Chapter 5

Ichido ran back toward the alley where his sister was as quickly as he could. He hoped she was still there and hadn’t wandered off. He got lost a couple of times as his mind strayed, but he’d stop and retrace his steps, his heart pounding and his thoughts fixed entirely on Nayuri. If this were their village and a usual play day, even if Nayuri did wander off, they would always know where to find her.

But this wasn’t their village. Right now, they were exhausted, scared, and in a new place with strange people. Nayuri wouldn’t have thought of wandering away in such a short time. If she did, I wouldn’t know where to find her. It would be another round of devastation.

He rushed into the alley where the crates were, calling out softly as he went.

“Nayuri? Nayuri, are you there? Are you asleep?” he whispered. He kept looking around to ensure he wasn’t followed. He couldn’t risk another threat like earlier, especially with Nayuri here.

Satisfied with the silence, he crept into the crate and sighed in relief to see her still inside. She was hugging her legs close to her chest, her body trembling against the wooden walls.

“Nayuri...” Ichido called softly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder so he wouldn’t startle her. “Hey Nayuri, I’ve got some food here. We need to eat. You haven’t eaten in days. Come on.”

Nayuri slowly raised her head at the sound of her brother, tears still streaming down her face. Releasing her legs, she wrapped her arms around Ichido, crying against him.

“There, there,” Ichido whispered, gently patting her back. “It’s okay. It’s okay.”

Despite his efforts to comfort his sister, Ichido was struggling too. His fingers were shaking, especially after his encounter with Yuma and Vidar. He took a deep breath, pretended he was fine, and handed her the bread.

“Here, eat this, Nayuri.”

Nayuri shook her head, refusing.

Ichido urged, “I know you’re hungry, and even if you don’t have an appetite, you still need to eat. We can’t let everyone’s efforts go to waste.”

After a somber moment, Nayuri looked up and nodded. “B-But you have to eat too, big brother.”

A small smile touched Ichido’s face, and he gently pinched her cheek. “Of course I will. I need the energy to protect you. But I already ate before coming back, so I don’t need much anymore.”

Ichido tore the bread in two, handing the larger half to Nayuri.

You need this more than me. I can’t be selfish right now.

The two ate in silence. They couldn’t deny that it felt better to have food in their stomachs. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t the freshest or cleanest meal; it was enough to keep them going for a few more days.

When they finished, they rested in the crate for a while. Nayuri tugged at Ichido’s sleeve and looked up at him.

“Hmm? What is it, Nayuri?” Ichido asked.

“What do we do after this? Are we going to stay in the alley?”

Nayuri brought up a good point. They couldn’t live in this crate forever, even though Ichido felt the wooden box was friendlier than anyone outside in the village. He didn’t like his next idea because it involved using his sister, but it was the only way to keep her safe. They would have a better chance if the villagers saw a helpless younger child and felt moved to help. Even if it was only for a week, and even if Ichido had to work for it, he’d accept it in exchange for Nayuri’s safety.

“We’ll have to find some people. We can see if anyone needs help, and I can work in exchange for food, shelter, and water.”

“I want to help too—”

“Nayuri,” Ichido began, gently cupping her face in his hands. “I know you do, but you’re still young. Don’t worry, I can do this for us.” For a moment, his eyes turned dull. “If it makes you feel better, then in a few years when you’re a little older, you can help out. We can find our own place or go back when it’s safe. But for now, I need you to stay close to me.”

He wrapped his arms around Nayuri, pulling her into a hug as she went silent. He knew how much she wanted to ease his burden. After a moment, Nayuri’s sniffles subsided, and she nodded. “O-Okay. I-I will. I will.” She added, “But you have to promise you’ll let me help when I’m your age.”

Ichido chuckled at her insistence. “Okay, okay. I promise,” he assured her. “Now come on. As much as it feels safe here, we are still in an alley where anything can happen.”

With a careful glance around, he stepped out of the crate, offering his hand to help Nayuri after him.

“Can you walk? Do you need me to carry you?” Ichido asked, but Nayuri shook her head. “I-I’m fine.”

He wasn’t convinced, but he accepted it for now. He could always carry her later, no matter how exhausted he was.

“All right then, let’s get going. I need you to make sure you are holding my hand at all times. If not my hand, then my arm or shirt—just make sure you’re constantly with me.” When Nayuri nodded, Ichido continued. “This village is unlike ours. They are a little reserved, so they may not be as welcoming.”

Ichido took a deep breath and firmly grasped Nayuri’s hand. Together, they stepped out of the narrow alley and entered the sparse crowd of villagers. They walked for a while, observing the people and looking for a place that seemed promising.

Ichido pulled Nayuri closer as he decided to approach a house where a woman was about to enter. Taking a deep breath, Ichido exchanged a quick glance with Nayuri before stepping forward.

“E-Excuse me,” Ichido began softly, catching her attention.

The woman turned around, her eyes initially reflecting a mixture of pity and disgust, but as she looked at the two siblings, her expression softened slightly.

“I don’t have money,” she said almost immediately.

Ichido was taken aback, though he wasn’t fully surprised after his first encounters. Still, he was shocked by their heartlessness compared to his own people.

“I-I’m not asking for money. I... My sister and I just need a place to stay for a bit, please?”

Ichido should have taken the hint when she mentioned money. Her face twisted into a scowl at his request, and her voice rose.

“I’m sorry, what? Money is one thing, but to share a home with... with little beggars? Oh! Absolutely not!”

The woman quickly stepped inside and grabbed a broom. Realizing her intentions, Ichido grabbed Nayuri’s hand and fled before the woman could act on her threat.

“Oh, thank you for making my job easier!” the woman scoffed as they ran, stepping back inside and slamming the door shut.

Nayuri was shaking, her arms wrapped tightly around Ichido. She was on the verge of tears, but Ichido quickly patted her back, gently humming to calm her down.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. Maybe she had a bad day,” Ichido reassured her, his voice a gentle murmur. “Don’t worry. Like I said, it’s different here. We have to keep trying. We have to... But no one will hurt you, I can promise you that.”

Ichido gave Nayuri a minute to calm down. He wanted to give her more time, but the streets were growing darker and quieter; they had no time to waste. Once Nayuri nodded, he gently squeezed her hand and led the way to the next house. It was getting cold outside, and the streets were already lined with the soft yellow glow of lamps.

Stopping at the door, Ichido heard conversations inside. Whoever lived there was still awake.

He glanced at Nayuri, took a deep breath, and clenching his free hand into a fist, knocked softly.

There was no answer for nearly a minute. He was about to give up when the door swung open.

“Who is... oh, what do you want?!”

The man who opened the door snapped immediately, causing Nayuri to shrink behind her brother. Ichido gulped. He wanted to run, but maybe... maybe there was a chance.

“H-Hello, sir,” Ichido tried to be as polite as possible. “C-Could we... Could we seek shelter for today? W-We just need a place to rest.”

The man stared down at them, a heavy glare twisting his features. “And what do I get out of giving you kids a place to live? Things don’t come for free, and you seem to have nothing.”

Ichido shivered. The man was right, but he could work. “S-Sir, I can... I can work. I’m young, but—”

The man scoffed, cutting him off. “You’re young? That’s all you are! You’re young and small with no proper skills, since you can only beg for a place to stay. Even if you work, I doubt you could pay me a quarter of my own earnings! You can only dream. Get out of my sight before I make your life harder than the streets!”

The door slammed shut, the sound of rejection echoing in their ears.

Nayuri’s shoulders drooped. Regardless, Ichido remained determined. “It’s okay. Let’s try one more time. If we can’t find someone to help, we’ll find another crate,” he said, squeezing her hand reassuringly before moving on.

Ichido stumbled along the pavement with Nayuri, who kept a tight grip on his arm. Both were trembling; each step felt like dragging heavy weights through thick, cloying mud. They walked for a few more minutes until they stopped at another house. Ichido looked at Nayuri again, but this time her gaze was fixed on the ground.

“We’ll rest after this house,” he promised. “If they still don’t accept us.”

Ichido dragged himself to the door and knocked. Almost instantly, a woman opened it.

“Hmm?”

Her response wasn’t as harsh as the first two, but Ichido noticed her tapping her fingers with her arms crossed. He had a feeling this wouldn’t be easy either.

“M-Miss. Could we have a place to stay, at least for the night? Please?” he asked softly, hugging Nayuri close.

The woman looked them over before extending an open hand. “How are you going to pay for rent?”

“R-Rent?” Ichido asked.

“Of course! You can’t expect to stay for free. You have to pay me upfront for using my space.”

“B-But miss, we don’t have any—” Ichido began, but her deepening frown cut him off.

“If you don’t have any, then leave. Sleep on the streets since it’s free for lost things like you,” she retorted, closing the door abruptly.

Ichido sighed softly and hugged Nayuri again. “Well, at least she didn’t slam it. Come on, Nayuri. I’m sorry I couldn’t find us a place. It’s already dark.”

“It’s okay. You did your best. I just need you with me,” Nayuri said softly, returning the hug.

Ichido nodded and kissed her forehead. He held her close for a moment before leading her along the streets once more to find a safe alley or shelter. They looked around, entirely unaware that an old lady had been watching them since their approach to the third house.

The old lady noticed their heavy limps and total lack of energy. She feared they might collapse on the cobblestones at any moment. Seeing how the brother constantly held his sister close and reassured her, the woman knew she would live in guilt for the rest of her days if she didn’t step in.

“Children! You two!” she called out softly, careful not to startle them.

Ichido jumped at the sound. His arms tightened around Nayuri, worried the old woman might scold them—or worse. Since it was dark, anything could happen.

The old lady sighed when she saw them freeze, noting the terror in their eyes. She offered a gentle smile and raised both hands to show she was harmless. She stepped closer, her wrinkled face dimly lit by the streetlamps.

“Children, come over here. You two look starving, and it’s not safe to be out alone this late. Come inside,” she said softly, opening her front door as warm light spilled across the street. “Come, I will give you a hot meal, and you can share with me why you’re out here. You may leave if you feel uncomfortable.”

Ichido observed her while holding Nayuri close. She didn’t appear menacing; instead, she wore a kind-hearted smile just like the old man in their own village who used to pass out treats. A warm place to rest sounded wonderful. And food? That was everything they needed. Deciding he could trust her, Ichido cautiously approached, keeping Nayuri by his side.

“A-Are you sure? W-We don’t have any money. B-but I can work somewhere tomorrow to pay you back!” Ichido’s voice trembled, but the old lady merely chuckled, shaking her head. Her long white hair was strung like threads of thin rope.

“My, don’t worry about money, my dear. You are so young, it’s not fair for me to ask that of you,” she said softly. Noticing he still looked anxious, she offered an alternative to ease his mind. “Or, if it makes you feel better, child, you can pay me back by ensuring you and your little sister get a good night’s rest and a bath. Is that trade enough?”

She kept her soft smile. Nayuri finally stepped out fully, no longer hiding behind her brother, though she still held his arm.

Hearing those words, Ichido’s heart swelled. Most of the villagers had rejected them as beggars or turned them away for having no coins. Having someone show true kindness was entirely unexpected.

The old lady noticed his tears and quickly used her scarf to wipe them away. “There, there,” she comforted, patting his cheek gently through the fabric.

Ichido shook his head and managed a small smile. “I-I can’t tell you how much this means to us. T-thank you,” he stammered, unsure of what to call her. Since this wasn’t home, he didn’t know if his usual terms of respect applied here.

“Just call me grandmother, or even better, granny. It’s easier, right? Come now, inside first, then you can tell me your names. It’s getting dark.”

The old lady quickly invited them in and led them toward the couch. The house was pleasantly warm, a welcome change from the cold harshness of the streets. A fire crackled in the fireplace, a pile of logs resting in the corner.

At first, Ichido was reluctant to sit because he didn’t want to dirty her furniture, but the old lady insisted. He stared at the couch and then at the woman. What if she changed her mind? What if she could see exactly how dirty they truly were under the bright glare of the indoor lights?

“Please, sit,” the old lady said, still smiling.

When he finally sat down beside Nayuri, the old lady brought them a large glass of water and a plate of cookies. Nayuri’s face brightened at the sight of the treats. The old lady noticed and smiled.

“Here, have something light first. I’ll prepare the soup while you wash up. That way, you can sleep immediately after a nice, warm meal.”

Ichido and Nayuri both smiled back. “Thank you for everything,” they chorused.

“No worries, little ones. Now, what are your names?” she asked kindly.

Ichido took a sip of the water—a small sip at first, then a heavy gulp—before answering. “M-My name is Ichido, and this is my little sister, Nayuri.”

The old lady nodded. She had several questions. The children looked neglected and lost; Ichido’s feet were swollen, and Nayuri looked far too lean.

Why were they out so late?

I wonder if they were separated from their parents or if they are just lost.

“Ichido. Nayuri. Where are your parents? Do they know where you both are? You don’t seem local,” she asked gently, giving them time to process each question, careful not to push too hard against painful memories.

Nayuri looked up, still munching on her cookie. “W-We’re from this vil—”

Before she could finish, Ichido quickly interjected, knowing she was about to expose their hidden home. “W-We’re orphans from... I don’t—we don’t remember what village it was. But we know it was scary, and I just want to protect my little sister,” he said softly, hugging Nayuri close to emphasize his point. “We just want to find a better home.”

He felt a twinge of guilt for lying when the old lady was being so lovely to them.

However, it wasn’t a complete lie. It was the truth, just with some details omitted. Details that didn’t need to be shared.

The old lady nodded with an apologetic smile. The fire crackled away, snapping and sending orange and yellow sparks up the chimney. The glow caught Nayuri’s attention, the warmth easing her tired muscles. Ichido kept his focus entirely on their host.

“I see. Well then, little ones, why don’t you stay here? An old lady like me would appreciate the company.”

The words came as a total shock. Ichido closed his eyes, hoping it wasn’t a dream. He had feared what tomorrow would bring, dreading the thought of going back out onto the streets in a place filled with hostile, unwelcoming people. For a moment, neither Ichido nor Nayuri knew what to say. It was hard to believe she had actually invited them to live with her.

Not for a day. Not for a week. But to stay.

Ichido opened his eyes and took a deep breath, terrified his next question might make her change her mind. “R-Really? A-Are you sure?”

He received a gentle nod. “Mhmm, let this granny take care of you children. The villagers outside may not be welcoming, so I understand if you still need time to trust me.”

“It’s more than enough, Granny,” Ichido reassured her. “We appreciate it. We really do. But we... we don’t want to be a burden,” he confided.

Feeling Nayuri’s hand squeeze his, Ichido turned to look at her. She clearly objected to him hesitating over the offer, but she also trusted him to make the final choice. Ichido’s mind grappled with the options. On one hand, the idea of a warm, welcoming home sounded wonderful, given their current situation. On the other, he couldn’t shake the guilt of intruding upon the old lady’s life.

“Mhmm,” the old lady nodded. “I see, dear. It’s perfectly alright to take some time to think about it. I won’t pressure you.”

“Thank you, Granny,” he said softly. Nayuri tightened her lips, an angry spark in her eyes—the exact look she gave when someone pinched her or took away her toys.

The old lady smiled warmly. “Of course, Ichido. Take all the time you need. In the meantime, let’s get you two into a bath before I serve the warm soup. Come, I’ll lead you to the room.”

Ichido nodded and held Nayuri’s hand, both following her down the hall. As they walked, Ichido noticed a few children’s toys scattered here and there: a small wooden horse painted red and green, and a toy wooden sword leaning against the wall by a storage basket.

I wonder who they belong to.

“Granny, I’m sorry if I’m intruding, but why do you have so many toys in those baskets?” he asked, hoping he hadn’t crossed an invisible line.

The old lady turned to smile at him, but the expression slowly faded into a wistful, distant look. She let out a quiet sigh as she glanced around at the toys.

“I’m sure you children had parents before. Just like you, I had my own grandchildren once,” she said, leading them into the bathroom and starting to set up the tub water and towels.

“Had?” Ichido echoed, looking up.

“Well, while the water is still hot, maybe I can share my story while we wait for it to cool down.” The old lady brought a bench over for them. She made sure the children sat first, knowing they needed the rest more than she did. “Come, sit.”

“You need to sit too, granny,” Nayuri said, hesitant to just take the seat, but the old lady waved her hand.

“Oh, no worries, dear child, I’m still strong. Now I insist, please take a seat while the hot water cools.”

Once they settled onto the bench, the old lady began. She stared at a candlestick sitting on a stone slab, its flame flickering each time a cool draft drifted inside. With another deep sigh, her words came out melancholic and wistful.

“I had little grandchildren a few years ago. Oh, how I adored them. They were just as precious as you two. But one day, we headed to a nearby town because I wanted to treat them to some sweets we didn’t have in this village. I wanted to spoil them, as I always did.”

She smiled, though there was a profound sadness behind it. Ichido felt a lump forming in his throat as he listened. He couldn’t help but be reminded of his own family—his mother, his father, and Taizen. He glanced at Nayuri and knew she felt the same from the somber downturn of her face. He turned his attention back to the old lady.

“But unfortunately, on that very day, rogues attacked. They were snatching children away from their parents, their families, even the orphanages. We were there at the worst possible time, and they tried to take my grandchildren.” The old lady paused, her voice shaking. Tears gathered in her eyes, and she began to weep softly as the memories caught up to her.

“I couldn’t let them take my grandchildren.” The old lady shook her head. “I couldn’t. I thought I could protect them.”

Nayuri slowly rose from the bench and sat next to the old lady to comfort her.

“The rogues… When they realized how adamant I was, how I would never allow them to snatch my grandchildren away… They... they...” She took a deep breath before she was able to continue. “They killed them.”

The words fell like a crushing blow, and the room went completely silent. Through the old lady’s voice, the siblings could picture the deadly end of those children—the menacing rogues moving like monsters in the shadows, and the bright red of blood on steel blades and clubs. They could see it all.

Nayuri and Ichido both gasped. Ichido had suspected as much, but he hadn’t wanted to believe it. Yet how could he deny it when the evidence lay all around the house? It explained exactly why she was helping them. She needed companion, and since she hadn’t been able to save her own grandchildren, she was saving them.

Nayuri gently wrapped her arms around the old lady, hugging her close. “It’s all right, granny. I’m sure your efforts weren’t wasted. Your grandchildren know how much you love them. They are at peace now. Nomi is just.”

Feeling the embrace, the old lady felt her heart melt. Nayuri’s sweet words comforted her, and the hug brought a much-needed warmth. Sniffling softly, she wiped her tears, hugged Nayuri back, and patted her head.

“Don’t worry, dear child. It’s over,” she reassured her.

At that moment, Ichido made up his mind.

“Granny, I wasn’t sure before, but I am now. Is it too late to take you up on your offer and stay with you for more than one night? We can accompany you, and you can accompany us. We have both lost families and homes. We could support each other.”

“Well, my dear, you beat me to it.” The old lady giggled. “I see no harm in it. You children need a home to grow and rest, and in exchange, I get some company. It sounds like a perfect deal, don’t you think?”

Nayuri, beaming brightly, nodded eagerly. “Hmm-mm.”

Hearing those words, Ichido couldn’t hold back his tears any longer. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her alongside Nayuri. The three of them shared a long, deeply needed embrace. After a quiet moment, the old lady stepped back to let them wash.

“I will give you two some privacy to take a bath. Help yourselves to whatever you need, and I will bring you some clean clothes to change into. After that, we can have some soup, and then you two can rest for the night.”

The old lady went to fetch two sets of comfortable clothes, selecting sizes slightly larger to ensure they would be cozy rather than uncomfortably tight.

Ichido couldn’t thank her enough. He nodded with a smile as she left the room, then turned to Nayuri and handed her a towel.

“Here, why don’t you take a bath first? I’ll go next. Don’t worry about anything. You can rest on this bench when you’re done, and I’ll stay right here talking to you,” he suggested, persuading his reluctant little sister to go first.

Ichido sat on the bench while she washed, listening as a relieved sigh escaped her. A smile touched his lips. It was a comfort to know his sister could finally relax, bathe, and soon eat. It didn’t change what had happened to them overnight, but it was certainly better than being prey to monsters, animals, or hostile humans. They could stay here, carry on with life as normally as possible, and see what fate had planned next.

He closed his eyes while waiting, talking to Nayuri about the days they used to play with their friends, exploring the mountains and marveling at the skies until she finished washing up.

Ichido handed a fresh towel to Nayuri, and she wrapped herself in it.

“Go ahead and cool off on the bench. The clothes granny gave us are right there so you can get dressed.”

Seeing Nayuri relax and take her time getting changed, Ichido refilled the tub with warmer water before stepping in. The sound of the water and the flowery scent of the soap felt like an unexpected luxury. As the warm water enveloped his body, Ichido sighed in relief at the freshness, washing away days of running and hiding while drenched in sweat and forest dirt. It felt like shedding old skin and finally breathing again.

Once Ichido finished, he climbed out of the tub, dried himself, and pulled on the clothes the old lady had provided. He held his arms out and turned around, grinning. Nayuri giggled.

Dressed and comfortable, Nayuri sat on the bench, hugging her knees to her chest as Ichido joined her a moment later.

“This feels better. If only big brother Taizen were with us,” Nayuri muttered softly.

Ichido felt his heart tighten. Neither of them knew what had happened to him, but they could only assume he had died in that pit. The sound of the fall… his voice telling them to run, and the low growl of the wild animal.

“Nayuri, don’t worry. I’m sure he got out and found a safe place too. We just need to live well. Then we can find him, alright?”

A small sniffle escaped his sister as she nodded. “Okay.”

Ichido shifted closer, a serious expression settling on his face. “That’s good. But there’s another important thing, too. Remember, Nayuri, we can’t tell anyone—and I mean anyone—about our village. We promised mother, father, and Taizen.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I won’t speak of it again.”

Hearing that, Ichido smiled and gently pinched her cheek. “I’m sorry, too. It’s been a long day. No, it’s been a long week. But after everything that’s happened, we still have each other. And now we finally have somewhere to call home.”

Nayuri sniffled, nodding as she wiped her eyes. Gathering her resolve, she clenched her small fists and gave him a determined look.

“Yes! We must be happy and live. We must show our family we are doing well for them,” she said, making Ichido chuckle.

“That’s my little sister. Now, let’s go get some warm soup. I can already smell it.”

Nayuri closed her eyes, her cheeks brightening as she took a deep breath. The aroma tickled her nose, and her stomach rumbled in anticipation. “Mhmm! I’m hungry.”

Ichido held Nayuri’s hand and led her off the bench and down to the kitchen where the old lady was. She turned around when they entered and smiled at the siblings. She set the bowls on the table with some fresh bread, warm and soft.

“Ah, finished already? Are the clothes comfortable, my dears? If they’re a bit too big, I can make some adjustments for you.”

Both Ichido and Nayuri shook their heads. “It’s fine, Granny. Thank you so much for the clothes. They’re comfortable, light, and feel much fresher than what we’ve been wearing for days,” Ichido said, answering for them both.

Upon hearing that, the old lady pressed her palm to her heart. She thought Ichido was particularly well-mannered, and Nayuri was simply the most adorable child.

“That’s good then. But I still want to get you kids some new clothes. We can see if there’s anything you like at the shops tomorrow. For now, just come and eat. I need to make sure you’re both well-fed.”

Ichido and Nayuri immediately took their seats and smiled wholeheartedly at the food. The soup was a rich broth with chunks of meat and vegetables, slightly thick and appetizing. They thanked the old lady before taking a sip. The warm, flavorful taste spread through their mouths and brought bright grins to their faces, washing away all their recent agony. The first sip was slow and deliberate, but after that, they ate quickly, savoring every bite. Ichido grabbed some bread and broke off a piece for Nayuri. She ate with gusto, closing her eyes and munching with glee.

“Mhmm! This tastes so good!” Nayuri exclaimed, continuing to eat.

“Now, eat slowly, my dears.” The old lady laughed, seeing how they rushed to finish the soup. She knew it couldn’t be helped given how hungry they were, especially when she didn’t know how long they had been on their own. “There’s plenty more, and if it’s still not enough, I can always cook another pot.”

She felt compelled to reassure them again. “There will be food for you two every day. You children shouldn’t ever have to worry about these things.”

Ichido nodded and slowed his pace. Nayuri noticed and followed his lead. Soup trickled down the side of her mouth, and she tried to use her tongue to catch it. Ichido laughed.

While they ate, the old lady decided to share a little more about her life so they could get comfortable.

“I have a small clay pot shop at the right end near this house. Perhaps tomorrow I can bring you children along, and you can see how it’s run. Maybe that’ll also help you get a sense of what this village is like,” she explained.

Ichido listened to her, a thought crossing his mind.

If seeing the village means having more doors slammed in our faces, I’ll take a pass. I don’t think I like the villagers here. But maybe with granny, it’ll be different.

He placed his spoon down and looked at the old lady. “Granny? Do you work alone?”

“Why yes, I do. I used to have some help from my grandchildren. But now it’s only me running the store.” When she realized what she had just said, she immediately shook her head and sighed. “Don’t worry about it, my dears. I’m well used to it.”

This gave Ichido an opportunity to suggest his idea. “Granny, why don’t you let us work with you? I can start first, then Nayuri can join, and I can guide her so it won’t be too hard on you.”

Nayuri’s slurping and munching sounds continued. She wanted to chime in, but the food was simply too good. She would let Ichido do the talking.

The old lady smiled, but before she could speak, Ichido chimed in as if reading her mind. “Please, don’t worry about us. We want to be able to do something for you, too.”

Hearing Ichido’s pleading and his responsible reasoning, the old lady didn’t have the heart to turn him down. He was such a hardworking and responsible young boy with a sweet and gentle little sister.

She chuckled softly. “Oh, my dear child. All right then.” She raised her hand, interrupting herself. “But! I will only allow you to work with me after a week at least. I want you children to rest up and eat. You need to gain back your energy, otherwise you’ll fall sick and worry me.”

Ichido was already growing attached to the old lady, and he knew Nayuri was, too. They had only known each other for a few hours, but they already felt entirely warm in her presence. It was as if she were a long-lost relative they hadn’t visited in years.

“We promise, granny. One week,” Ichido assured her.

The old lady chuckled and poured them more soup. “One week, and only if I think you both are doing well. Now, eat up; I have to make sure you’re both well-fed before tucking you into bed.”

There was a new glow to the old lady’s face, and her voice held a fresh strength.

The siblings continued eating until their bowls were clean of soup and not a single breadcrumb remained on the plates. The old lady helped wipe their mouths and took the dishes to the sink. She came back to find Nayuri yawning, her eyelids heavy. Ichido sat back, rubbing his full stomach, and he too yawned a few times. She was touched to see that they trusted her enough to finally give in to their exhaustion.

“Come, my dears, you can use the spare room. It has a large bed. I presume you don’t want to be separated from each other. But if you want different beds, just tell me,” the old lady said, remaining as mindful of their feelings as she could be.

Ichido nodded with another yawn, carrying Nayuri, who was already half-asleep. “Thank you, Granny. You’ve done so much for us...”

“No worries at all, my dears,” the old lady said, patting his head gently.

She helped them onto the bed and tucked them in comfortably. Nayuri was already fast asleep, and Ichido was close behind her.

“Good night, Ichido. Good night, Nayuri. Don’t worry about waking up early. Sleep as much as you need. We can go to my shop anytime tomorrow or the day after.”

Ichido yawned and nodded once more before closing his eyes. The old lady patted them to sleep and put out the candles. She stood by the bedside for a while, listening to the soft, steady rhythm of their breathing.

“My, what have you children been through? Rest assured, you will be safe under my roof for as long as I’m here. Sleep well. I’ll prepare warm meals when you wake.”

After days and nights of running in fear, hiding in the mud and bushes of the forest, scraping for bits of edible food and dirty water, and enduring endless sleepless nights, Ichido and Nayuri were finally safe under a real roof, tucked warmly into a bed.

He wasn’t sure what he dreamt that night, but he knew it was a peaceful respite from the nightmares and repressed memories.

**

Almost a week had passed. Ichido and Nayuri gradually adapted to their new life. They were still in agony over what had happened to their village and family, since the tragedy was still fairly recent. The memories remained etched in their minds, the pain fresh. Yet with the help of the old lady, smiles returned to their faces, and they were determined to move forward and embrace life once again.

The old lady fed them well each day, ensuring they slept and rested. She checked for any lingering injuries, treating them even though they were old wounds. She worried that an infection might take hold, and she didn’t want the poor children to suffer any more than they already had. She even brought home textiles to sew new clothes that would fit them well. These garments became some of the few things they now owned—a quiet sign that their lives had truly changed.

“Granny, do you think I’m all right to help out in your shop now?” Ichido asked one day, while enjoying a warm meal. Nayuri sat next to him, nearly finished with her own food.

Both siblings looked much healthier. Their faces were no longer sunken, and their skin had regained a healthy flush. Although the old lady was still concerned that they hadn’t fully recovered, she decided it was better to give in to his request; keeping him busy would help take his mind off things. That way, Nayuri could mix around, too, and make some new friends.

“Oh, all right. What an adamant child you are.” The old lady laughed. She wouldn’t have preferred him any other way. “Finish up your food, and then we can go to my shop.”

“Yay!” Both Ichido and Nayuri cheered, the loud clanking of their spoons showing their enthusiasm as they hurried to finish.

Once they were done, the old lady had them put on coats that were neither too thick nor too thin, but enough to shield them from the weather.

“There you go. You can take them off when we’re at the shop,” she said, leading them out toward her clay pot shop.

Outside, Ichido and Nayuri stayed close to the old woman. They held her hands and watched the world around them cautiously. Some villagers cast strange glances at them, probably wondering who the children were, but for the most part, no one seemed to care. The faces were stern, the attitudes cold. That seemed to be the way here. Still, the sound of a village up and awake on a new day filled the air, and it wasn’t entirely unlike back home—the chattering, the vendors calling out to buyers, and the alluring smells of food. The old lady smiled as she led the way, glad she didn’t have to trek down to the shop alone.

Once at the shop, Ichido and Nayuri took their coats off, hung them aside, and helped set up for the day. The shop had a couple of freshly made pots arranged neatly on a table, while older ones, beautifully designed with intricate markings and curves, were boldly on display.

The old lady beamed, the wrinkles on her face softening. “Why, thank you, my dears. This made my routine much faster, thanks to your strong muscles and bursts of energy.”

“See! Now you know why I wanted to help out,” Ichido joked. “Now, Granny, please teach me.”

“Well, come along then. Nayuri, dear, you can go ahead and play inside or just outside the shop. There are some toys in those cupboards. But promise me you won’t wander out of our sight.”

“I won’t! I promise!” Nayuri said, skipping off to play.

Ichido nearly teared up when he saw how happy Nayuri seemed as she started playing with another girl. It was just like how it used to be in their village, except without any familiar faces.

The old lady noticed how Ichido watched Nayuri giggle. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I know this can’t change what happened to you two, but it’s time to start afresh. You’re both still so young.”

Ichido sighed. “I know. Thank you so much, Granny. But I never thought—”

“Hush now, child. All I need is to see you and your sister smiling and living well. I’m sure your parents would want that, too.”

“You’re right. I’m sure they would,” he muttered, sniffling as he wiped the tears from his face. “All right then, Granny. Where do we start? How do you make the pots, and what are the market and the people like?” He rubbed his hands in eagerness.

I can’t wait to show granny that she never made a mistake with us.

It took a few months for Ichido and Nayuri to adjust to the village and its residents. Most weren’t the friendliest, and Ichido wondered if it was because he and Nayuri weren’t from there. But within a year, it gradually became their new home. Nayuri even made a close friend whose parents accepted both siblings. Ichido continued working at the shop, and some customers began to recognize him, especially on the occasions when he ran the store on his own to let the old lady rest. They regarded him closely, soon knowing him as the sharp, polite kid helping the old lady with a fresh burst of energy and a reliable smile.

“My, my, Ichido, you’re doing so well here,” the old lady complimented. “You’re such a hardworking young man, though don’t forget to take a break yourself. You gave that advice to me, and you better follow it, young man.”

Ichido chuckled. “Of course, Granny. But as you said, I’m young. I have all the energy I need. Soon, maybe next year, we can finally allow Nayuri to start working, since she’s been nagging me about wanting to try her hand at the shop, too.”

“Of course, my dear. Don’t worry, she will have her chance. Let her enjoy her childhood with her friend over there.”

“Yes,” Ichido said softly, letting out a quiet sigh.

Another year passed, and Ichido and Nayuri continued to grow. They had become a little family with the old lady and had even decorated their own rooms to look similar to their old ones back home. Even though they wanted to move on from the past, they couldn’t completely abandon their happier memories. Ichido and Nayuri made a faint memorial in their rooms, creating a small resemblance of their father, mother, Taizen, and even some of their friends and the old man. They made sure it looked like simple decoration so the old lady wouldn’t suspect anything.

After two years, their physical well-being had improved significantly, but their emotional state was still a work in progress. They were growing fast and getting stronger. Faded scars still marked their bodies, reminding them of their harsh escape from the monsters and the things that had consumed their village. Yet the other scars—the ones ingrained in their minds, invisible as they were—proved the hardest to ignore.

Even though they only experienced subtle bad dreams here and there when they slept, the memories rarely escalated into horrifying nightmares. The true trouble began when they decided to sleep in different rooms. As they both grew older, Ichido suggested trying separate bedrooms. Nothing could prepare them for the challenges that choice would bring.

The old lady woke to the sound of their cries and screams. She hurried to Nayuri’s room first, wrapping her in a protective embrace. The child trembled, her eyes shut tight and tears staining her cheeks. She seemed asleep, locked deep inside a bad dream.

“There, there, Nayuri, my dear girl. You’re safe here with me now,” she whispered softly. She hummed a lullaby, patting Nayuri gently until her sobs began to subside and her body relaxed. “Hush, my dear child. It’s all right now.”

It took a few minutes before she managed to calm Nayuri down and soothe her back to sleep. The old lady reached for Ichido’s jacket, which he had left for Nayuri to hug, and a small plush toy she had sewn for her. She carefully arranged these comforting items around Nayuri, tucking her in with a blanket. Leaving a candle lit, she allowed the warm hue and homely scent to fill the room.

Just in case she has another nightmare. Perhaps then I’ll have to carry her to Ichido.

Her thoughts immediately shifted to the older sibling. Right. Now, Ichido.

She rushed to Ichido’s room to find him tossing and turning on the bed, uttering occasional whines and whimpers after his initial screams. His fists were clenched as if set to fight, and he mumbled strange words. Taking the blanket that had been thrown off, she quickly tucked him in while patting his arm gently, humming in a soft rhythm to calm him down.

“There, there, Ichido, my brave boy,” she murmured soothingly. “You’re all right now... it’s all right now.”

After a while, he heaved a heavy sigh and relaxed, settling into a peaceful sleep. Yet this would turn out to be more than a one-off situation; the bad dreams came and went. At times, when she simply couldn’t calm Nayuri down, she had to carry the young girl into Ichido’s room to sleep beside him. Every time that happened, she made Ichido take the following day off from the shop, encouraging him to rest at home or take a relaxing walk around the village.

It took another year until they were able to sleep in separate rooms without nightmares. Three years had passed now, and they were almost fully recovered from the emotional tremors. At least it wasn’t nearly as bad as when they first arrived.

Ichido and the old lady gradually taught Nayuri the ways of the shop, letting her try working half a day before encouraging her to spend time with her friends. The third year of their time with the old lady proved to be the most peaceful, at least for Ichido. They spent time with one another and learned new things about the village. Things were going well. Nayuri became closer to her friends, though Ichido didn’t socialize as much as he used to back in his own village. The old lady was naturally worried about him, but after they had a talk about it, she decided to give Ichido the space and time he needed.

The fourth year arrived. At the shop, Nayuri was fully helping out for the day.

“Ichido! Nayuri!” a soft, cheerful voice called out.

Nayuri’s lips turned into a bright grin when she saw who it was. She dashed toward her friend and tackled her in a tight hug. The friend’s mother chuckled at the sight before turning to Ichido.

“Well, hello there, Ichido,” she greeted, her tone laced with praise. “My, aren’t you tall now. You were barely half your height when I first saw you. Granny must be taking wonderful care of you.” She reached out to gently pat his head.

Ichido grinned at the compliment. “Of course she does. Thanks to Granny, I’m molded and all shaped up, and able to help her run things. Is there anything I can do for you today?”

“Oh no, today I want to do something for you.” She brought out a basket, and the delicious aroma of warm food instantly filled the shop. “I have some lunch here to share. It would be nice to enjoy a meal together, wouldn’t you agree?”

The food made his stomach rumble. His eyes lit up, and he welcomed her inside. “Thank you so much, that’s so kind of you! Come on in, let’s eat!”

Once Nayuri and her friend entered, Ichido led them to the back of the shop and set the table. He worked quickly and efficiently—one of the many reasons he constantly earned praise. They settled down and started enjoying the warm food while catching up on life.

As they ate, they heard the front door swing open and the bell ring. A customer, Ichido thought. The mother started to get up, but Ichido gently stopped her.

“Don’t worry about that, I’ll take care of it. I’m the shopkeeper, after all.” Ichido winked and rose from the table, eliciting a laugh from the woman.

He stepped out to the front of the shop with a welcoming smile to greet the visitor.

“Hello, sir! How can I help you today?” he asked, before his eyes registered a sudden hint of confusion. He took a closer look at the customer, studying the man before finally recognizing him.

“Vidar? Is that really you?!” Ichido exclaimed. “It’s been ages since we last met.” A grin spread across his face. It felt like a lifetime since he, a skinny boy, had first encountered this strange man in that alleyway. “I’ve always appreciated what you did for me back then. Is there anything I can help you with today?”

“No need for pleasantries,” Vidar said, his voice low and measured. “I’ve been searching for you for some time now. And there is something you can help me with.”