A few days later…
Gari decided to stay with the kids day and night, watching over them and ready to go to Shion if anything happened. One day, she left the palace to bring herself a more comfortable bedroll to lay out on the floor. Maldie slept in her old servant's room, freeing Sayaka from the duty of accompanying the King.
Maldie helped Shion move around, step by step, slow and careful.
That evening, when Shion was lying alone in bed, tears started to fall.
He turned toward the golden statue of Haru beside him – frozen mid-lean, with that gentle smile Haru so often wore.
Tell me you're alive. Please, give me a sign.
I never thought anything could make me cry… but the thought of losing you –
– won't leave me alone.
Haru, please… live.
Maybe sometimes I didn't show it as much as I wanted to, but you know how much I love you.
I can't stand the thought of another day without you.
Shion covered his tear-streaked eyes with his hand, hiding his face in the crook of his arm.
