The Stopped Hand Moves Once More

A few days later

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1

Mafuyu

Listen

...
2

Kanade

Listen

Do you need any help, Mafuyu?
I'm free to lend you a hand.
3

Mafuyu

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No, that's mostly everything.
I didn't actually bring that many things over.
4

Mafuyu

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I'll carry these down once my dad gets here.
5

Kanade

Listen

Okay...
6

Kanade

Listen

Things are going to feel quiet here without you.
7

Mafuyu

Listen

Huh?
8

Kanade

Listen

Oh, sorry... I'm happy that you're ready to go home now, Mafuyu.
9

Kanade

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But I've also sort of gotten used to having you around.
10

Kanade

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I'm a little sad that you're leaving.
11

Mafuyu

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Kanade...
12

Mafuyu

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I'll come back again from time to time.
13

Kanade

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Huh...?
14

Kanade

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Thank you...
15

Mafuyu

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Because you might push yourself too hard and forget to eat again.
16

Kanade

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Huh? N-No, I'll be fine.
What I did was bad, and I've learned my lesson.
17

Mafuyu

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If you don't eat properly, then I'm going to tell Mochizuki.
18

Kanade

Listen

Oh...
19

Kanade

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I-I'll be careful...
20

???

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<Mafuyu, Kanade.>

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21

Kanade

Listen

Miku, Len. We didn't see you there.
22

Len

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<M-Mafuyu... We heard that you're going home today.>
23

Mafuyu

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Yes, my dad should be here soon to pick me up.
24

Len

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<Okay...>
25

Miku

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<...>
26

Mafuyu

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Is something wrong, Miku?
27

Miku

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<Nothing's wrong...>
28

Miku

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<I'm just a little worried is all.>
29

Mafuyu

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...
30

Mafuyu

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I'm also a little anxious...
31

Mafuyu

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But I'll be fine.
32

Mafuyu

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I want to believe what my mom said.
33

Len

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<Mafuyu...>
34

Miku

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<Okay.>
35

Miku

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<Good luck, Mafuyu.>
36

Mafuyu

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Thank you...

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37

Kanade

Listen

I hear a car coming.
That must be your dad.
38

Kanade

Listen

Let's go, Mafuyu.
39

Mafuyu

Listen

Okay...
40

Mafuyu's Father

Listen

Alright, we're here.
I'll carry your things for you.
41

Mafuyu

Listen

Thank you...
42

Mafuyu's Father

Listen

You can open the door when you feel ready, Mafuyu.

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43

Mafuyu

Listen

(Don't worry.)
44

Mafuyu

Listen

(You made the decision to believe in Mom.)

Sound Effect: Play

45

Mafuyu's Mother

Listen

Welcome home, Mafuyu!

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46

Mafuyu

Listen

I'm back...
47

Mafuyu's Mother

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Please, come in.
Dinner is just about ready.
48

Mafuyu's Mother

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Are you hungry?
49

Mafuyu

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*Nod*
50

Mafuyu's Father

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Oh, look at all the dishes on the dining table. We must be having a feast tonight.
51

Mafuyu's Mother

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Hehe. I couldn't help it, since I knew Mafuyu was finally coming home.
52

Mafuyu's Mother

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Okay, let's get your things settled and have dinner once everything is ready.
53

Mafuyu

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Okay.
54

Mafuyu's Mother

Listen

So, once again...
Welcome home, Mafuyu!

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55

Mafuyu's Mother

Listen

Today's menu includes many of your favorite dishes. I made them just for you.
56

Mafuyu's Mother

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I gave them some extra seasoning compared to normal. I hope you'll like them.
57

Mafuyu

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Okay, thank you.
58

Mafuyu's Father

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Everything looks delicious...
I think I'll start with some of these cabbage rolls.
59

Mafuyu's Mother

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Hehe. Those turned out very nicely.
60

Mafuyu's Mother

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Let me know if you're not able to reach something, Mafuyu. I'll pass it to you.
61

Mafuyu

Listen

Umm...
62

Mafuyu's Mother

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Oh, but there's just so much to choose from, isn't there?
63

Mafuyu's Mother

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How about this? I was able to buy some very fresh snapper today, so I decided to sauté it. Give it a try.
64

Mafuyu

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...
65

Mafuyu's Mother

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Oh, I'm sorry.
Please choose whatever you like, Mafuyu.
66

Mafuyu's Father

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I think we're all just excited about Mafuyu coming home.
67

Mafuyu's Mother

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Yes, I think so...
I'll have to mind myself.
68

Mafuyu

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...
69

Mafuyu

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Then, I'll have the snapper sauté.
70

Mafuyu's Mother

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...!
71

Mafuyu's Mother

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Okay.
I'll put it on your plate now.
72

Mafuyu

Listen

Thank you.
73

Mafuyu's Father

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Anyway, since it's been so long, let's take this opportunity to catch up with each other.
74

Mafuyu's Mother

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Yes! I'd love to hear about what you've been doing at school lately, Mafuyu.
75

Mafuyu

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Okay, umm...
76

Mafuyu

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(...)
77

Mafuyu

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(I still can't taste anything...)
78

Mafuyu

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(But...)
79

Mafuyu's Mother

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Hehe. Still, Mafuyu, I had no idea that you helped put on a test of courage. I would've loved to see you at work.
80

Mafuyu's Father

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Me too. I'm still having trouble picturing you as a cat monster, but I'm sure you looked very cute.
81

Mafuyu

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(Even so, it feels warm.)
Next Chapter: Mother and Daughter