IKIGAI

Page III

"... that day, Sango, who we had just met, guided us to the place where the Pearl was born. There we were, all in front of a cave, I think it was the first adventure we had together, if you could call it as such."

I look at you, as you hold Moroha on one of your legs, her little body leans against you, as your hand grabs her stomach and she takes one of your fingers hostage. You read attentively, helped by the light of the hearth while outside, it's snowing, and the winter's wind shakes the wooden covers on the windows.

"... InuYasha carried her on his back, as her injuries were still not healed and despite Sango being a strong warrior, her body had already fought a great battle to recover."

I can see the way your brow begins to furrow in an angry expression, as you read. It's logical, after all, those were some tough times for us in the whole process of restoring and destroying the Pearl.

"InuYasha, maybe you should stop reading." I tell you softly. You observe me as if not able to see me yet, your brow is still wrinkled, and that hardens your gaze.

"This happened. We can't prevent the story for being uncomfortable." You clarify.

"I know, that's why I wrote it." I sit on the futon, and extend my arms for you to hand me Moroha, whose eyes are now heavy. "However, it may be a good idea to read it some other day, when it's not so cold and dark."

"Bah, woman, you know my sight is good enough to see even without the fire." You want to clarify, as you deliver the girl into my arms. She makes a few noises of enjoyment, despite being half-asleep.

You stare at your daughter, and mess the thin hair she's grown in the few moths of life she has. Your gaze has softened, and I confirm that Moroha indeed acts as a remedy for you.

An instant later, you go back to reading.

"I think that, of all of us, InuYasha was the one who was most afraid of entering." In that moment you stop reading. "Who told you I was scared?"

"I wrote afraid, not scared." I point out, placing a finger on my lips to advice silence. Moroha is starting to fall asleep.

"What's the difference?" You try to lower your tone of voice.

I take a deep breath as I try to find the way to explain my thoughts.

"Scared comes from fear, and fearis paralizing, opposite of life and a barrier to love. Being afraid is inherent to being careful, and has more to do with protection." I make my best attempt to be clear.

You look at me for a long time in which I do the same, as I caress the hair of our daughter who has curled up against my side to sleep.

"We'll read this part of the diary again." You say, as you leave the notebook aside and lay in front of me, with Moroha between us.

"We'll read it." I accept.

Your fingers and mine touch each other as we caress our daughter.

A/N

I'm liking a lot to write these little pieces while seen from "the present". I guess life needs to be looked at with some perspective.

Kisses, and thanks for reading and commenting,

Anyara.

This text is possible thanks to the translation of: Dezart