Mafuyu's Father
I'll need some time to explain everything, so why don't we find a place where we can sit down?
Cafe
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Kanade
Yes, how her mother cut apple slices for her after she caught a cold when she was little.
Mafuyu's Father
My wife had Mafuyu learn and do anything and everything she believed would help our daughter achieve a bright future.
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Little Mafuyu
Yup! I woke up to help make your lunch today, Daddy! Mommy's showing me how!
Mafuyu's Father
I see... Thank you, Mafuyu.
But isn't she a little too young to be cooking?
But isn't she a little too young to be cooking?
Mafuyu's Mother
Don't worry, I'll be the only one using the stove. My hope is that learning how to cook now will show her the value of the food she eats, and also teach her to plan ahead.
Mafuyu's Mother
Just a review, since we're taking Mafuyu to the history museum tomorrow. I want to make sure I can answer any questions that she asks.
Mafuyu's Father
I see. You really are a dedicated mother. I'll be counting on you when we go.
Mafuyu's Father
Whenever Mafuyu seemed especially interested in something, my wife bought her learning materials... Even ones that were a bit advanced for a child.
Mafuyu's Father
There were times when I thought my wife was going a little too far, but Mafuyu did seem to grow and learn quite a bit as a result.
Mafuyu's Father
To make matters worse, it was snowing very heavily that day. As a result, we couldn't drive Mafuyu to the hospital.
Mafuyu's Father
She was completely covered in white snow, using herself to shield Mafuyu from getting wet or cold.
Mafuyu's Father
She looked so different from the calm and composed woman I knew... I remember being shocked by the sight.
Mafuyu's Father
But she relaxed when we heard that all Mafuyu had was a cold. After that, my wife returned to being her usual self...
Mafuyu's Father
Ever since Mafuyu was born... Ever since I held her in my arms for the first time, I've loved her unconditionally. She still means the world to me.
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Kanade
What you've said just differs slightly from the impression I have of Mafuyu's mother...
Mafuyu's Father
As my wife grew more convinced that she was making all the correct decisions for Mafuyu, the further that belief led her astray...and the same applies to me, as well.
Mafuyu's Father
Somewhere along the way, we forgot to ask what our daughter was actually feeling. Or rather, we felt that we already knew...
Mafuyu's Father
But I will say... I don't think she's changed from the woman who carried Mafuyu to this hospital that day.
Mafuyu's Father
She hasn't left the house...
She sits there all alone, without even turning the lights on.
She sits there all alone, without even turning the lights on.
Mafuyu's Father
My wife and I... We honestly don't know how to proceed moving forward, but...
Mafuyu's Father
Mafuyu will likely be in your care for a little while longer, so please keep looking after her for us.
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Next Chapter: Unchanging Feelings