Unconditionally yours

1

Naomi pov

Age 10

Being born without parents is one of the most tragic things that could happen to a child. Unfortunately, my mother passed away while giving birth, and my father, who still exists, does not acknowledge my presence at all. He drowns himself in alcohol and lives on the streets, begging for survival.

Although I know who he is and would occasionally see him in the village, just like him, I do not acknowledge him either. The village took me in when I was born and provided me with everything I needed, except for a home. They gave me a small hut in the mountains and provided me with small jobs so that I could sustain myself.

I picked up on a lot of stuff, such as taking care of myself, cooking, cleaning, sewing, even repairing, hunting, and knowing herbs and stuff alike. At the moment, I was planting herbs in my little garden, it was a hot day and very muggy but I knew I needed it to get done before I headed to the village for work.

'After I finish planting, I should quickly clean up and assess what else needs to be done. I need to repair the door and take care of other tasks. I thought to myself. I leaned back on my knees and wiped the sweat from my forehead. Then, I got up from the floor, dusted myself off, and grabbed the watering can. With a small hum, I proceeded to water the plants.

'As tired as I am, I need the money'. I thought with a tired sigh, after I was done watering the plants, I went to my hut and got ready to leave, as well as checked for things I would need. Once done, I walked out and closed the door behind me. Walking down the path to the village which was only an hour away, it was a nice walk but being as hot as it was, it was very draining.

'It's too hot out here! Even with this outfit, I'm still hot!'. I whined mentally.

1 hour later

"My son needs medicine, he has a bad cough, do you have any medicine for it?". A woman asked.

"Yes, I have it, just a second". I replied. Removing the basket that held all the items for sale from my shoulder, I peeled back the cloth and peered inside for the medicine. Finding it, I grasped the container and extended it towards her.

"After an hour after his dinner, give him a spoon of this, if you need more, I'll bring some more in a few days". I said, she nodded as she gave me the money.

"Thank you". She said with a bow before she left.

"Miyazaki, I need something for this darn headache, give me something will you!?". An elderly man complained as he walked over with a cane.

"Hai!". I replied, going through my basket again.

"I need this window repaired as well".

"Certainly!".

"Miyazaki, could you fix this wheel for me, please?".

"On my way!".

"This kimono tore yesterday; can you mend it? It's my favorite".

"I'll handle it".

"I require ointment for this burn".

"Understood!".

"This door needs fixing!".

"Alright, I'll be there shortly!".

The entire day was non-stop work; I didn't have a moment's break, so I'd always return home exhausted, too drained to even eat. Sometimes, I'd run into trouble with someone who had a short fuse and thought my efforts were foolish and pointless.