Kazu accepted Tenna's lifelong request, 'I want the three of us to sleep on the same futon'.
　Once he decided to do so, it was natural for him to start preparing for it.

　As for a place to sleep, we needed a decent amount of space to lay out the futons for the three of us.
　The largest room was the living room, but we didn't want to disturb the neighbors by moving the table around.

　So we decided to put the futons in the second largest room, the one we had rented to Kaz-san.

　The futon was laid out in such a way that Tenna was placed between me and Kaz-san.

　That's the shape of a river, no matter how you think about it...?
　I wonder if we have come to the same conclusion, and I think Wa-san's complexion is a little red.

　If I were to excuse myself, it was only because Tenna took the initiative to put her name forward that the middle was better, and she never had any further intentions.
　I have a complicated feeling that I should be relieved or sad because I'm not next to Ms. Kazu, but at least I can avoid the situation where I can't sleep.

　Anyway, the three of us finally got into the same futon as Tenna wanted.....


'I guess that's what happens when you look around... I'm pretty sure that's what happened at the amusement park too, right?
'Huh. That's right.

　Wa agrees with Tenna's happy words.
　In that vein, he mentions that there have been similar examples in the past, and he agrees that it was indeed true.　

　At first I was wondering what would happen, but once we started, I found myself missing a sense of relief, far from being nervous.
　How can I put it.......the current form feels very natural.
　It's a peaceful feeling, as if the ideal form of what I wanted to be had come true.

　I'm not sure if I sensed that feeling, but suddenly my left hand was gripped in the blanket.
　From the size of the hand that came to hold it, I can tell that it's Tenna's hand.

'Amana-chan?　What's wrong with you holding hands all of a sudden?

　Additionally, it seems that she is holding not only my hand but also Wa's.
　When questioned about her sudden actions, Tenna took a glance to the left and right before answering.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one. And when someone you love is next to you, you say 'ri-te-nana-na', right?　Chiyuri taught me!

　Tenna's expression is so sunny that she doesn't feel sleepy when she says that.

　Normally, it's famous for the meaning of being sandwiched between two opposites, but it also means that you've gotten two good things.
　It's probably the latter meaning that Tenna mentioned.
　That's how special me and Wa-san's existence is to this child, I can tell you.

　If I knew that was the case, the smile on my face makes me happy too.


To Kazu-san's favorite Tenna, grass or not, it's no different than a flower.
Is that how it works...?
That's it!
Is that a good idea?

　Perhaps embarrassed by the confident praise, Wa, as usual, expressed his low self-esteem impressions.
　But to me and Tenna, it must be a flower.

　People have different sensibilities when it comes to liking something.
　Just as we don't all admire the same story, there will never be a thing that is liked by everyone.

　Some people may not understand what they like and react aggressively to it.

　In that situation, Tenna chose Kazu and me.
　As a mother and a human being, I couldn't be happier.

"Ehehe.........Mommy and you are both so warm.......

　Feeling a certain happiness, Tenna fell asleep in no time at all.
　It's past her usual bedtime, so she must have loosened up from the feeling of security.
　She is breathing very calmly in her sleep, and if I let go of her hand, I might wake her up.

'You've fallen asleep,'
Yes.....
....
....

　After ministering to Wa's murmurings, we both fall silent.
　However, there was no awkwardness, and my mind was so calm that it wouldn't be surprising if Tenna fell asleep with me while I remained quiet like this.

''──Tennashi.''
Yes?

　Eventually, I was called out by Wa-san in a whisper.
　I turn my head slowly enough not to wake Tenna up.

　Then, after meeting her eyes, Wa-san's expression was the most relaxed smile I've ever seen on her face.

''This morning........I'm sorry. I said something that made you so sad....

　But the words spun were an apology.
　It's strange that my expression and my words don't mesh, and I'm not sure how to respond.
　But I felt that it was not the right thing to say.

It's true. As a landlord, I'm ashamed to admit that you felt guilty about continuing to live like this.
'No, I don't know if I owe you a debt, but I couldn't bear the thought of having you take care of food and shelter when I'm not paying rent...'
'That's why I feel indebted to you. And I didn't rent the room to Wa-san because I wanted money or to impose a favor. I told you the reason for that when I offered you the life you have now, didn't I?
....

　I don't know if I can't think of a word to deny it, or if I've listened to the whole thing, but I don't have an objection from Wa.
　This person is always like this.
　He puts himself down at all times and has such a lack of self-esteem that he doesn't accept charity from others in a straightforward manner.

　I don't know how he came to be like this, as I don't know much about his past.
　But I can proudly say that through our relationship up to now, I can say this much more clearly.

"All I need is for you to be there to repay me. No matter how superior in appearance and ability someone reaches out to you, you're the one who connects with me when I need your help.......
Why do you have to...

　I love you, that's why.

　I hold my tongue and keep my mouth shut, stifling my desire to say that to him who is just confused.
　You may think it's not much of a price to pay for just being there, but it's really enough.

　Do you realize that?
　That since meeting you, Tenna has become more selfish.

　Have you noticed?
　That I've been told at work that my mood has softened and I laugh more often.

　It was all because of Kazu's presence.
　He made me feel a certain amount of happiness when I had assumed that I was the enemy of anyone other than my family that I could be alone with Tenna.

　I'm overflowing with gratitude and love, and I'm desperately trying to endure the fact that I really want to spoil him by wanting him to be here forever.

　So, let me just say this.

I'm──happy,
....
Can we stop talking and call it a late night?
Uh, uh...

　I'm glad I turned off the lights to sleep.
　Because even though it's supposed to be winter and cold, my face should be red as a blubber.

　I cut the story short, looking away from my face to avoid being noticed.

　I don't know what kind of expression Wa-san has on her face, or if she can sleep because her heart is so noisy, but at least let's remember the happiness that makes me feel warmth in my chest.