A changed person.
A hospital room.
Hayashi’s father was asleep. I had never seen his face before. But looking at Hayashi’s anguished expression and his face, which didn’t look remotely healthy despite being thin, I could grasp the severity of his condition.
Deep down, I had a faint thought.
I wondered if Hayashi’s mother had just lied about his condition. That would be a cruel thing in itself, but it felt like it would be easier to handle mentally. I even thought it might’ve been better to get caught up in some dramatic mess instead.
But reality is merciless.
“…Dad. It’s been a while.”
In a softer voice than usual, Hayashi leaned close to her father’s ear and whispered.
I was a bit surprised. So Hayashi could speak in such a gentle tone, too.
“He’s been sleeping a lot more lately. I don’t know if he’ll wake up today.”
“…I see.”
“No matter how much you resent him, please don’t wake him.”
“Yeah. I understand.”
Though she was told not to wake him, Hayashi gently took her father’s hand. I think she just wanted some reassurance.
I don’t know if touching his hand was the trigger.
But Hayashi’s father, who she said hadn’t woken up lately, slowly opened his heavy eyelids.
I didn’t expect him to wake up.
That’s what Hayashi’s sidelong glance seemed to say.
The reason she now had fear plastered across her face… was it because she thought her mother would scold her for waking him? Or perhaps…
Hayashi’s father’s consciousness seemed a bit hazy.
Still, after some time, he finally began to look around and noticed one girl.
“…Hey.”
“It’s been a while.”
“You been doing alright, you silly girl?”
“…Yeah.”
“…I was worried about you.”
“…Yeah.”
From their brief exchange, I could tell they’d held some grudges against each other, but also that those had softened, even if just a little.
Feeling a bit relieved, I glanced beside me and met Hayashi’s mother’s eyes. We shared a wry smile.
“Is living on your own tough?”
“…No. I’m not living alone anymore.”
“…Oh, right.”
Hayashi’s father seemed to recall something.
For a while, he looked around the room again.
…And then.
“…And you are?”
His eyes met mine.
“This is Yamamoto. He’s my—”
“…Hayashi.”
I stopped her.
“Right now, he’s asking me for an answer.”
…He’s probably misunderstanding things. From the fragmented memories he has, Hayashi had just started living with her boyfriend the last time he saw her. A man standing next to his beloved daughter after such a long time—how could he think of anyone but a lover?
Was Hayashi’s father angry?
That didn’t bother me.
It’s not like a frail man like him could do much to me, but that wasn’t why I felt that way.
…I just wanted to take responsibility in my own way.
Whatever the circumstances, I’d taken Hayashi into my home. And in daily life, I’d always ended up relying on her.
He must be displeased. After all, his wife had entrusted him with ensuring Hayashi could lead a wonderful life.
There’s no way he’d find it amusing that his daughter was being used by some nobody like me.
So this was about taking responsibility.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Yamamoto. Hayashi-san is… my friend.”
“A guy like you doesn’t suit Megumi.”
“Even as a friend?”
“Even as a friend.”
“…You’re absolutely right.”
I gave a wry smile.
Back in high school, she lived in a completely different world from me. After graduating and starting university, something happened to her. I only know bits and pieces.
But I think to myself.
She’s not the kind of woman who should be staying in a place like my apartment, playing caretaker for someone like me.
If it were up to her, she probably could’ve… lived a much more brilliant life.
“What should I do, then?”
“…You don’t get it?”
“Nope.”
“Stay by my daughter’s side.”
“…As a friend?”
“Obviously. As long as my eyes are still sharp, I won’t forgive you otherwise.”
“Got it. Leave it to me.”
“That’s some confidence.”
“It’s not an impossible task.”
“Is that so…”
Quietly, Hayashi’s father smiled.
“I’m counting on you, Yamamoto-kun.”
