Tears fell from Ashley's eyes, "plop, plop," silently dripping.
Harry heard the faint sound of water hitting the ground and followed it upward, only to see Ashley's face streaked with tears.
Bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, she looked so sorrowful and helpless something Harry had never seen before.
In Harry's mind, Ashley was always confident and composed, navigating every situation with ease.
As he grew older, he had noticed Ashley's little strategies.
Her "fragility" when dealing with Dudley, her "cuteness" with Uncle Vernon, her "praise" toward Aunt Petunia, her "obedience" for teachers, and her "confidence" with friends…
Harry had observed these deliberately, wanting to learn or perhaps even imitate them.
To him, all of these strategies were the embodiment of the grace and control he admired so much.
And the graceful, composed Ashley through this filter of admiration happened to be his cousin, someone he both admired and liked.
Yet, this strong cousin of his was crying, genuinely upset, and it threw him into a panic.
"Ashley… did I say something wrong? Don't cry, it's my fault, I'm too stupid… please don't cry…"
Harry fumbled, trying to wipe her tears, but the more he wiped, the more they flowed.
Hearing him speak this way made Ashley even sadder. Overcome with emotion, she pulled Harry into her arms and sobbed loudly.
"It's not your fault… it's all my fault. I was only thinking about… living my own life, and I didn't notice… your unhappiness, Harry."
"I thought I could help all of you live different lives, but nothing has changed… I've failed…"
Ashley's true feelings poured out, eight years of reflection and helplessness spilling over in that moment.
Harry couldn't grasp the deeper meaning behind her words; he could only do his best to comfort her in his own way.
"No, no, Ashley, you've done very well."
"You've earned so much money for our family, made our lives better. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon are happy, and they've been much nicer to me too."
"No… I mean, they've always treated me well food, clothes, shelter… all taken care of… it's just… they've been even nicer lately…"
Ashley smiled faintly at Harry's flustered explanation but still leaned her head on his slender shoulder, sniffling. "Really?" she asked.
Harry nodded firmly. "Yes. And Dudley only learned boxing because of your advice. Otherwise, he would have turned out like those kids earlier, just a bully."
Ashley was surprised; she hadn't expected Harry to understand so well.
Her surprise, misinterpreted by Harry as encouragement, made him continue.
"So, Ashley, you're really amazing. We all look up to you. I want to be like you, someone you can be proud of… maybe I'm just too stupid right now…"
Harry's voice grew low, tinged with melancholy.
Ashley, now calm enough to think clearly, wiped her tears and asked:
"But Harry, why do you compare yourself to others in things you're not good at?"
"Comparing grades shouldn't Dudley, who's usually at the bottom, be the one to reflect and improve? Comparing strength I'm probably the weakest among us three."
Harry's eyes widened, seeing the issue from a perspective he had never considered.
Yet, he quickly deflated. "But… I don't seem to be good at anything either."
Ashley looked at him with confidence, serious and unwavering.
"Harry, you're still young. Don't worry. When you grow up a bit more," she thought silently, three years from now, "you'll find what you're truly good at. When that time comes, you'll shine brighter than many others."
Her certainty gave Harry a glimmer of confidence. "Really?"
Ashley nodded firmly.
Harry smiled, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time.
Under the golden sunset, the two walked home side by side.
"You already went home earlier, why are you still here? Did you argue with Dudley again?"
"No, Dudley was called out to play by Peter. I finished my homework, and you hadn't come back, so I thought I'd pick you up."
"Oh, so you were worried about me. You're such a good little brother."
"No… I was worried you'd go hungry. Aunt Petunia won't serve dinner if you're not back, so I came to find you…"
"You're such a stubborn little child…"
"You…"
"You what? Be careful, or I'll tell Aunt Petunia that you've been playing with bad kids!"
"I haven't… no wonder people say you're a tattletale."
"Using your own abilities to solve problems and handle difficulties that's what a wise person does."
"Don't you care what people say?"
"If you're afraid of what people say and don't use your own strength to handle problems, you'll always live under rumors."
"So it's okay to use your name?"
"Of course. If you can use it, if the people I care about can use it, that's the whole point of earning my reputation."
"Thank you, Ashley."
"You have plenty to thank me for. And in the future, I might also need to use your name… By the way, I already told you the eye care instructions did you even pay attention?"
"Ah… I…"
"You have to act within your limits. Even if you study, arrange your time reasonably, or it's double the work for half the results. No staying up late anymore. If you don't understand your homework, ask me, got it?"
"Got it."
"How can I trust you? Last time, you didn't listen. Hmph!"
"I'm sorry. This time I'll listen, Ashley."
"Good! Or I'll take your glasses off and smash them with my foot, so you'll know the consequences of not taking care of your eyes!"
"Oh, Ashley, spare me! I promise I'll listen, take care of my eyes, sleep on time, and study responsibly!"
"That's more like it."
No one knew what had happened that afternoon, but Harry seemed more obedient to Ashley and more open-minded than before.
The next day at lunchtime, Dudley didn't appear.
Soon after, news spread that the short, chubby ringleader had been beaten up.
Ashley and Harry, just leaving the dining hall, exchanged a knowing smile, hearts warmed.
Ashley whispered softly, "Things… have really changed…"