Side Heroine

43

Filled with urgency, I left the classroom to rush to Sara's house. After I found out she was still at school I asked if she wanted me to pick her up, however she told me I didn't have to go that far. So I just waited at the nearest station by Sara's house.

I sat on a bench by the platform, waiting for the train carrying Sara to arrive. After a passenger train completed its stop I could see people streaming out from the exit, and that's when I saw her.

Despite her being far away, I could clearly see she was depressed. With shoulders low, She walked dejectedly down the path shoulders were. She had a gray background behind her, it was like a manga or anime. With a stiff expression I called out to her as she walked, she then raised her face in a hurry as I quickly approached.

"Sorry, Shiori-san. Calling you out so suddenly. . ."

"It's okay. If you're in trouble, I'll always rush to you."

". . . . Thank you."

I wanted to reassure her like she was sick, so I reached out to stroke her head, but her shoulders tensed.

No, she's definitely scared. I don't know what's happening. However I do know we can't talk about it here.

"Shall we go home?"

". . .Yeah."

We carried our bags while we silently walked down this familiar road.

Glancing at her, she is in an expressionless state. She was steadily walking, no tears or grumbling. Something must have happened, but right now she seems despondent.

She was just happy to talk about summer vacation plans on the morning train. Now it's different.

Finally after a longer than normal walk we arrived at Sara's apartment.

Pardon the extrusion, as I went inside and put my luggage down.

I was eager to begin our talk. But what I saw as I turned around startled me.

"S-Sara!?"

About three steps going inside the house Sara began silently crying.

It must have all hit her when she arrived. Immediately I moved closer, however like a child she grabbed onto my clothes. Then her tears started to pour harder.

Her shoulders shook, as she shed tears and tears. Only her voice didn't leak.

Although it was still clumsy crying. It seems that she was earnestly crying now. If I wasn't here she would have wet her pillow alone.

"You've been holding it in, haven't you?"

". . .Yeah. . ."

I felt guilty about touching her before, but now isn't the time.

I pushed away my unrequited love, I rushed forward and hugged her as I lightly stroked her back.

What happened?

The last time she cried it was in relief, but now it's something different.

I know something has happened, however she is still in the midst of sadness.

I waited for her to settle down, and once it was now a sob, I guided her to the sofa to let her sit down.

"I'm sorry I lost my control. . ."