A Warm Place

XII Sisters

"Poundcake, banana bread... ah, this muffin looks delicious, too."

I'm looking at one of the confectionery recipe books that I borrowed from Tsubaki yesterday, pondering which one to make. There are too many options for me to pick that I end up getting confused. Of course, it's after taking the available ingredients in consideration.

While I'm shilly-shallying, Mother points at one section in the table of contents.

"You know, Mom wants to eat some pancakes~"
"Hmm, I often make pancakes, though. What to do?"

When it comes to pancakes, there are many and various types that can be made depending on my creativity. I flip through the recipe book and open the page on pancakes.

"Yup, this can be prepared with what we have at home. Guess I'll settle with pancakes then."
"Ya~y! Hurra~y"

I go to the kitchen and confirm that there are enough ingredients to make pancakes. I found a banana and some yogurt in the refrigerator, so they'll go into the ingredients, too.

"Yosh."

I add some hotcake mix, milk, eggs, and yogurt into a bowl and beat them well. Then I peel the banana and crush them adequately before putting it into the bowl. After mixing them once again, the batter is done.

Next, I apply oil to the frying pan thinly and pour the batter carefully. After this, I just need to cook both sides with low heat and the pancake will be finished. It doesn't take much time, and the ingredients aren't expensive, either, so it's pretty cost-effective.

"It smells good~"

It seems like this one is finished, so I flip it over to see that it's giving a nice color. It's a success. I move it to a plate and I start cooking the second pancake when I hear the front bell ringing.

"Oh my, a guest."

Mother leaves aside her laundry and goes to the front door to greet the guest. I hear the sound of the door opening, then I hear Mother speaking with someone. The familiar voice peaks my curiosity, so I sneak a look towards the entranceway.

"How do you do? I am Sekiguchi Rumi. Is Hinata-san home?"
"My, you are Hinata's acquaintance? Hinata-! You have a guest-!"

(Uwaah...)

Why is she here? With the second pancake finished, I turn off the stove before heading towards the front door.

"Good afternoon, Rumi-san."
"Good afternoon. Is your leg all right?"
"Yes, it doesn't hurt at all. There's no problem."
"...I see, thank goodness."

She breathes a sigh, looking relieved. Don't tell me she's come all the way here just to ask about my injury. This level of scratch would have healed by itself, even if I left it alone.

"This is as my apology for yesterday. It isn't much, but please eat it with your family."
"It's too much. In the first place, I was the one who hurt myself yesterday..."
"Mm-mm, that was my fault."

I hurt myself out of my own carelessness, but it seems that she thinks of it as her fault.

"Thank you... very much."
"Yup. Sorry for the sudden visit. Then, I'll be on my way."
"Ah, please wait a moment. I am making pancakes right now. Would you mind having some?"

Rumi flinches at my words.

"Pancakes?"
"Yes, they're yogurt-flavored banana pancakes."
"........."
"Now, now, don't be so reserved. Come in and eat some."

Perhaps listening in to our conversation, Mother appears out of nowhere. Although Rumi is still hesitating, Mother succeeds to help her decide.

"I-I think I'll have some."
"Then, please come in. It's not going to take long."
"Sorry for intruding."