Chapter 95

It has been about a week since senpai disappeared.

Kaede, who had been in a state of profound emptiness when she heard the news of senpai's death, has become more talkative. I wonder if it's just my imagination, but I feel as if she is being considerate of me.

Looking back, I think her demeanor changed from the night she suddenly said that senpai might still be alive.

Even as I feel a void in my chest, I try to hide it and get through each day with a brave face. I'm sure Kaede is doing the same. As the older one, I must not let her down and be there to support her, to encourage her, and to be strong.

But sometimes, I can't help but think that I wish I hadn't met senpai at the police station. Or perhaps, it would have been less painful to have given up everything and joined those outside in my room. Is it selfish to think this way?

These trivial thoughts that float through my mind make me realize how fortunate my current situation is. I don't have to worry about food, and there is almost no danger from them. This state of affairs is something that people in this world, who are struggling to survive, would probably wish for with all their might. My worries are probably trivial to them.

Since senpai's disappearance, not only have the demeanor of myself, Kaede, Oda-san, and everyone else changed, but the outside world has changed as well.

The number of infected people we saw when we first came here has clearly decreased. At first, I thought it might be a mistake or that they were just not around, but the numbers are consistently low. I even entertain the thought that the infected might have a lifespan, and it's strange that they can move without eating for so long.

When I mentioned this to Oda-san, he confirmed that the number of infected has indeed decreased, and the same phenomenon has been observed during supply runs. However, Oda-san seemed a bit shaken, and I was left with a question mark in my head.

+++++

It happened a few days later.

New refugees arrived at the department store.

A father and his young child, who had managed to survive in a place not far from here. The father had visited here alone while out looking for food and, upon learning that they would be accepted, returned with his child.

Hearing this story, I'm sure I wasn't the only one who thought of senpai. Kaede also listened with a distant look in her eyes.

The father, who had changed jobs after getting married, used to be a member of the Self-Defense Forces. Since coming here, he has been actively participating in dangerous tasks like supply runs. He must be grateful for being accepted and confident from his past experiences. This, too, reminds me of senpai, making my chest feel a bit heavy.

One day, while we were having a meal in one of the stores being used as a dining hall, the father brought his child, Shu, with him.

"Is Dad okay...?"

Shu said in a low, dark voice. Today, Oda-san and Shu's father had gone out early in the morning, and Kaede and I were taking care of Shu while they were away.

Being closer in age to us, Shu, a third-grader, had become quite attached to me, especially Kaede. Kaede didn't seem to mind and even seemed to take on a sense of mission in caring for him.

"It's okay. Oda-san and the others are with him."

"Kaede-nee..."

Kaede, like I usually do, said this and patted Shu's head, trying to put a smile on her face to reassure him.

Her gesture and words made my chest ache. From the outside, my actions probably look the same. I try to be brave, but it's clear that I'm struggling. I wonder what Kaede thought about comforting me, who was trying so hard.

And what about Kaede's heart, saying only those words, "Oda-san and the others are with him"? Senpai was also with Oda-san and the others when he was taken by the infected.

"Of course, it's okay, Shu! And you always say how great your dad is, right?"

With a jumble of emotions in my chest, I tried my best to sound cheerful and patted Shu's head over Kaede's hand.

"Yuki-nee... Yeah! Dad is great! He's not afraid of the infected!"

Suddenly, Shu said this with enthusiasm, and Kaede's hand trembled slightly. Shu must have noticed, and he looked up at her with worried eyes.

"Ah, sorry, I just got a bit startled. You know, Shu suddenly spoke so loudly, hehe."

Kaede patted his small head and smiled sheepishly.

Senpai also said he wasn't afraid of the infected and ended up being taken by them. Kaede must have remembered that.

I'm glad my feelings didn't transmit through my hand. I patted Shu's head again and then let go.

When I raised my eyes, I met Kaede's. Both of us had a slightly awkward smile on our faces.