---
Yuna didn't answer right away.
She just stared at me.
As if trying to make sure she hadn't misheard.
"Huh?"
"Do you want to try it?" I repeated.
She looked out at the rain again.
Then at the children across the street, still running through the puddles.
Her hands went back to gripping the straps of her backpack.
"...can I?"
Her tone was half-hopeful, half-disbelieving.
"That does not answer my question."
She looked down slightly.
"...I want to."
Her voice was incredibly quiet.
Almost drowned out by the sound of the rain.
---
A few seconds passed.
Water continued to fall from the shop's roof.
The puddle on the sidewalk was growing larger.
I opened the bag I was carrying.
And took out a folding umbrella.
Click.
The umbrella opened.
Yuna immediately stepped closer to me.
A reflex.
Like a child used to seeking shelter from the rain.
I looked at the rain falling in front of the sidewalk.
Then I looked at the puddle.
Not too deep.
