chapter 8

I frantically turn the square-shaped toy, making some clattering sounds. But the colors just wont line up no matter what I do, and so I throw it away.

Not a chance! Its too difficult for me!

She picks up the Rubiks cube thats tumbling on the lawn, and she makes a fed-up face.

You sure give up fast. How about giving it some more effort?

Im not good at using my head.

Thats right.

Clatter clatter, she turns the cube several times before holding it towards me.

Eh, the colors are all lined up

You just need to arrange them properly.

So she says nonchalantly.

This is so unfair!

Even if you tell me that

My complaint makes her look a bit troubled, which is an expression that I rarely see from her. So even though I feel bad, it still makes me a tiny bit happy.

With a bit practice, Im sure youll be able do the same.

I wonder.

Its like how youve been improving your cookies.

I havent managed to squeeze a delicious from her so far, but at least her response has changed to so-so, recently. By the way, Ive started baking cakes, waffles, and other kinds of sweets, too. Along the line, its become a fun thing to do before I could realize it.

Hmm, but thats because making confectionery is my hobby.

Im not really motivated to do something that Im not interested in. But maybe Ill try since shes telling me to.

The cell phone in my pocket suddenly vibrates. Taking a look, I see that Ive got one message.

Who is it from?

My sister. Shes been sending me lots of them ever since my parent bought her a prepaid one.

The content reads . Shes even mastered how to use emoticons, how endearing. To think that she would send me some unidentified string of numbers when shes still new with the phone; shes been making a remarkable progress.

She peers at my phone, and she narrows her eyes.

She wants you to go home, it seems.

Hehe, my sisters a spoiled one.

How about you go home now?

Eh? but

Just go already.

Y-yes!

I end up shrinking away because of her no-talking-back glare. She knows that I cant say no if she overbears me like this. How sly of her.

I-Ill be going then.

I helplessly turn my back to her, but then I feel the hem of my clothes being pulled. I cant go home like this.

What?

Curious, I look over my shoulder. Although, I cant see her expression since shes hiding her face. I wonder whats going on, really.

Could it be that she doesnt want me to go home or something? Nah, this is her Im talking about. Besides, shes the one who told me to go in the first place.

She isnt saying anything. So, I dont, either.

Not being able to move, I stay like that for a while, and we both keep silent for the whole time.

I dont really get whats going through her mind. Its always been like that. Although, perhaps Im the one whos too dull to notice. But still

Sorry.

She releases her grip, I can move around now.

I need to go back soon See you.

She is returning to her mansion, and I simply watch her in silence. But that back of hers seems so small somehow, like shes going to disappear somewhere. I feel anxious.

Thats why, I softly call her name. It seems she hears my voice, though, since she turns around towards me.

Ill do my best!

Eh?

Uum, yeah, the Rubiks cube! Ill keep practicing until I can solve it!

Isnt it impossible?

Wh arent you the one who told me that practice is all I need?

Its not impossible!!

hh!

Do your best.

It feels to me that I can see her smiling a bit. She returns to the mansion while Im still in a daze,. Suddenly shes already gone from my view.

That day, before I go home, I swear to myself that Ill beat her time record. I practice for around a week after that, until I manage to put all the colors in order. Although, I still cannot beat her time. She does recognize my efforts, but I am not satisfied with that.

In the end, I never get to achieve my goal. Its so vexing.