17 - The Youngest is Hiding a Lot
17
Hazel had already tidied up the bedroom. I diligently washed up alone and changed into my pajamas.
"Hya, good!"
I didn't forget to fold the long pajama sleeves neatly. Then, I dove straight onto the bed.
Uncle was sitting diagonally on the sofa on one side of my bedroom, reading documents. Someone must have brought them while I was washing up.
"You're not planning to watch me sleep and then leave, are you?"
"I'm planning to leave after looking at the documents. Don't get the wrong idea."
Uncle slightly raised his eyes and looked at me as I wriggled into the blanket.
"Then go to your office and work comfortably..."
"It's because of someone that I couldn't finish them all. The territory is in danger of collapsing."
"Heok, that won't do. Work hard and then leave..."
It can't collapse. Absolutely not.
I nodded without really listening. Sleep was already dominating my mind.
I had been running around busily all day, and my energy was depleted.
"Ruby."
At Uncle's call, I struggled to open my closing eyes.
"Huh?"
"You know where Uncle's bedroom is, right?"
"Upstairs..."
"If you wake up suddenly in the middle of the night, come."
"...Once I fall asleep, I don't wake up easily."
I heard the sound of Uncle getting up.
Followed by the sound of footsteps. The sensation of one side of the bed tilting. A warm, large hand stroking my forehead.
"If you suddenly don't like the darkness, or if you have scary thoughts."
"...? I will."
I nodded with my eyes half-closed. Soon, Uncle's calloused hand covered my eyes.
The surroundings quickly darkened.
"Turn on the light and look... you'll ruin your eyes..."
An irresistible wave of sleepiness washed over me. I'm really at my limit now.
"Good night, Ruby."
"......"
"Today..."
The world became muffled and submerged.
What was the next word?
Thank you? I was happy?
Whatever it was, it must have been a word filled with warmth...
