A Girl's Turmoil

Chapter 32 - Sakurako's Rage

Sakurako had just gotten home from school during the early evening, finding Hanako scribbling in her little diary, and Nadeshiko came home a bit faster than her. Sakurako wanted to resign into her room for rest when her mother, who's still managing the house, told them that they'd be going out for an evening meal and also take this time to study some subjects if possible. Sakurako almost protested, reconsidering the fact that she hadn't eaten any lunch at school. The second sister nodded, at which they got changed and headed out.

The place they'll be eating at is the COCOdeS café. Of course. The Oomuro's favorite place to eat.

Even though they walked, with snow nudging them and covering the paths, it felt like a five minutes trip when they reached the café. Sakurako had noticed that the café had taken down posters and decorations relating to Christmas and New Year's Eve. Despite this, it was somewhat surprising that the café still put up a menu consisting of a couple of cakes that fit the Christmas theme. They enter the café and get themselves a table in the middle section, first column. Sakurako takes the time to look around. The general atmosphere is still the same, tranquil and calming, except they get to watch the snow falling on the outside and a little chill that can be felt within.

Sakurako finds herself staring toward one of the windows when her mother calls her. "Sakurako?"

"Hmm, yes?"

"Daydreaming again?"

"... Couldn't help it."

"Well, what do you want to order?"

Sakurako nearly opens the menu and stares at the table. "You know, can I order a lasagna?"

Her mother stares at her eyes for a moment. "Alright, a lasagna then. What about a drink?"

"Strawberry milkshake."

"Okay, waiter!" the mother called with an arm raised.

The waitress comes around and asks what menu they wish to request. Nadeshiko wants omurice and mango juice. Hanako and the mother want miso soup and warm sweet tea. Sakurako... well, she already said it. The waitress repeats the order and notes to them that the lasagna would take some time to make before leaving for the counter.

Nadeshiko leans against the seat. "Chilly. Don't you think?"

"The snow outside?" Sakurako asked. "I like it, actually."

"When does the snow stop falling, though?" Hanako asked.

"Probably at the end of the month," Nadeshiko responded. "Then we'll be enjoying springtime."

"I wished the winter last longer," Sakurako stated.

"Me too," Hanako nodded.

"Hmm, I don't think I've seen you both playing snowballs," the mother commented.

"I don't play snowballs," Sakurako replied. "But I do lie down on the snow and watch the sky. Just doing that makes me feel sleepy."

"You didn't end up sleeping on the ground, did you?" Nadeshiko asked.

"Oh, I wish I did," Sakurako replied. "How was school, onee-chan?"

"Not bad. I've seen many students complain they must go back to studying this season."

"And you?"

"I didn't complain. But I did wish for spring to come."

"Do you think the next season will be as cool as winter?" Hanako had asked

"Should be cool enough without freezing anything," the mother answered

"Hmm," Sakurako leaned onto the table, frowning.