{Time has passed, but we will remain waiting for you.}
Years, months, days, hours, and minutes passed... and for the first time in his life, Kinjin found himself unable to start a conversation.
He sat in the living room as Rina brought him a cup of coffee.
"Here you go," she said softly.
"Thank you. I forgot to bring my coffee from home."
"It seems you're becoming quite forgetful lately," she replied with a gentle laugh.
"You might be right."
"..."
"Is your work going well, Kinjin?"
"Yes... everything is fine."
"Are you really? You look exhausted."
"Do I? I think I've always looked this way."
"Not really. That time you were with us in our old house, you looked happy. The joy was clear in your eyes."
[I haven't been used to joy or happiness since I was a child. To be honest... I stopped caring about those things long ago. But... for some reason... I feel a certain warmth when I'm with them.]
"I suppose so," I muttered.
"You don't have to hide your feelings with us. I won't ask for more than that. However, before I forget..."
Rina stood before me, her expression turning serious.
"You've saved us many times. You bought us this home, and you provide for us. I can't repay my debt to you, no matter what I say or do. But tell me, how can I give back even a fraction of what you've done for us?"
[That look on her face... she isn't joking.]
"Are you truly ready for that?" I asked.
"Yes, whatever it takes."
"Then... don't change."
"...What?"
"That's all I ask of you. Is it too much?"
"No... but what do you mean by 'don't change'?"
"Don't change your behavior or the way you speak to me in the future. I like your spontaneity with me."
"Is that even a request? Why would I change, especially with you!"
"Who knows. You might learn things about me in the future that could change your entire personality."
"I know... I know who you are now, Kinjin. Hakan told me about you."
[What on earth did you tell her, Hakan?]
"I'll say only one thing," Rina continued. "I will not criticize anything you do or undertake. I know you are trying to change and become a good person. You are someone who has drowned in darkness, but I will help you find your way out."
"It's not as easy to escape the depths of hell as you think."
"Then... I will descend into hell with you if I must."
"I have destroyed countless families. I have wronged innocents and children who had no fault. In truth... I am closer to a demon than a human."
"Do you regret your actions?"
"....Beyond imagination."
"That is proof that you want to fix what you did in the past. Your regret is a sign of your desire to leave that world. No matter your view on life, no matter the circumstances, I will help you... I swear it!"
"I'll think about it. For now, I must head to work."
"Is it time already?"
"Yes."
"What a pity. I wanted to talk to you more."
"Another time. If you need anything, call me."
"I know."
"I'll leave you now. Give my regards to Mayar when she wakes up."
"I will. Stay safe, and please visit us again soon."
"Of course... before I forget, Maria will drop by this afternoon."
"Maria...?"
"The one who looks after my home."
"Oh! Mayar told me about her before—how she treated her with such kindness and care. Tell her we are waiting for her visit."
"She's already coming, so no need. I hope you become friends."
"Of course!"
"Farewell."
"Goodbye. Take care of yourself."
I stepped out and closed the door behind me. Her words kept echoing in my mind... what would she gain from trying to help me change? I don't know, honestly... but nothing about this is easy. She sees the matter from a superficial perspective, unlike me, who has lived in that world.
Humans may possess the same eyes, but the way they perceive things is entirely different.