𝑹𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 💫

Playgrounds are for lonely people

Yachi likes being alone.

There was something undeniably peaceful about being occupied with her own thoughts, something that made the world feel a little less overwhelming. Alone, she could wander through the vast landscapes of her imagination, conjuring up dreamlike scenarios, or she could focus inward, contemplating life's mysteries without interruption. To her, an empty mind was talent wasted, and a curious mind was a gateway to discovery. This was her sanctuary—a place where she didn't have to worry about others, where she could simply be herself.

So, it never really bothered her when she was alone during recess, or when the other kids didn't want to play with her. It wasn't loneliness she felt, but rather a deep sense of contentment. She could daydream in peace, draw with her new set of crayons, or bask in the sunlight without a single care about pleasing someone else. People were unpredictable, even scary at times, and Yachi had decided at a young age that she didn't like them much.

Well, except for her mom. She quite liked her.

It was one of those quiet afternoons when the swings in the park seemed extra inviting. The park, just outside her apartment, was a place she often escaped to. From her room, she could see the entire playground, a perfect little haven where she could retreat whenever she wanted. Today, with the weather just right and the world feeling particularly open, Yachi decided that a trip to the park was exactly what she needed.

She stumbled around her room, shedding her pajamas in favor of a comfy hoodie and skirt. As she tugged on her sneakers, she called out, "Can I go to the park?"

For a moment, the apartment was silent, and then her mother's voice drifted back, slightly muffled, "Sure, just make sure to be back within an hour."

Grinning to herself, Yachi bolted out the door, running down the stairs and across the pavement. The cool breeze tousled her hair, and she felt a thrill of excitement as she neared the park. But as she reached the swings, her heart sank a little. Someone had taken her favorite spot.

Normally, Yachi would have turned around and gone back home. After all, her room was just as comfortable, and she could draw there without any interruptions. But there was something about the tiny toddler on the swing that caught her attention. The little girl's bright orange hair gleamed in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the sadness that clouded her large, doe-like eyes.

Curiosity piqued, Yachi moved closer. The wind pushed her hair in different directions as she approached, but she paid it no mind. She sat down on the swing next to the child, who turned her head slowly, staring up at Yachi with a tear-streaked face. The girl sniffled, not from the cold, but from crying, and Yachi felt a pang of sympathy.

"Hey," Yachi whispered softly, not wanting to scare the girl. "Where are your parents?"

The little girl didn't look frightened—just sad. Her mouth quivered slightly, and Yachi recognized that expression all too well. It was the look of someone on the verge of tears, someone who felt lost and afraid.

To ease the tension, Yachi looked ahead, focusing on the empty playground in front of them. "I like drawing," she said, her voice calm and gentle. "With crayons, preferably. Would you like to join me?"

The swing beside her slowed, eventually coming to a stop as the girl shifted in her seat. Yachi waited patiently, her heart beating a little faster. Finally, she heard the soft sound of the girl hopping off the swing and walking over to stand in front of her.

The little girl was adorable, with her short orange hair and a cute sundress that fluttered slightly in the breeze. She gazed up at Yachi with a hopeful expression, her tears now gone. "Yes, please," the girl whispered, her voice barely audible.

And just like that, Yachi found herself sitting in the park, drawing with a child she didn't know. As they sketched together, Yachi learned that the girl's name was Natsu. Natsu loved to draw, and she was apparently very good at P.E. She didn't like rainy weather because it meant she couldn't play outside, and she got upset whenever her brother refused to spend time with her. Apparently, her brother had started his own club, and it took up most of his time.

Yachi thought that Natsu's brother sounded like a bit of a jerk, but she didn't say that out loud. She could tell that Natsu adored him, especially when she drew a picture of him with careful, loving strokes.

They were deep in their art when a sudden voice rang out, "Natsu! What have I told you about coming here alone?!"

Yachi's eyes darted up, and she saw a petite woman with soft features and short black hair striding toward them. The woman didn't look much like Natsu, and Yachi's protective instincts kicked in. She quickly moved in front of the little girl, shielding her with trembling hands.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" Yachi choked out, her voice barely steady.

The woman stopped, looking mildly amused by the display of bravery. "I'm Natsu's mother," she said calmly, just as Natsu broke free and ran toward her, throwing her arms around the woman in a tight hug.

Yachi felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, staring at the ground. "I just wanted to make sure you weren't a stranger."

The woman's expression softened, and she glanced at the crayons scattered around them before giving Yachi a warm smile. She reached out and took Yachi's hands in hers, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Thank you for taking care of Natsu," she said sincerely. "I know how hard she can be sometimes."

Natsu tugged at her mother's sleeve, whining a little, and the woman scooped her up, holding her close. She kissed the top of Natsu's head before turning back to Yachi. "I really appreciate it," she continued. Then, as if struck by an idea, she paused, seeming unsure of how to proceed. "If it's not too much trouble, could you perhaps take care of her some more?"

Yachi blinked in surprise, not quite understanding what the woman was asking. "You mean... babysit?"

"Yes," Natsu's mother replied with a nod, a hopeful look in her eyes. "Natsu has been wanting a playmate lately, and I think she really enjoys your company."

Yachi hesitated. She liked her alone time, cherished it even. But there was something about Natsu's wide-eyed innocence and the way her mother seemed so grateful that made her consider the offer. Before she could say anything, the woman added, "I would pay you, of course."

Money was a tempting factor, and Yachi's mind began to whirl with possibilities. It would look impressive on a resume—working at such a young age—and it might be nice to have a little extra spending money. After a moment's thought, she nodded. "I could do that."

The woman beamed, thanking Yachi several times before taking Natsu's hand and preparing to leave. Yachi watched them go, a small smile playing on her lips as she waved goodbye to Natsu, who waved back enthusiastically.

As Yachi gathered up her crayons and started to head home, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted in her world. She had no idea that this simple act of kindness had set in motion a series of events that would soon turn her quiet, solitary life upside down. 

The storm she had unknowingly created was on the horizon, and when it hit, it would change everything.

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End of chapter.