful people and I'm living a very happy life.

To the spirit gods, sisters, grandfathers, everyone who has ever been involved with me, ...... Estella and her friends, ...... and Yashiro... ...

I can't thank you enough for all the happiness you've given me. ......

I'm a happy person.

I squeeze Mr. Yashiro's hand, which is holding mine, back tightly.

Don't ever let go of my hand again.

I don't want it to just slip away from my hands.

'Do you know?This marshland is enchanted by the Spirit God's mercy, you know?

'Oh, is that so?

'Yes.'

The stern expression on his face cleared and the usual cheerful expression of Yashiro-san returned.

'The cliff between here and the 30th district is said to be 37 meters long.

'It's that big? ......'

'The sisters said that if you drop a baby from there, it usually won't survive.

'Well, ...... no matter how swampy the bottom is, ...... it's not going to happen.'

'But babies who are abandoned here are found by someone in a very healthy condition.

Even if they fall off a cliff, they don't get hurt.

Not only that, but the day the babies were dumped in the swamp, the sisters said they felt something. And on the day she went out, a new baby brother or sister was born in the church.

I'm sure that God the Spirit is informing the kind-hearted sisters.

'Well, ......, so am I. ......'

She stroked his face and mumbled something to him.

I talk to his profile.

As if enjoying a chat.

'I've been coming here much less often in the past year, but I used to come here ...... and look at this view.

Whenever I was going through a tough time, or when I felt unbearably lonely, ...... I used to come here and stare at this view alone.

This is the place where I started.

When I think of it, I feel as if my heart is becoming calm.

This is such a special place, this scenery.

And now I'm gazing at it with Yashiro.

The more time I spend with Yashiro, the more the memories in my mind are painted with happy colors.

It's filled with happy, warm, and kind ...... memories.

I'm glad I got to see it with you.

'Thank you very much. I'm satisfied.'

I bow my head in thanks.

I may have asked for a lot of trouble.

Making you walk down a dark path.

But Mr. Yashiro neither blamed nor criticized me for it. ......

I'm not sure what to do. It's getting a little cold, as expected.

He forgave me with such words.

'Yes. That's right. Let's go home.

We're still holding hands.

I can feel his warmth.

Rubbing his own arm with his free hand, Mr. Yashiro makes a cold gesture.

He seems to be enjoying it.

A......

Yeah.

Yes, it is.

If you're cold, go to ......

'Then make sure you keep your hands to yourself.

'Huh?

'Just like we did after the festival, let's hold hands and keep each other warm as we go home.

Hands that are held together are very warm.

At times like this, Yashiro smiles embarrassedly.

When I see that expression, I want to hug him. It's always hard for me to resist that urge.

We hold hands firmly and head back the way we came.

The way back is always faster than the way forward.

I'm sure this walk will soon be over.

When you return home, today is over, and tomorrow will be another unchanging day. ............

The same old days will continue.

My heart is in pain again, and the back of my throat is constricted.

I want to talk, but the words won't come out. ...... The walk is almost over.

As we walked in silence for a while, Yashiro began to talk quietly.

It was about the time he came to this city. ......

'I also fell off the cliff over there ...... and thought I was going to die, but I managed to live.

I didn't know that was possible. ......

You have to be thankful to God the Spirit.

If it weren't for the Spirit God, ...... I don't know what would have happened to Yashiro.

'I ran and ran and ran ...... through the swampy area because it was really dark around here ...... and I ran as fast as I could.'

The episode, which was typical of Yashiro's fear of the dark, made me chuckle ...... a little, though it was a little bad.

And when you're hungry and can't run anymore! ......

For a moment, Yashiro's brow wrinkled, and then his expression changed to a somewhat radiant one.

'......So. The sunny pavilion.

Perhaps he was about to lose his memory of the sunlit pavilion as well.

It was a close call, and I'm glad you remembered.

And that is proof that ...... Yashiro-san cares so much about the sunlit pavilion. ...... I am a little bit happy.

After that, Yashiro and I walked down the street, chatting about trivial things that were just a little bit nostalgic.

Hand in hand.

It was really a fun time.

'It's coming into view.

As Mr. Yashiro said. The sunlit pavilion came into view ahead of us.

That's it for the walk.

Another time.

...... If Yashiro-san remembers me when that 'next time' comes...

'Ah, ......'.

Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind, and I had the desire to carry it out.

A little prank.

Just for fun.

Really, it may be trivial, but I really want to do it.

With this little idea in my heart, I returned to the sunny pavilion alongside Yashiro.

The moment Mr. Yashiro opened the door, I ran out and entered the store first.

Surprised by my sudden rush, Yashiro stood still at the entrance.

I bowed to him in a deep, cute and polite manner.

'Welcome to the Sunken Pavilion.

I couldn't do it when Yashiro-san came back earlier, so I really wanted to do it now.

It's a ...... silly joke, isn't it?

'It's ....... You scared the hell out of me.'

'Uh-huh. I'm sorry. I just had to try it.'

They chuckle and look at the clock.

It's time to go to bed, isn't it?

...... After all, he didn't call me by name.

'Yashiro-san'.

Maybe tomorrow when you wake up, you won't remember me.

Still, I am ......

'Let's have dinner together again tomorrow.

I want to be with you.

Here, in the sunny pavilion.

'...... Good night.'

I won't shed a tear.

It's not your fault, Mr. Yashiro.

The hardest one is you, Yashiro.

I bowed my head and headed for the kitchen.

Over the steps of the counter and through the entrance of the kitchen: ............

I'm sorry, I forgot to mention one thing.

.......

When I turned around, I saw Mr. Yashiro smiling in front of the counter.

He looked apologetic and then smiled.

'I'm back, Jeannette.

The moment he called my name, I couldn't think of anything else, I ran out, slammed my back against the counter, let a bunch of bottles fall, ignored them all and ......

I jumped into Mr. Yashiro's chest.

I stretched out my arms as far as they would go and caught Yashiro, then I shrunk my arms as far as they would go and hugged him.

'............ Welcome back, Mr. Yashiro. Mr. Yashiro.

The moment I said "Welcome home", I felt a sense of relief. ...... I feel that the happiness of human beings can be summed up in this one word.

It is a proof that your loved one has come back to you.

'............Welcome home......Yashiro-san......... ...welcome back......nasa......'

'I'm back, Jeannette. I'm sorry I'm late.'

'No, ...... it's fine.'

I'll always be here.

I'll always be waiting for your return here at the sunny pavilion.

'Yashiro-san: ......'

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the web site, you can contact us at the following web site: ...... ............

'Yashiro-saaaan............'

I started to cry.

Like a child.

I clung to Yashiro-san.

'I've worried you, haven't I?

'............ Yes. I was worried about you.'

I was scared.

That you'd forget me.

I was lonely.

All the time you were gone.

I was in pain.

I was in pain for a long time.

'I'm sorry.'

'No. ............ No.'

I'm not sorry.

'If you're worried about me, I'll worry all you want. ............ Instead, I'll just ......'

I looked up at Yashiro's face, which was probably disgusting from all the tears and snot, but I really wanted to see his face, so I just prayed that he wouldn't laugh at me.

I smiled at him as best I could with all my heart.

'Please be sure to come back. Come here. To this sunlit pavilion: ............'

I'll always be waiting for you here at .......

'...... Ah.'

The short voice could be taken as either an affirmation or a hesitation, but at least it didn't seem to be a ...... denial, so I was ...... relieved.

After crying for a while, I took advantage of Yashiro until he calmed down,...... and immediately after he stopped crying, I felt embarrassed.

This is ............ embarrassing.

I'm not sure what to do.

'............ Ginette.

'Yes, yes!

Standing at the entrance of the kitchen, with his back to us, Yashiro said in a small voice.

'I'll try to make your wish ...... that you were talking about earlier come true as much as possible. ......'

'To .......'

'Well then, good night.

After saying that, Yashiro walked quickly into the kitchen.

The sound of footsteps moving away.

What is the ............ thing that I said earlier about my wish?

If you have any idea what I'm talking about,......, I muttered to myself so that Yashiro could not hear me,.......

But I don't think ...... he can hear such a small voice. ............

But if that's what you mean,............

Oh ...... what should I do, my face is going to melt like chocolate.

It's not a given, but ...... just think how happy you'll be if it is. ............

'The details are fine.'

You don't need to know what Yashiro meant when he said that.

Even so, I'm sure that Yashiro-san will be able to ......

'Yashiro-san. Let's work hard again tomorrow.

I bowed my head towards Yashiro's room and decided to go to sleep.

I'm sure I'll have a wonderful dream today.