The room was drenched in the dim light of morning's sunshine. Everything appeared to be quiet and not completely awake yet. However, an unrestful silence was blowing in the air, as if someone was frantically hushing every single sound around.
Haruka clashed her mug on the table and stared at Michiru, who was sitting in front of her.
-She came home at half past three and started working. She's still surfing the net, looking for only-God-knows what. She doesn't sleep, she doesn't eat, she doesn't talk. She's just being… becoming… well, what could Himme-chan think about her?-
Michiru smiled at her.
-Ruka-chan, Hotaru's not the point, you know it very well. You are worried for Setsuna, why don't you just admit it?-
-I'm not worried. She's an adult woman. She's a centenarian woman, actually. She can take care of herself.-
-Haruka, you are concerned. It's understandable, I am too. You won't appear weak if you admit you do care for your friend.-
Haruka chewed unintelligible words for a little bit, then talked.
-I'm worried.- she conceded. -She's so… weird. She's trying to hide it, but I see she isn't fine at all. I just want to see her… untroubled..-
-I know it, but I'm sure that she would ask for help if she needed it.-
-Where the hell do you think she goes every night?-
-She's working hard to get a professorate next year. Maybe she just stays in the campus'library overwhelmed by that books of her.-
-She could study at home.-
-Haven't you ever thought she could be dating a man?-
-She would have told us.-
Michiru sighed.
-Haruka, you are going too far. Just trust her, ok? I promise we will keep an eye on her.-
A tiny black haired girl entered singing the room.
-Good morning, Haruka-papa; good morning, Michiru-mama.-
-Morning, Himme-chan. Did you sleep well?-
-I did. I dreamt a pony eating green grass in our garden. Could I have a pony, Haruka-papa?-
-Himme-chan, we didn't have a garden. We live in the centre of a big, big city. There's no place for ponies here.-
-Ok. And what about a kitten?-
-We can think about it. Maybe Santa could bring it to you.-
-It's the fourth of February!.-
-Santa requires a lot of time to prepare his presents; there are a lot of children in the world.-
Hotaru glanced at Haruka, then she laughed.
-I love you, Haruka-papa.-
-I love you too, Himme-chan. Come on, we're late. Drink your milk as soon as you can.-
Haruka stood up and went upstairs. Setsuna was still sitting in front of the computer, so focused on her mysterious work that she didn't realized her friend was behind her.
-Hey.-
Setsuna winced and looked back.
-Good morning.-
-Why don't you go to your bedroom and have a rest? You look exhausted.-
-I'm fine, but thanks for your concernement.-
-What are you doing?-
-Just working, Ruka-chan, a research about medieval catholic iconography.-
-Sounds interesting.-
-It is.-
Haruka frowned.
-Suna-chan…-
-What?-
-Nothing. Please, try to sleep and eat sometimes, ok?-
-I will.-
AN First of all, sorry for my mistakes. I'm not a native speaker but I'm working hard to improve. Any tip will be welcomed. Moreover, if someone had advices or requests fir the plot, I'd be glad to hear them. Both laudations and criticism are appreciated.
