Project: Socialize (Chapters 1-197)

29. Even when I'm Struggling, her Smile will Forever Remain Mysterious

The next morning, I woke to an unusual scene. I was initially dazed by why I was sleeping on the ground, but after I laid there, staring at the foot of my bed for a few minutes, I realized what had happened. Slowly, I forced myself up and yawned. I rubbed my eyes and then looked over at my bed. I discovered that it was empty and that the bed was neatly made. I stared at it for a few seconds before I got up, walked over to my wardrobe, and got changed into my school uniform.  

As I exited my room, I heard the sound of something sizzling as well as a pleasant smell of breakfast. I walked over to the living room, and from the mouth of the hallway there I looked over towards the kitchen. There, I see that Emilia was cooking something on the stove.

"Good morning," she greeted me. "I took the ingredients from the refrigerator. I hope you don't mind."

"No," I yawned.

I then turned around and started for the washroom. There, I brushed my teeth and washed my face with the cold water that came out of the sink. After I was done, I started walking down the short hallway, and once I was at the mouth of the hallway where it merged with the living room area, I discovered that Emilia had finished cooking and had set the table.

Without saying anything, I walked over and sat down in my usual seat. I looked at the food on my plate: bacon, sausages, and a sunny-side up egg. Along with it was a small bowl of salad as well as a plate of toasted bread.

"Thank you," I muttered in a drowsy voice as I stabbed at the food on my plate with my fork.

We then proceeded to eat in silence with the only sound coming from the television that was on. The program that was being played at the moment was the morning news, which was basically some of the same stuff from last night as well as the weather forecast. According to the forecast, the temperatures should start to drop in a few days as summer slowly merges with the autumn.

I didn't pay any further attention to the news, and instead, I glanced over at Emilia. She was eating her food in an elegant manner, but that wasn't the focal point of my focus. I observed her eyes, which appeared normal. However, from the slight puffiness of her eyes and the faint red that I could observe, I concluded that last night...she must've wept again. I didn't know entirely what it was and how it was bothering her, and I believe it wasn't in my spot to inquire her about it. She is an angel and my teacher, so it really isn't fit for her own student to ask her these personal questions. Plus I had barely known her since yesterday.

"Should we um...take a different train to school?" I asked in order to have insight on what she thinks of being seen together with me.

"Because I have to get to school earlier than you," she said. "I think I will take the one before yours."

"Oh? Then I think you should leave right after you finish eating. I can take care of the dishes. Don't worry about that."

She looked up from her food and stared into my eyes. I could tell that she was quite frail after what had occurred last night, but she did her best to conceal it from me so I didn't bother asking her anything further.

"Thank you," she smiled weakly.

Something bothers her. That is a confirmed fact. Yet I cannot do anything to help her...that, that is something inevitable, but why do I feel like I am to blame for it? I want to help her, but I cannot bring myself to do so. Being an angel, she would not expect aid from me, so I will not show aid. I will only do so when she asks, but...when will she? Will she ever?

"I'll start going now," she said as she held the door open with her body.

"See you later," I responded as I brought my plates over to the kitchen sink.