Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 173

 "Haa... haa..."

 It took the girl a moment to realize that it was her own breathing.

 Her entire body was hot and burning. Her chest was boiling from the inside out. It was heavy, painful, and exhausting. Her consciousness was hazy...

 "Haa... haa... haa..."

 Her breathing was faint. Her head hurt. It was bitter. Her throat was parched. It was hot. So hot. Very hot...

 "It's, huuts..."

 It was a strained whisper. Her voice was a little hoarse. She tried to get up and get some water from the kitchen, but she couldn't move. She couldn't even get out of bed.

 "Uu..."

 She was sweating profusely. Her clothes were drenched. Her futon was too. She was overwhelmed with discomfort. Her patience was wearing thin.

 "Someone..."

 Someone, help me... She tried to call out, but there was no one in the guest room. She was an orphan, but at the same time, she was a guest, and that was her own choice. She couldn't bear to sleep in the same place as her friends from the orphanage because of the cruel thing she had done. And now, it was coming back to haunt her.

 "Someone..."

 She whispered again, her voice fading away. Or was it melting away?

 She was alone. She was lonely. She was all alone. It was scary, terrifying, and somehow nostalgic.

 "Mother, Father... Big Sister, Big Brother..."

 She called out into the void, pleading with nothingness. She was seeking comfort from the important people she had lost in the past.

 "Princess... Ah, uu..."

 And then she called out to the important person in her life now, and the person who finally came to mind was...

 "To, mo... Hyaa!?"

 Just as she was about to give up, a cold sensation touched her forehead, and she let out a lovely scream.

 "Let me wipe your sweat. Can you get up? You should change into some clean clothes and a fresh futon. Can you do it by yourself?"

 Her consciousness, awakened by the cold compress, clearly recognized the kind words spoken by the person beside her...

* * *

 Children are fragile. Even with high metabolism, there's a limit. Due to their immaturity, factors like hygiene, nutrition, and medical technology also come into play, making infant mortality rates extremely high throughout history, even in modern times. That's why events like were born, and antibiotics are praised as great achievements.

 "Ugh... ugh..."

 "It's no good. You still have a fever..."

 I touched the forehead of the white fox lying on the futon. The girl's white skin, which was now slightly flushed, was still radiating heat. Compared to this morning, she was a bit better, but... her gaze was still hazy and distant.

 Children are like children of the wind. At the same time, catching a cold is like having a sibling for them. It's an unavoidable fate. I realized it early this morning and rushed to prepare a remedy, putting her to bed before noon. Unfortunately, she still had a long way to go before recovering.

 "Is it a summer cold? No, but..."

 I don't remember Shiro ever getting a cold since Onitsuki family has been taking care of her. Is it due to Tamaki's influence? Children are extremely sensitive to small changes. Moreover, there is a dangerous person in this orphanage....