When the door opened, Sydrala stood there.She had shed the crown of the 'Queen of dirtiness' from herself.She looked much better now — her hair was open, her face was clear, her large eyes glowed softly, and she wore a simple t-shirt and shorts.
Seeing Sadako, Sydrala felt both joy and a quiet unease, knowing well that he would surely ask questions about moments they had left behind.
There she was, standing before me, a gentle smile on her lips, saying something —"Uncle, you're late today!"
With a voice tinged with concern, she continued,"Uncle… is that man is now good?"
I looked at her — that worry on her face reminded me of the expressions her mother used to wear whenever she brought someone like that to me. I couldn't help but smile to myself
yes, I said
Now "Sydrala, may I come inside?"Dr. Sadako asked, expressionless.
At his words, Sydrala stepped aside shyly, eyes lowered, and in a soft, almost guilty whisper, replied,"Yes… yes, uncle."
Sadako looked at her thoughtfully, then walked down the corridor into his room.
As soon as the door shut behind him, Sydrala folded her hands, closed her eyes, and began to mumble to herself, bouncing on her feet,"Thank you, infinite powers of the vast cosmos… I am so grateful that you gave breath to that dying man. Now please… please save me from Uncle Sadako's questions, plz plz plz…"
Sadako had showered. He changed into a blue shirt and black trousers.His wet, silky black hair clung to his forehead. Droplets of water slipped from his strands, dampening his shirt, a few trailing down to his smooth, unblemished brow.In that moment, he looked like a stunning, untouched flower—his quiet beauty illuminated in silence.
The sky was calm.Night had covered everything in its vast darkness.The rain, once scattering its silver in the sky, had finally come to rest.
"Sydrala, have you eaten yet?"Sadako called out.
Sydrala, who had been acting strangely to distract herself, froze when she heard his familiar voice and rushed toward it.
Sadako sat on a pale green sofa — simple yet elegant — leaning against a white wall.Above it hung a few paintings, mostly of plants and fleeting city scenes.The four walls of the room were lit with intricate lattice lamps, casting a warm, serene glow.
Beside the sofa stood a small wooden side table, carved with care. A lamp and a potted plant sat on it.Below lay a blue carpet, adorned with floral patterns.At its center was a round glass table, surrounded by three more sofas identical to the one Sadako sat on.
Sydrala quickly walked over and stood before her uncle.He looked at her and asked in a calm voice,"Sydrala, did you eat?"
She simply shook her head without meeting his eyes or saying a word.
Seeing her like this, Sadako thought, When will you finally learn to take care of yourself, Sydrala?
"Why haven't you eaten yet?" he asked.
"Because… uncle, how could I eat without you?"
That answer startled and slightly worried him. He looked at her and said,"Sydrala, what if I came back even later? Then what would you do?There's no need to wait for me."
Sydrala began to say something — "But uncle…"Before she could finish, Sadako gently stopped her,"No more of this. You promised you'd listen to everything your uncle says, remember?You have to follow this too."
He said this without emotion, but with quiet firmness.
Sydrala understood. She knew there was no point in arguing further. She lowered her eyes and nodded.
In a softer voice, Sadako added kindly,"Sit here. I'll make something for you."
Sydrala nodded again and sat down.
Sadako headed to the kitchen.Though Sydrala could cook, she loved her uncle's food. There was no way she'd miss an opportunity like this.
Moments later, her nose caught the delicious aroma wafting in from the kitchen. Curiosity danced in her eyes.
Sadako returned, carrying hot dishes whose aroma now filled every corner of the room. Sydrala's senses were delightfully overwhelmed.
He had made her favorite — Chinese food — the one she adored the most.
Her face lit up with joy; a smile bloomed on her lips, and a sparkle lit her eyes, making her entire presence glow.
Seeing her like this, Sadako smiled to himself and sat down beside her.
Sydrala looked at him, full of gratitude, and began eating.Sadako joined her.They both ate quietly, comfortably —Until Sadako asked her something…