novelzi Chapter 2
Chapter 2
An Encounter on the Rocky Mountain
“Nnmuu...?”
I vaguely realized that my consciousness was returning. What happened to me? If I remember correctly, I ran out of energy on my way to take a break... At least I’m alive, that’s good... While thinking such thoughts in my half-asleep state, I finished my thoughts and sat up, but the blanket that had been draped over me was so comfortable that I found myself fighting the temptation to go back to sleep.
...Huh? Blanket?
“...You’re awake.”
“!?”
I couldn’t help but stiffen at the unexpected sound of a man’s voice. Eh? What’s going on? Who is that?
In front of me was a man dressed entirely in black. He was sitting on the other side of a small bonfire. I assumed he was male from his voice, but he was wearing a black hood and a black mask or scarf covering the lower half of his face, so I couldn’t see his face at all. To say the least, there was a very suspicious, dubious individual there.
Panic set in. First of all, I never thought there would be anyone here. Could I possibly have been rescued? No, no, I can’t trust people so easily. He looks so suspicious... But it’s wrong to judge people by their appearances.
So should I trust him? No. Just because I’m a child, doesn’t mean everyone will be nice to me. He could be a kidnapper... But he did give me a blanket... but still...
I wondered if I could trust this person or not, but then I realized that if I didn’t rely on someone, I would die sooner or later. No matter how I thought about it, there was no way around that reality.@@@@
I thought all this over in a few seconds, and what did I end up doing?
“Fu... ue... Waaaah!”
“Wha- ...Wait...”
I burst into tears.
After a good cry and a few sniffles, I felt much calmer. I mean, it’s so embarrassing to cry my eyes out just because I’m anxious at my age. Well, maybe my mind is being influenced by the age of my body. I hope that’s the case.
...Was he trying to tell me it was safe? I felt bad for making him take care of me everywhere I went, and as I reflected on this, I brought the cup to my lips.
It tasted like water with a slightly sweet apple flavor, and it soaked into my parched body. It was so delicious that I finished it in no time.
Even after that, Onii-san didn’t say much, but he let me eat the hearty soup he seemed to have made beforehand. The ingredients in the soup were finely chopped and cooked until tender, making it a dish that even my young body could eat without difficulty.
I was struggling with the bowl and spoon, which were too big for this body, when Onii-san finally came closer and helped me.
Perhaps realizing that I wasn’t afraid of him coming closer, Onii-san began to take care of me very kindly. He seemed like a very caring person, but... I felt very complicated to think that a man probably about my age or a little younger was taking care of me like this...
I was touched by his kindness in providing me with drinks and food in this situation of loneliness, exhaustion, and bewilderment, and I almost burst into tears again, but I managed to hold back thanks to these complicated feelings. I should be glad that I didn’t bother Onii-san again, but I am a very awkward and clumsy person.
...But I can’t help but think that being taken care of by a handsome guy isn’t so bad. What am I talking about?
While we were at it, my stomach became full. A child’s body is an honest thing. The enemy that came to defeat me was an irresistible one, by the name of drowsiness. Nod, nod, I couldn’t help but start dozing off. Still, I shook my head vigorously, trying desperately to stay awake.
“...You can sleep.”
“But...”
Then came the sweet temptation of Onii-san. No, no, no, I can’t just fall asleep now after being so considerate and being treated to dinner! It’s unforgivable as a working adult...!
“...Why don’t you get some sleep and recover your strength?”
...If you say so. It’s certainly more efficient to get a good night’s sleep and work hard the next day than to be forced to stay awake! Ugh, you’re good with words, aren’t you? ...I know, I’m more of a burden than anything else. Oh no, I’m getting teary-eyed again.
“...You’re a child, you don’t have to be so reserved.”
A feeling of floating accompanied the soft voice. The warmth and sense of security that followed immediately after.
I must have been hugged. Of course, I felt embarrassed and hesitant, but I didn’t think I could fight off this drowsiness. My consciousness was easily lured into sleep... Good night.