The night looked tremendously scary. Sakura couldn't see anything in the darkness of her room. And yet, she felt whatever was in there. She was shaking terribly, trying to sleep while covering herself completely with the blankets. And then…
-Aaaahhh!
Touya woke up immediately and ran to his sister's room to see what had happened.
-Sakura, what's wrong?! – he asked as he entered the room and turned on the lights.
Sakura was shaking and crying underneath her blankets. Touya couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed at the easiness with which his sister got scared.
-Th…There was something i-in my room. I-I could fe-feel it. A-and then… It spoke!
-Are you hurt?
-No! B-but, it really scared me.
Touya sighed, relieved that at least Sakura was fine. He then approached her and gave her a big hug.
-It's okay – he said – there's nothing here. And even if it was, I would never let it hurt you. I promise dad that I would take care of you while he's at work. It's okay.
Sakura held onto him as if her life depended on it.
-Can you sleep with me tonight?
Once again, Touya sighed, not really wanting to spend the night with his little sister. However, he still wanted to make sure she was fine, and that nothing bad was threatening them, so he agreed to stay.
-Okay, but just for tonight. Now move along.
Sakura made space for her brother to lay next to her, and as soon as he was under the covers, she hugged his arm. She was still crying.
-Hey, stop crying, ok?
-I can't.
-Pff, I'd never known a monster that cried that much – he teased. – Now that I think about it, whatever was in the room probably got scared after seeing a monster as monstrous as you.
-I'M NOT A MONSTROUS MONSTER, BROTHER! – yelled Sakura, still with tears in her eyes, but no longer crying, looking at Touya with anger.
-Whatever, monster. Now sleep. Even monsters need to rest – said Touya smirking.
-I TOLD YOU I'M NOT A MONSTER! YOU'RE CRUEL, BROTHER!
They kept on like that for a while, until Sakura finally started drifting off to sleep. Once she was deeply asleep, Touya turned to the window.
–What do you want with my sister? – he asked. There was a little boy looking through the window. He looked really sad.
–I'm sorry – the spirit said, ashamed and blushing. – I thought she could help me, I never meant to scared her.
–What do you need?
–Uh? – the little boy looked puzzled. Was Touya not only seeing him, but had offered to help him? – Are you serious? Will you help me?
–Um. Not tonight, though. I'm still taking care of Sakura. But tomorrow go to my window and I'll help you with whatever you need.
The little boy's face illuminated with joy. He looked relieved and content.
–My parents died when I was a baby, and I was miserable until the day I died. All I ever wanted was someone to care of me, to care about me. Just in the same way that you seem to care about your sister.
Smiling brightly, his eyes closed, the little boy dissipated into the night. But before disappearing completely, he locked eyes with Touya, and whispered:
-Thank you… For caring so much.
Touya saw the spirit go away. Then he turned his back to the window and finally fell asleep.
And deep in his sleep, he heard a sweet feminine voice.
-You're such a good kid. I love you. Good night, mi child.
-Good night, okaa-san.
