A GA one-shot! :') Quite sad, this one. Oh well. XD
"... And may the Lord bless him."
"Jii-chan?" an energetic voice whispers beside me. "Jii-chan, what's going on?"
"Shhh, not now, Mikan," I reply, although my voice is cracking. I turn my head away, willing Mikan not to see the tears.
"But everyone's really quiet! No one's saying anything! It's creeping me out!"
I glance at the bundle of black-clothed five-year-old seated beside me on the pew. I feel fresh tears surfacing, and quickly whip my head back around.
"... Jii-chan?" she asks, although quieter than before. When I don't reply, she tries again. "Jii-chan? What's wrong? Why won't you look at me?"
It takes all my strength right there and then not to burst out in childish wails and screams. there's no way I could explain this to her - not here, not now.
"It's nothing, Mikan. Don't worry. Jii-chan's fine," I say, turning my head and forcing a sad smile on my face. I was a pretty good actor - Mikan would probably have been whole-heartedly convinced if it wasn't for the streaming tears flowing down my wrinkled cheeks.
"Jii... chan?" she tentatively whispers, her voice disappearing and her eyes growing wide. Just as I thought - this was not something to tell her. Not yet. She was used to the firm, guiding hand, supporting her and encouraging her without ever stopping or slowing down. Not a crying old man. Not me, here.
I can't resist anymore. I suddenly wrap my frail arms around her petite figure, holding on with all my strength and wishing with all my heart she never has to experience this again.
I hear a quiet but sharp intake of breath, and after a few seconds, I feel two stubby hands grip my back in return. "I... I don't really know what's going on, but you look like you could use some cheering up, nee, Jii-chan?" She draws back slightly to let me see her face - her face, lit up with a strong smile, one that can overcome any sense of doubt or discomfort within her, beams at me, instantly relieving me of any pressure I might've been burdened with before, and I collapse into her tight embrace. No, I can't tell her yet. I can't break this innocence.
In case you didn't catch on, they were supposed to be at a funeral.
And don't forget to review and tell me if you liked it! :D Flames and constructive criticism accepted! :)