Souvenir - Chapter 7.1

Suu had been homeschooled up until now, but one day, she expressed a desire to attend school. You also advised that broadening her social interactions with peers was important, so at sixteen, I went through the necessary procedures to enroll her.

She adjusted quickly and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying her new school life, eagerly telling me all about her daily experiences. I also noticed that she was becoming less clingy—something that had been a habit before. It was a little lonely, but I reminded myself that it was part of her growth.

If she continued maturing like this, maybe I could finally see myself as her father.

“Do you want to eat together?”

The voice that called out to me belonged to Lasha, a petite girl with semi-long blonde hair like mine. She was adorable.

“Can I sit next to you?”

“Of course, go ahead.”

I had wanted to make friends, but I often felt like I didn’t quite fit in.

I suspected it had started when, not long after I transferred, a girl who seemed to be a leader in the class—tall, with long black hair reaching her waist and sharp, striking eyes—approached me and said, “Your dad saved you, right? I read about it online.”

I had simply nodded and replied, “Yes, and I love Papa the most.”

She had given me a strange look before walking away, and after that, I felt somewhat isolated.

That was why I was so happy when someone finally reached out to me.

“Lasha, you don’t have much food on your tray. Are you on a diet?”

“Not really… But at home, I get scolded if I take too much food, so it’s kind of a habit now.”

“I see. But this isn’t home. You can do whatever you want here.”

“That’s true. Maybe I should start taking a little more from now on. Hehe.”

“Sometimes, this place feels dull to me.”

“You must really like your home, huh?”

“It’s not just home—I love my Papa.”

“I’m jealous! I wish I had a Papa like that.”

Lasha laughed happily.

There was something about her that felt familiar, as if we were alike.

We quickly became friends, and after a few months, she asked if she could stay over during summer break.

The Sleepover

Today was the day Lasha was coming over.

I had already spoken with her family for approval, and, as was customary, she would bring her own sleeping bag.

Suu had been looking forward to the sleepover for days, excitedly chattering about it and diligently completing her homework and chores.

I planned to pick both of them up after work and bring them home.

Since I wanted to get to know Lasha better, this would be a good opportunity. After all, I needed to know the kind of people Suu was befriending.

During the car ride home, the two of them were lively, chatting non-stop.

Suu proudly showed off my car, while Lasha talked about how her family drove a black sedan.

They went on about school—who did what, which girls in class were saying what—just idle gossip.

I listened quietly in the background, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Suu.

She was surprisingly talkative with her friends, so different from the way she was when we were alone.

When we arrived home, the three of us worked together to prepare dinner.

Though it was mostly just reheating and plating the dishes, they carried themselves like expert chefs, proudly setting the table.

I found their enthusiasm amusing and ended up snapping several pictures.

The evening passed in a blur of laughter and conversation.

Before long, the girls retreated to bed.

With a glass of wine in hand, I set about cleaning up.

I thought about putting on some classical music in the background, but as I headed to the living room, I noticed a shadowy figure.

It was Lasha, standing alone.

“What’s wrong?”

I set down my wineglass.

“Can we talk for a bit?”** she asked hesitantly.

“Of course. You can talk to me about anything.”

She seemed relieved and moved closer, sitting beside me.

“Suu’s already asleep.”

“Are you having trouble sleeping?”

“Normally, I’d be sleeping soundly by now, but…”

She pulled her knees up onto the couch, her shoulders slightly hunched.

Thinking she might be cold, I grabbed Suu’s favorite blanket from the sofa and draped it over her.

“Thank you… Suu is so lucky.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because she has such a kind and wonderful Papa.”

“What’s your father like?”

“My real parents… they disappeared somewhere. Now, I live with my uncle and aunt.”

“I see. So you’re not living with your real parents either.”

“No. And that’s one of the reasons Suu and I bonded so quickly.”

“Are you having trouble with your family?”

Lasha lowered her gaze and fell silent.

A soft clink sounded near her feet.

“You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready.”

I picked up a bottle of body cream that had fallen to the floor. The cap was slightly open.

I handed it to her.

She looked at me as if asking for permission, and I nodded.

She opened the lid, hesitated, then took only a tiny dab on her finger.

“You can take more,” I told her.

She hesitated again but then scooped a more generous amount, rubbing it onto her arms and legs.

“It smells nice.”

Her voice was soft, almost fragile.

Then, suddenly, her eyes welled up with tears, and she leaned against me, exhausted.

“Lately… I’ve been scared to sleep. Not because of ghosts or nightmares but because of… something else.”

She swallowed hard before continuing.

“My uncle and aunt’s son… my cousin… he’s terrifying. He’s violent.”

I stiffened.

“Uncle and Aunt… they can’t stand up to him either.”

She trembled.

“Tommy… I don’t want to go back there.”

Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Why not?”

“He comes into my room at night… uninvited.

“He yells. He hits me.”

Her voice cracked.

“That’s all?”** I asked carefully.

Lasha’s breath hitched.

She averted her gaze, biting her lip.

“…No. That’s not all.”

I didn’t need her to say more.