Chapter 178-4
[Part 4/4]
I tried to comfort her, affirming the days we had lived together. It was a heartfelt truth. I never thought the days with my sister, the memories, were bad at all. I could clearly say they were wonderful days. So, I didn't want my mother to deny that.
"Mother, it's not that you hate Shirona, right?"
"Well..."
My mother hesitated in response to my criticism. It was a struggle, a struggle with denying it.
"Honestly, if Shirona hadn't been there, we would have been eaten by that bear the other day. Just that alone makes it all worth it, don't you think?"
Then I said it jokingly. Jokingly, but it was the truth. My sister's bravery had indeed saved our family. That was an undeniable fact.
"...That's true. Yes, you're right. I'm sorry for being this kind of mother. Actually, it should be the other way around; I should be the one saying this to you."
Accepting my words, she chewed on them, nodded, and spoke. She apologized for showing her weakness. For trying to deny and reject her precious family. Reflecting on her own shame...