Chapter Four: Rest

I took baby steps with my new crutches because they weren't fit to size, stumbling clumsily across the uneven mountain path. "Lillian, are you sure you don't need help?" Hiro was steadying me, ready to catch me if I fell.

"I'm okay," I replied, with a determined look on my face. "I-whoa!" I screamed as I fell flat on my face.

"Lillian!" Hiro rushed to my side and hoisted me up on his back.

"H-Hiro!" I cried, flustered. He seemed to be struggling under my weight as he hunched forward and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. "Are you sure I'm not too heavy...?" Hiro was about the same height as me and small for his age. I wondered if I was too much for him...

"N-nonsense!" Hiro mustered all his strength and gradually moved forward, step by step. By the time we were close to Bluebell, Hiro looked close to exhausted. It was a very hot day for spring and he was wearing thick clothing. I told Hiro that it'd be fine if I walked the rest of the way, but Hiro refused, saying that it wasn't good to put pressure on my injured leg. For the rest of the time, we both remained silent, but I couldn't help feeling a little guilty. When we reached my house, I quickly removed myself from Hiro.

"T-thanks," I muttered, looking at my feet. I felt a little embarrassed. Before I headed off to tend to my crops and livestock, Hiro gripped my wrist tightly.

"Lillian, if there's ever anything you need, call me."

"I might just have to take you up on that offer sometime," I said teasingly, a smile playing on my face. Hiro smiled back.

"I'd be delighted, Lillian. But in all seriousness, do call me or Dr. Ayame if you need help," Hiro said with a serious expression.

"Of course. Bye, Hiro." We both waved to each other as he departed back to Konohana. I stared at my crutches once he'd left. They were old, wooden, rickety, but they were the only ones available at the clinic. I supposed I would just have to make do, but as I moved forward, I tripped once again.

"Ouch," I said, as I lay sprawled on the ground. I heard a snicker.

"What are you doing?" Kana asked with raised eyebrows.

"What do you think I'm doing?" I said sarcastically. He flashed me a smile and pulled me up.

"That better?"

"Very, thank you. Anyways, what are you doing here?" I tried to put my hands on my hips, but it was awkward trying to keep my crutches in place at the same time. Kana chuckled.

"I'm here to help you. There's no way you can do work with an injured leg." My eyes widened.

"Seriously?" My eyes lit up. "Oh, but I couldn't. What about your shop?"

"Don't worry about it," he said, ruffling my hair. I pouted. Why did it seem like that was happening a lot lately? "Anyways, I guess I better get started!"

Kana's POV

I laid limp on the ground, trying to catch my breath. "Tired, are you?" Lillian hobbled over to me with a tray in her hand. "Here you go. It's thanks for all your hard work today." She handed me a glass of iced lemonade. I immediately shot up.

"Thanks." I took the glass and greedily gulped down the lemonade, all the way down to the last drop.

"Wow, that was quick." Lillian commented after I handed her back the glass.

"Well, I am thirsty," I said. After a few moments, I continued. "You know, I gotta admit, I wasn't expecting this." I glanced at her, trying to gauge her expression.

"What?"

"Farming," I replied. "I knew it was hard, but not exactly how hard it is. Now that I know, I admire you even more than I did before. After experiencing a day on your farm, I can see how difficult it is. How can you put up with this work every day?" I asked curiously. Lillian rested her crutches on the ground and sat down next to me.

"Well, it isn't easy, but I love it. I love taking care of animals and plants. Don't you feel the same way with Hayate?"

"Of course. It's just that with farming, you never get a break, you know? No matter how tired you are, like I am right now, you know that there's always more work tomorrow, and the day after that. Don't you ever get tired of it all?" Lillian looked taken aback, and at first, I thought I was being too nosy until I saw her pondering what I said. Finally, she replied.

"Yes, I do. But when I am too tired, I have friends to rely on. Like you." She smiled dazzlingly, and at first, I thought that my heart would give out. At that moment, I saw how the setting sun reflected off of her features. She was beautiful, glowing, brilliant...

"Uh, it's getting late now." I nervously rubbed my neck. "I should get going now."

"Oh, okay."

"I-I'll be back tomorrow, okay?" I reminded her as I hurriedly departed for Konohana. The whole time, my heart was drumming wildly in my chest. "What is wrong with me...?" I wondered aloud as I gazed up into the sky.

To my readers: This chapter was harder than the last one, but I loved writing the ending. I have to admit, I'm in LOVE with Kana. He's my favorite bachelor in Tale of Two Towns. So I will warn you now that Lillian will probably not end up with Hiro or Dirk. I'm sorry, but I still appreciate your thoughts on what bachelor Lillian will end up with. Like you, I'm not completely sure how this story will end, so your votes will shape the path this story will take. Thank you everyone for all the reviews, and I hope you will keep continuing to do so!