He wasn't ready to tell a mother that the daughter she cherished had become someone he could barely stand to face.
"Akari."
She turned toward him.
"Yes? There are... a few things I haven't told you."
She looked at him quietly.
Noah forced a smile. "I'm... not sure how to say them."
Akari's expression softened. "Then don't."
He blinked. "When you feel ready...You can tell me. There is no need to force yourself."
Her voice was calm. There was patience. Without a trace of pressure.
Noah slowly nodded. "...Thank you."
Silence returned. The only sounds were the gentle movement of the lake...
The whispering leaves and the distant chorus of insects beneath the mysterious moonlight.
Noah stared quietly at the water.
'What should I do...? I don't know what to talk about... We're close... Will she lean on me and rest her head on my shoulder...? No, she'd never do something like that. Maybe... I could try...' He thought.
