The air within the house echoed with a sense of family, and as your grandfather appeared within the doorway of the opened sliding door, you quickly abandon your boring task of folding laundry, hurrying with youthful energy to embrace his familiar frame.
His weathered but warm palm came to rest gently on your head as you wrapped your arms around his waist. "Now, now, child. If you're too eager, we may both take a tumble." His voice, rich and seasoned like old wine, carried a warm chuckle.
Your aunt stood by, her arms crossed, a hint of frustration in her expression as she observed the scene..
"Hmph," she finally remarked, breaking the tender moment. "You're indulging her too much, dad."
Your grandfather, offended a bit by her comment, looked towards her, a twinkle in his eye.
"Sorry, dad." She offered, her annoyance visible. "It's just... This one takes so much time to finish folding laundry. It's exhausting having to deal with her."
Grandfather's gaze shifted to your aunt, puzzled by her complaint. "She's a child, of course she'll take her time. Why not ask the older kids to handle the laundry?" His voice carried genuine curiosity.
Your aunt's annoyance wilted slightly under your grandfather's calm demeanor, but she retorted, "They've already done their laundry. And it's not like she's doing it all by herself." She began stepping closer to the two of you. "Besides, the older kids are supposed to be getting ready for today's feast."
Your grandfather's demeanor remained gentle as he continued to rub your back, his touch soothing, his voice tender. "We'll figure it out," he assured, his words carrying a calming reassurance.
You then looked up at him, your eyes wide with excitement, your hand tugging on the hem of his kimono. "Grandpa, can I sit next to you during the feast today?" You asked, your voice filled with innocent enthusiasm.
Your grandfather chuckled softly, his age-worn features breaking into a warm smile, a sparkle of amusement in his eyes as he looked down at you. "Of course, little one. I'd be delighted to have you beside me at the feast," he replied, his voice laced with genuine affection. "But first, we need to finish up with the laundry. It won't fold itself, you know."
Your aunt rolled her eyes, her patience clearly thinning. "It would be faster if she actually focused on the task at hand." She huffed.
Your grandfather, though, chuckled again, a hint of wisdom in his eyes. "Patience is the key to a peaceful life, dear," he reminded her, his voice firm but gentle. "Children are full of energy and curiosity. Let her take her time."
Your aunt's irritation was clearly mounting. "But there's a lot to finish before the feast, and she's just taking her time." She gestured at the half-folded pile of laundry.
Your grandfather simply smiled, his focus shifting back to you, gently guiding you back to the laundry task. "Life's moments are filled with haste and hurry, but there are also times to stop and enjoy," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Like this moment, sharing chores together."
Your grandfather's presence brought a sense of tranquility, his wise words a soothing balm to the mounting tension. As the three of you began folding the laundry, your aunt's mood softened, a hint of guilt in her eyes. With a warm smile, she leaned down to meet your gaze.
"Alright, little one, you're just a kid after all," she admitted, her frustration easing. "Let's finish up folding this laundry together."
With the three of you working side by side, the laundry piled slowly dwindled, the atmosphere in the room growing more relaxed.
༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶
The dining room was filled with the soft murmur of voices blending with the delicious aroma of traditional dishes. The older kids, along with the adults, seated on their zaisu, engaged in lively conversations.
You were seated beside your grandfather as you had wished, his presence comforting as always. The table was set with a variety of dishes, ranging from steaming rice to colorful vegetables and tender meat. The feast was not just a meal, but an event that brought everyone together...
As the evening wore on, the joy and chatter at the dinner table continued, a reflection of the family's bond. Everyone was enjoying the feast, their faces filled with the joy of being together.
But beneath the surface joy, the inevitable truth loomed. The laughter and conversation were blissfully unaware of the harsh reality that not everything lasts forever. No one suspected that tragedy was lurking just a few short breaths away from descending upon them...
-Time for a Taisho Secret!!-
[Your name] is 9 years old! Also the 2nd youngest in her family! 😄
ೃ༄~Authors comments: ~ೃ༄
Hello everyone! I couldn't wait to say this, but I'm going to be writing this book with my sister now!! :D
[How to tell us apart: (Me) - My text will be normal! (Sister) - Her text will be bold!]
Lastly, if you have any questions/suggestions/advice/etc, please tell me!
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Hopeless
Fanfiction"Hopelessness is a poison that drains the life from one's soul. To admit defeat is to let go of all purpose and hope for the future. Never give in to despair, for it is the tool of the weak and the foolish." - Reader [The cover is made by me! I hop...
