We're back in my room— Shen immediately went to lay on my bed after changing into a spare set of my pajamas. She was loopy at this point. In fact I had to help her up the stairs… She wasn't even drunk, she just used up all her energy..
That poor pillow…. I glanced back, she was cuddled up to one of my pillows. Shen had a happy drunk smile as she suffocated the soft pillow in her arms. I don't think anyone would envy that pillow, in fact, they'd also feel bad for it– or anyone who'd end up in the same position.
Even her sleeping habits are different like this.
I felt my head tilt as I watched her for a little.
"Frederic… give me your arm…"
…
Shen hugged the pillow tighter, in her sleep-like state she had a gigantic smile.
That confirms that… I let out a cough as I turned towards my desk. She definitely has feelings for… Eugh… She definitely does.
I could tell, maybe it's the so-called Girl's intuition or something… But the way she answered my questions–
I shook my head before taking a seat. So awkward… It felt really uncomfortable hearing Shen even more.
Time to read these letters… Urgh…. The longest note was the one I picked up.
[
Yukina… Miss Shen found you…? Can you read what I'm writing? I know the last time I saw your sweet face you knew how to barely read. But… if you can, are you okay? How are you feeling? Are you hurt?
I don't know what to write… I am sorry my dear daughter. We tried finding you every day since you disappeared. I regret letting you go by yourself, I thought the city was safe. I thought you were safe. I'm sorry I was wrong.
Your dad and I cried every night— our hearts hurt when we got no information on where you went. Please, please don't hate us. Please don't resent us— we're trying, we are trying to get to you. Your grandmother is too busy to let us leave. Knights keep coming here to investigate this village. We can't leave, they won't let us leave.
That's enough about us, my dear. Miss Shen has been letting us know what's wrong. It's heartbreaking to hear that your left eye got hurt. But it's heart-warming to hear you found a party to take care of you. Your grandmother has a gift for you that will be sent later.
When you come back to us… Please tell us what happened to you. It's been five years since your disappearance. If it hurts to talk about, we will understand.
Miss Shen offered to let us exchange letters. You don't have to respond to this, you don't have to if your heart tells you not to. If it doesn't, we understand.
Your father and I love you very much. We're so grateful you've been taken in… Missus Melinda and Mister James have been compensated for what they did for you. It isn't much compared to your safety, but it's only what we can afford. Please be careful, my daughter. You're very special, truly one of a kind… I love you so much… I'm sorry, I'm sorry… I'm so so very sorry… My heart keeps hurting when I write this… it feels like it wants to burst when I think about what happened to you.
I wanted to keep you from so much pain. I WANTED to keep you from being in agony. I wanted to keep you safe— I keep remembering when I first gave birth to you. Keep remembering the absolute joy that entered my heart seeing your little hands— your beautiful purple and pink eyes— your soft cheeks that molded to my fingers. I want to go back in time and warn myself to never let you go— never ever, ever let you go.
I love you my little Yukina... Please be safe out there and make it home... I'm glad you found a party to keep you safe.
— Your mother
]
Why… is…I felt—
…
My vision was becoming so blurry… I felt something hot run down my face. I couldn't breathe—
I had to throw the letter down and hold my face. My heart was racing so badly— Her face appeared in my head as I felt tears roll into my hands.
Why did I have to take over this body-? I just… took their daughter away…Why did I- It felt like my chest was about to explode. I felt my stomach churn as I felt a storm racing up my throat.
Why did- Why couldn't she keep this body?! It's not even mine! S-She had a family…
Somehow… I managed to keep the nothing in my stomach; I had to gasp to keep myself calmer. I can't do anything. I can't bring her back— there's nothing I can do— absolutely nothing.
Even though my heart wants to bring back the original Yukina— I can't. I physically can't.
I shot up from my seat, closed my ears and started to wipe the tears away. Welp… I turned to my desk and looked at the now crumpled paper. It was… now soaked.
Should I keep reading…? I felt a rock enter my throat. There were four left… It'd feel like Shen's efforts were in vain…
I'll have to do it… I sucked my teeth as I got to my chair and sat down again.
[
Little Yu, I'm happy to hear you were found. I still remember the day you went missing, you were full of life… So, so very confident. It went to your mother and I, we thought you could do it. But, after that day it was our biggest mistake.
Day to day, we did everything— Posters, running, screaming— For those five years, five years, we did everything we could muster. I lost hope. I felt this emptiness enter my heart when you came into my mind.
But I feel the opposite now. Mister James and Miss Melinda brought back the hope I had long lost. It hurts my heart that you got hurt. However… You're safe right? You're not in any danger currently, right? Miss Shen said you were in a kingdom called Ard and assured us you had nothing to worry about.
If you ever get your memories back, my little Yu… please come to us again. Even if we are less safe, or you don't like us due to you getting taken away. Your mother and I want you back. It pains me to hear that someone took you in.
It was our fault, our responsibility to take care of your needs. This'll forever linger in my chest, it was a failure to protect and love you. I hope one day we can take care of you. Even if it's something small.
Now… that's enough of my own feelings my Little Yu. Please respond to us if you can. Even if you don't want to, please.
Oh, we heard from Miss Shen that you became an adventurer. How is that going? Is it going well? That's excluding the eye you injured… Which, how is that healing? Is your eye doing better? Don't push yourself too much.
Now, this letter is going too long. I love you my Little Yu, take care of yourself. Always remember your mother and I love you with our hearts and souls. - Your father.
]