/POP Xejo/
In a normal small house in Japan, a young woman was cooking breakfast for her daughter. She was deep in thought about her life.
When did I marry Colen…?
He accepted me. I really loved him, but I could never feel the same warmth toward his son.
Colen had talked to me about this before. We argued sometimes, but it never became worse. I swore to him I would take care of his son like my own—but I would never truly show him love.
You might think I'm evil… but after all, he is not my son. My daughter is everything to me now. That is why I married his father—to give her a normal life, to let her grow properly.
She always asked about her father… so I gave myself a second chance.
Sana is not my son. He is my husband's son. I don't dislike him… but I don't love him either. He is just a lonely child.
Still… I don't want him to influence my daughter. He is not good.
He is lazy, plays video games all day, and locks himself in his room. After my husband passed away, I stopped caring about him completely.
So I focused on my daughter instead. I told myself: just treat him like a normal brother.
But… my daughter has feelings for him.
I know. Maybe I'm overthinking. But why does she feel that way?
I really don't like him. I never showed him love.
...
After the normal morning routine—after that accident day—my daughter came to me.
Lata: "Mom, can I meet my brother? I miss him."
Xejo froze for a moment."..."
Lata:"Please. I feel bored when he's not here. He's my brother… my friend after all."
Xejo replied reluctantly: "When you finish school… maybe in the afternoon."
Lata's face brightened."He must be lonely… no one is taking care of him."
Xejo: "I'm busy with work, and you're too young. I'm afraid something might happen to you, so I can't let you take care of him."
Lata looked sad."But it must be very hard for him… that sister… is she still taking care of him?"
She paused."I want to thank her… but she's also the reason my brother became like this. What should I say when I meet her, Mom?"
Xejo forced a smile."Just say thank you. It's not her fault. Your brother is a hero. You should be proud of him."
Lata smiled again."I can't wait to see my precious brother again. I miss him every day."
Xejo felt a strange uneasiness in her chest.
This is worse… this is not how a sister should feel… why is my daughter so obsessed with him? What should I do… I don't want to hurt her…