It takes me two and a half hours to finish running from one end of the village to the other. Inoichi races next to me, skinny arms pumping. His stumpy ponytail is sweat drenched and I don't look any better.
"You won! You won!" He shouts in his tinny voice, laughing in exhilaration. I am bent over a small bench, trying not to cry. Nausea is crawling up my throat but I wasn't about to lose a race to a four year old, even if he had ninja training and chakra racing through his veins to back him up.
I clear my throat, swallowing back the bile. I an not going to vomit in front of a four year old.
"I won," I grumble in a slurred voice. I am too tired to pronounce my consonants.
"You sure did," Inoichi repeats himself, giggles in squeaky, childish tones. I feel as if I'm being mocked.
"Okay kiddo, let's get you back home. It's almost time for lunch."
Inoichi looks mournfully down at the ground, but I ignore his pouting. I can't afford to anger Yamanaka-sama again. One stern look from him has me about ready 5o burst into tears. I don't want to remind myself how much worse it can be when he's actually upset.
The walk back to Inoichi's home is contemplative and quiet. I guess the run must have tired him out, because he usually isn't this reserved.
We pass some of his neighbors and I wave at old Chikano-san. She smiles back at us vibrantly and waves back. Age and arthritis does not deter her enthusiasm in the slightest. The only time I've ever seen her so much as frown was at her grandson's funeral.
Even that grieving period 9nly lasted a few weeks.
"Heya Chikano-san," I greet her. Inoichi leans against me as we chat and I listen closely as she tells me about her latest gardening success.
My attention wanders to Inoichi nd I remember the time.
"I'm so sorry Chikano-san," I have to wrap up this conversation. Preferably before I get in trouble for delivering the kid home late.
I stumble over my excuses and she laughs gently.
"Shoo, you kids. I know when I'm not wanted."
Inoichi and I hightail it this house. I knock timidly and prepare to face my doom: an angry parent.
Kairi-chan was right, I am a terrible babysitter.