Love

Many times I wondered what love is, much like everyone has done at some point, I guess. However, I think I'd never really understood just how immense is the universe that composes it, not until you showed it to me.

"InuYasha, I think she should get out of the water now." I point out from the edge of the river, to which we've accompanied you, Moroha and I, to fish for this summer afternoon's dinner.

By my side, a basket with today's catches rests, while you teach our daughter to rake and dig her claws in the fish. For her it's like a game, slapping the water as she laughs. It's to be expected, given that this is only her third summer.

"Alright, Moroha, we gotta get out." You say.

The girl seems to not be listening, and continues to splash on the water.

"Moroha." You try again, yet she ignores you all the same.

You hold her in your arms then, at waist height, and lift her as you walk towards the riverbank. Throughout the few steps you take, I see the joy in her features changing to surprise, and just an instant later, her brow furrows in an angry manner that's quite funny. What isn't as funny is the enraged scream she lets out as soon as she touches the grass. She turns to you and lifts her gaze from her very low height. I see her jump, shouting as she scratches your forearm, for you've placed it in between her attack and you.

"Moroha!" I call your attention. You gesture me with a hand to stop.

I decide to wait and watch, although I have to admit the anxiety starts to bubble inside my stomach. She's had tantrums before, yet none like this.

You crouch before her, keeping away a second attack which also comes with her little baby fangs. I hear her growl as if she were against the most ferocious of demons, and a moment later she jumps back with an elegance that reminds me of you. She faces you with a growl, her teeth showing, her little hands ready for another attack; however, it never comes, she just shouts again until her voice fades, replaced by tears. I look at the ground, then at you, observing her crouching with a serenity that impresses me.

Moroha cries, kicks the ground, takes a stone and throws it at the river, then wipes her eyes with her forearm, showing her frustration. She looks at you, and you answer that gaze by leaning your head forward. She lowers hers, looks at you again, waits, sighs, then throws herself in your arms. You receive her, and then her cries begin anew.

When I see how you embrace her, my heart expands with love. You don't say anything, just envelop her and hold her until her crying turns into a sobs and sighs.

Now she looks at me, sheltered between your arms, and I smile at her.

I've just seen all the phases needed for an emotion to transform: negation, anger, sadness and acceptation. Yet, more than anything, I've seen love.

A/N

I watched a video of a father being patient with his son, and I've needed to write this.

Thank you for reading, and telling me what you think.

Anyara.

This text is possible thanks to the translation of: Dezart