ITSUJITA ~ C31: Aina's tears

Chapter 31: Aina's tears

 

Aina's words came out of her mouth. She said, "Please lend Aina some money".

I blinked my eyes at her words.

 

In contrast, Aina is staring straight at me, tears welling up in her eyes, and she's almost crying.

Her body is trembling, probably because she's afraid I'll hate her.

But she's already prepared to be hated, so she squeezed all her courage and said it.

 

We've only known each other for a short time, but I understand her well.

Because whenever I'm in the store, Aina is always right next to me.

 

"..."

 

Aina is staring at me.

He is waiting for my answer.

I'm wondering how to respond to her.

 

"Well..."

 

Aina-chan was surprised by my words.

The tears that had been welling up in her eyes finally flow out.

Her tears started to flow down her cheeks.

 

Even though it was accidental, I had just made a little girl like Aina cry.

This is not good. I must say something to her quickly.

 

"Oh, you need some money, right?　How much do you need?

 

I managed to reply.

 

".....uh... I'm sorry. Aina....sob, don't want to...gi, gives....trouble to Shirou Onii-chan. But...sob... I'm so sorry."

 

Finally she started crying and covering her face with her hands.

 

"It's, its okay. It's okay. Let's calm down. Now, sit here."

 

I pulled Aina's hand, and sat her down on a chair.

I gently rubbed her back to calm her down.

 

"It's okay."

 

"It's okay. Everything will be fine."

 

"Shirou......Ohii-chan...... Aina gives Shirou Ohii-chan--."

 

"Don't worry about me. Don't worry about me. You did your best. It took a lot of courage, right? You're a good girl. You're really a good girl."

When Aina asked me to lend her some money.

I immediately realized something.

 

Aina loves her mother so much.

I've known that since the first time I met her.

That's why there's only one reason why she needs money.

 

"Aina, did something happen to your mother?

 

"!?"

 

At that moment, Aina's eyes widened.

She looks surprised.

 

But soon tears welled up in her eyes and she started crying again.

So I was right.

 

"Aina-chan, I'll do anything I can to help you, so will you talk to me?"

 

".................."

 

When she finally gave a small nod after crying for a while.

 

"Hey, An-chan!　If you're done with the store, let's go get some food...

 

Suddenly, the store door is opened and Ryer comes in.

 

"---- hey let's buy......Oops, sorry. I guess I you're busy now."

 

Ryer is scratching his head, he looks awkward.

The armed priest Rolf is behind him.

The two of them looked at each other, they looks very awkward.

 

"Ryer-san......"

 

"I'm really sorry! The store is already closed and the light is still on, so I thought An-chan--."

 

When Ryer is talking...

 

"Shirou! I'm here to ask your opinion about the town's development."

 

What a surprise.

This time, Karen is showing up.

 

What the hell is this?

The situation is getting worse.

 

"─ I just came, but...... I think we can discuss it another day."

 

Karen looks at Aina, who is crying, then at me and finally looks at Ryer and the others.

 

"Hmm. What's happened to Aina?"

 

"I don't know. We've just arrived. Isn't that right, Rolf?"

 

"As Ryer said. We came here to invite Shirou to dinner, but when we entered the store, we saw that Miss Aina is crying."

 

"An-chan, what's wrong with this little girl?"

 

"I was just about to ask her that."

 

"Oh, I see. I'm sorry for coming at such a bad timing. Do you want me to go out again?"

 

"Aina-chan, you heard what Ryer-san just said. What do you want?　Would you like him to go out?"

 

When I asked her gently, Aina shook her head.

 

"I......I'm fine. It's okay for...... Onii-chan...... and the others to stay.......here"

 

"OK. I see."

 

After patting Aina's head, I turned around.

 

"So, that's it. If you don't mind, could you come in to listen and give some advice?"

 

"Oh, sure! Leave it to us! Rolf is good at that kind of thing. Rolf, I count on you."

 

"It is the priest's duty to guide those who are lost. I can't promise that I can give you the right advice, but please don't hesitate to ask."

 

"As this town mayor, I want to help my citizens. Aina, if you have any problems, please talk to me."

 

"Look, Aina-chan, everyone wants to help you. Of course I want to help Aina-chan too. We'll listen to your story, so talk to us."

 

"......OK."

 

Aina wiped her tears with her sleeves.

Put her hand on her chest and adjust her breathing.

 

"Umm... actually. Aina's ... mom."

 

Aina holds my hand.

I also hold her hand back.

Aina's voice is trembling, and then she lets out the thing she's been holding in for a long time.

 

"My, my mom is... sick."