~~~ • ~~~
We finished eating.
The plates had been cleared away.
The atmosphere grew more relaxed.
Yuna sat beside me.
Silent.
Her eyes occasionally darted toward me.
I raised my cup.
Took a sip of coffee.
Warm.
Bitter. _
"Papa..."
Her voice was soft.
I turned my head slightly.
"Can I have a little?"
I handed her the cup in my hand.
"Here."
She took it with both hands.
Took a tiny sip.
Then immediately set it back down.
As if she just wanted a taste.
I pulled out a cigarette.
Slipped it between my lips.
Lit it.
A small flame.
Then—
smoke rose slowly.
"Haa..."
I leaned back.
My eyes sweeping the room. _
"This place..."
"...is still the same as ever."
"Still the same?"
The teenage boy turned his head.
Smirking slightly.
"You just haven't been here during the rainy season."
I glanced at him.
"Why is that?"
"The roof leaks."
He held up a hand.
"A lot."
"Maybe five of them."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Whoa."
_
The little girl from earlier stood up.
