The dining table had been cleared, Miyu's mother had gone to the kitchen to wash the dishes, leaving a strange, almost tender silence between the three of them. Haruto and Miyu sat side by side on the long bench, their hands almost touching.The old house finally quiet and peaceful.
Haruto stood up first. He bowed slightly.
"Okaa-san… I have to go home now. It's already late at night. I have to walk. I didn't bring my bicycle today."
By hearing Oka-san from Haruto, Miyu's mother's face softened instantly. The gentle, kind expression she had worn since dinner suddenly became warmer, more motherly.
"Come," she said gently. "You're still a child. It's dangerous to walk alone at this time. Let me give you something."
She walked over to the small wooden cabinet near the genkan and took out a thick blanket and a small bottle of warm water. She pressed the bottle into Haruto's hand.
