𝚁𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝙵𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 | 𝙺𝙽𝚈

ɪɪ

Months passed and I finally got to adjust in this world. With our family growing, I finally realized that I needed to train more so I can join the final selection in 2 or 3 years.

"Okasan, where's nee-chan?" I heard Tanjiro's voice nearby but I ignored it. Since I don't have any wooden sword to use in practice, I used a stick from a branch of a tree as I swing it back and forth.

"She's probably outside." Mother replied in a gentle tone. She was carrying Takeo in her arms, while Nezuko is sure to be asleep on her soft and comfy futon.

Hearing footsteps approaching my way, I lowered my stick and glanced sideways, only to see Tanjiro with a smile on his face. "Nee-chan!" He waved his hand, in which I returned with a smile. "Nee-chan, are you busy?"

I looked at the stick I am holding, before glancing at him. "Not at all."

"Mother told me to help you sell those coals in the town." Hearing what Tanjiro said, I quickly threw the stick away and went towards the bag of coals.

"You stay here. I'll go there alone."

"But nee-chan-!"

Flashing a smile made him cut his own sentence. I turned my back to him and continued on my stride. "Tell them I'm coming home tonight." I spoke as I waved my left hand, a signal that I am now leaving.

One of the few tasks I half like and dislike is selling coals. Father and I often go out to sell coals-and I often insisted to do it myself since he is getting frail and weaker-but he is just too persistent.

I like it because I can have another stamina training by carrying lots of coals in my back while walking towards the town. And at the same time, I dislike it. It makes me wanna stumble down the ground and throw coals to some passerby.

There's also a time that mother was supposed to go and sell the coals instead, but since she is busy with both Nezuko and Takeo, I presume she'd be doing her usual duty in the house except for selling coals.

And now Tanjiro wants to accompany me, but I refuse. I'd like him to have fun for a while.

Now, I'll focus on selling these coals and return home as soon as possible. I cannot let myself wander around and let the night fall.

~*~

"And that's the last one." I huffed out a sigh as the bag of coals behind my back is already sold. The heavy weight earlier made me stumble on my way here, but thanks to my stamina training, I managed to balance myself.

The old woman paid her money for the coal she bought before smiling. "Thank you for the coal, Amery. Please do give my regards to your parents."

I returned the smile and nodded. "I will. Thank you for buying too. I shall go now." With a wave, I left with a sigh of relief.

Finally, I can go home—

—speaking of home...

I stood still, facing the long pathway towards our home. The bushes beside me are giving me a different vibes, but I chose to shrug it off as I calmed my panicking mind.

"Whoever you are, show yourself." I mustered all the courage I have to speak.

But I was only answered by silence.