Chapter 29. The Temple [FIXED]
Alright, what's done is done, and the main thing is I enjoyed it all.
After last night, many villagers were still catching up on sleep. Only children or the occasional Kyoshi Warrior were running around the settlement. When they saw me, they started whispering among themselves, glancing at me with amusement. Well, at least someone's having fun. I flashed them a smile, which triggered another round of giggles.
I should apologize to Shizuka for my behavior and gauge her reaction to what happened. Though... if she were truly mad at me, she would've left me at her doorstep instead of putting me to bed and undressing me first.
After knocking on her door, I heard light, quick footsteps. The door opened to reveal a still-sleepy Suyuki, whom I just wanted to hug—she was so cute rubbing her eyes. She seemed to notice something on my face, taking a step back instinctively.
- *Sweet yawn* Good morning, Uncle Yuki, she said, piercing my heart with her words. How did I become an uncle so soon?! Wait, isn't it normal for kids to call anyone older than them "uncle" or "aunt"?
- Just call me Yuki. I'm not much older than you, I replied, trying to show her words didn't bother me—or that I didn't care.
- Uh-huh, she mumbled, clearly more concerned with shaking off sleep. Sit in the kitchen for now. I'll quickly wash up, she continued, letting me inside.
- No need for formalities, I insisted, following her into the kitchen as she muttered something in response.
Leaving me alone, Suyuki shuffled off like a zombie. The kitchen looked... cozy. On the wall were height markings, with children's drawings above them. One caught my eye: a family sketch. A small girl figure held hands with an older figure, while on the other side, there were traces of erasure. So, Suyuki thought about her father? Or wished he were there?
A few minutes later, a refreshed Suyuki returned. Learning I'd already eaten, she started brewing tea.
- Last night was fun. It's a shame we weren't allowed to stay with the adults until the end, she chirped, skillfully pouring fragrant green tea. – I couldn't sleep without Mom, so I sat on the porch waiting for her, she continued, her face clouding. – Sometimes, when she's on night patrol, I get scared something might happen to her. So, I've gotten used to falling asleep late, which Mom often scolds me for, she added with a mischievous smile. Shizuka's probably just symbolically chiding her.