"Fortune?..."
"Wha?..."
"Are you crying?"
As I opened my eyes I saw Cathy before me. She was concerned.
And I felt like I don't even deserve her sympathies.
I tried to lie, but it only made the situation worse - my voice faltered and my eyes couldn't stay upright. She hugged me tightly and started wiping my tears with the blanket.
"There, Cathy is a crybaby too, she knows how it feels."
Why people are being nice to me all of a sudden? I used to be just an eyesore in their eyes. After I lost people I loved, it was nothing but misery after misery, so why? I don't understand.
"She cries a lot, but she doesn't want to bother anyone. I don't know why I cry though, but that's okay... After I cry, I feel so much better now."
And so she continued to embrace me. It's still surreal that this is happening. I steady my breath, it was just a dream after all. Maybe life is getting to me.
"Please don't feel afraid of crying in front of me, Cathy. She understands, she understands fully."
"... Thank you."
And so I open up to her about something
"... I used to have a little sister, but she passed away very young. Very-very young. I wonder if she was given a chance to grow up, she would be like you."
"..."
"... Sorry if it's too much."
"It's alright."
As we both lie here, I feel my headache returning and Cathy quickly notices. She looks puzzled as she looks towards the door, but then, throwing away her hesitation, she goes outside of her room, and soon after, Carolyn comes over.
"Headache?"
"Y-Yeah, my head has been hurting all day, oof."
"Here, drink this. It won't work right away, but it'll be better."
"Thank you, ma'am."
As I take the pill inside and down it with cool water, I look towards two women. Somehow, I feel more at home with them.
Yet.
There is something I really want to get over and done with. Even if I told him to say it for me... I feel like it would've been too disingenuous.
I wonder if he'll allow me inside.
Because I need to.
I must.
"Thank you for your hospitality, truly. Now, can I go home?"
"Sure, Fortune. Here's your candy to make you feel better."
"You're making me feel way better."
I exit the hospital and rush straight to the inn. I tell the receptionist that I came here to visit and he nods. Now... It better work...
*Knock-knock-knock*
"Who is it?"
"Um... It's me again."
Oswald opens the door.
"Oh? Fortune? Is there anything you need?"
"Is Sol feeling alright now?!"
"Yeah, she's currently taking a nap, why do you ask?"
"I..."
Please work.
"Want to tell her myself that I forgive her, personally."
"... S-Sure thing. I mean I told her that you forgive her, but sure..."
He lets me inside and I see Sol hugging her doll. I almost feel bad for waking her up like this, but I must say this. I don't want her to be upset with me any longer.
"Sol. Wake up."
"Hm?... F-Fortune...?!
"Yup, it's me. I came here to tell you that I forgive you."
"... Really?... You're not mad?...."
"Of course not, silly. And... Well, I should apologise for being rude to you during this whole mess. I was just so caught up in it, so I didn't check my tone, sorry."
"... I'm glad. I'm glad that you're not made at me, Fortune." She smiles gently and I feel my heart flutter.
"Now, do we play?"
"Sure." It's clear that this incident still haunts her, but it's nice that she's willing to play now.
We decided to play less intensive games for today, be it rock-paper-scissors or pat-a-cake. It's the sort of games that make the mood much lighter. Though even without meaning to, I end up winning the games of rock paper scissors against Sol; so we dropped it pretty quickly. Oswald watched us with an amused look as we played together. Over time, Sol's mood is completely lifted and she's back to being a plucky girl. The day comes to a close and Oswald comes to formally close the day off.
"Aww... I wanted to play some more!" Sol pouts and he chuckles
"I know, but time is a finite source. I'm sure Fortune has his own matters to attend to. He too also has a family to look after. Right, Fortune?"
"... Y-Yeah. I'll be on my way now. Thanks for having me here."
"No, thank YOU for saving my daughter. You're truly a selfless individual."
"Hehehe... No problem. Sol's my friend after all."
"See you tomorrow then!" Sol waves and I wave back, smiling. As I exit the inn however, I snap back to reality. I have to face my dad again... Hopefully I'm lucky this time.