{My conscience tells me to return, no matter the reason.}
The aroma of tea filled the air, almost making me feel at home... but wait.
"Is it really fine to be drinking tea inside the shop?"
• "Just swallow it. Not many customers come around anyway."
"If I hadn't seen Rena brewing it herself in the corner, I wouldn't have touched it. You might have poisoned it."
• "I could force it down your throat right now if I wanted to!"
"Kenjin! Uncle! That's enough bickering!"
• "Is this what you wanted? You made her upset because of you, you brat!"
"I think I now understand why customers avoid this place..."
• "What did you say?!"
"Nothing, nothing."
"You seem to be feeling better now, Uncle. Am I right?"
• "Sort of... Though I'd probably be doing better if you hadn't brought such a nuisance along."
"You're right. Sitting with an annoying person is unbearable... especially an old man with a sharp tongue."
• "Why, you little..."
"Kenjin!"
"Fine, I won't say another word."
"Thank you... Now, are things going well here?"
• "More or less. Nothing new... Just sitting here all day waiting for someone to drop by... Why did you disappear so suddenly? Did something happen to you?"
"It's a long story. I don't want to burden you with the details."
• "No, I want to hear everything in detail. I've been waiting for your return ever since that evening, but you vanished without a word."
"To be honest..."
"I'll take a short walk around the area and come back."
"Alright."
I stepped outside the shop and looked around, hoping to spot something new... but there was hardly anything. Just passersby rushing along to keep out of the pouring rain. Across the street, near a pharmacy, I noticed an elderly man sitting on the ground. Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be homeless.
I crossed the street and approached him. As I stood before him, he didn't raise his head or utter a single word. I expected him to at least ask for money, but he remained completely still.
"Excuse me... are you alright?"
He finally raised his head, wearing sunglasses.
(Is he crazy, wearing sunglasses in weather like this?)
"Mister... can you hear me?"
~ "Are you speaking to me?"
"Yes, you. Can't you see me?"
~ "I'm sorry, I can't see..."
"I understand... Are you all alone here? Isn't there an old cat around?"
I glanced around, but saw no cat nearby.
"There's no cat here, sir."
~ "Then I suppose I'm alone for now."
"Could you tell me your name, sir?"
~ "And what would you do with it? It won't do you any good, believe me."
"Just tell me, please."
~ "My name... is Aras."
"May I sit here, Mr. Aras?"
~ "Are you homeless as well?"
"No, I just want to rest for a bit, nothing more."
~ "Sit then. No need to ask."
I sat down beside him and observed him quietly. It wasn't long before a large cat padded up to us.
"I think this is your cat, Mr. Aras."
~ "Really? Guide my hand to her, please."
I took his hand and placed it on the cat, who purred happily at his touch.
~ "Where have you been, you little rascal? I've been waiting for you since morning so we could eat."
He fumbled around his side and pulled out a piece of bread stuffed with canned tuna from a plastic bag. He tore the bread in half, placing one piece down for the cat while he began eating the other.
(Is he serious? He literally gave the cat half of everything he had.)
"I think you gave her a bit too much, sir..."
He didn't answer right away, continuing to eat in silence. As I watched the cat eating contentedly, Aras paused for a moment.
~ "What you just said... a little girl told me the exact same thing a long time ago while I was feeding another cat."
"Then even kids give good advice. Since you don't have much food, you should save what you can. That cat can find food somewhere else."
~ "Listen... this cat has been with me for years. She sees me as her main source of food... so how could I leave her hungry when all her hope relies on me? Giving applies to everything we choose to do, young man... Remember that well."