---
I was late.
The sound of a key.
From the door.
A small click.
I looked over.
The door opened from the outside.
Slowly.
Yuna walked in first.
Shoes taken off neatly at the genkan.
Positioned perfectly straight.
A habit.
She stepped inside.
Her movements were normal.
No lingering signs of illness.
Fully recovered.
---
"…Papa."
"Hm."
"I'm home."
"Yeah."
I paused for a moment.
Then added.
"I forgot to check the time."
Yuna didn't answer right away.
She looked at me.
Once.
"…It's fine."
Her tone was flat.
Not forced.
Not like before.
I gave a small nod.
Matter resolved.
Other footsteps sounded.
From outside.
Two pairs.
More hesitant.
Stopping in front of the door.
Not entering right away.
Yuna looked back.
"…It's fine, just come in."
Her tone was a little lighter.
Different.
Two girls walked in.
Slowly.
Their steps were cautious.
Shoes taken off.
Not as neatly as Yuna's.
---
They stood in the genkan for a few seconds.
