In the town of Willow Creek, a weird guy showed up one night. He wore a long coat and a hat, and got off a train in the middle of nowhere. The town was quiet, and the only sound was the train driving away.He looked around if he could find a tarvern, but no, there was only a small tiny hut far away on his left hand side, which he could not see clearly cus it was so far, the sun was burning hot and he felt dizzy and tired, all he wanted to do was get to the hut for a quick drink. He squinted, trying to make out the hut, and took a step forward, but his legs felt weak. The sun beat down on him, making him feel like he was gonna melt. He took a deep breath and kept moving, his eyes fixed on the hut. As he got closer, he saw a sign creaking in the wind: "Mama's Place". Sounded like a good spot to grab a drink and rest his weary feet. An old lady appeared and asked him "what's wrong son? Why so weary?" But he could not respond, neither could he look up to see what her face looked like, all that he knew about this lady was the tone of her voice, which in it was a sweet tone of sincere concern for him .The old lady's gentle voice was like a soothing balm to his parched soul. He tried to speak, but his throat was dry and raspy. All he could manage was a faint whisper: "Water... please." The lady's voice was like a whisper in his ear, "Oh, dearie, come sit down, I'll get you some." She guided him to a chair, and he collapsed onto it, feeling the weight of his journey slowly lifting. The lady gave him water, washed his body like he was her own child, he was suprised at such much of a care from someone who didn't know him, he tried refusing her help but his strength at that moment was like that of a baby's. She gently put his struggling hands on his chest and gave him a warm hug and said to him "relax dear, ur in good hands". He felt a lump form in his throat as he let go, allowing the lady's kindness to wash over him. The warmth of her hug spread through his chilled body, and he felt a sense of peace settle over him. As he relaxed, he slowly opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings. The hut was small, but cozy, with a fire crackling in the corner and the scent of cooking wafting from the pot. He tried to speak again, but she shushed him, "Rest now, dear. We'll talk when you're stronger. The lady treated his burnt skin and laid him to a bed. The next morning the young man woke up, he opened his eyes gently, at first he felt a sense of safety, then realized that he was letting his guard down, he had totally forgotten about the lady and how he got there, he tried sneaking out just when he say a young beautiful lady right in front of him at the window where he was about jumping off from, the lady waved her palm saying hi to him and let out a sweet sincere smile that made him feel warmth in him, a feeling that says, "I finally found my peace of mind" he immediately tried to hide his ongoing attempt to run, and pretended like he was just doing his morning stretches, then he asked her "do you need something";then she said "no just passing by, nothing much". Despite his pretenses she knew what he was trying to do, the young girl then went on ahead to continue with her business. The young breathed a breath of relief and sighed, then on about turning around, he felt a presence right at his back, immediately, he let out a side kick towards the presence he felt, the unknown soul crashed into the table at the middle of the room. After doing so, he realized that he had just hit an old man, and he immediately his eyes widened in horror as he realized what he'd done. He quickly moved to help the old man up, apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to, I thought you were... I thought..."
The old man groaned, rubbing his back, "I think you broke an old man's bones, boy." He chuckled, though, and winked at the young man. "But I suppose I deserved it. You have quick reflexes."
The young man's face was still etched with concern, but the old man's amusement was infectious. He managed a sheepish grin, "I really am sorry."
Just then, the old lady from the night before walked in, a tray of food in her hands. "Ah, I see you've met Grandpa," she said, smiling at the old man, who was now dusting himself off. "Don't worry, boy, he's tougher than he looks."
The young man's eyes darted between the old man and the lady, still trying to process the situation. He then began to clean the place up, he quickly took out the almost broken table and was about making a new one just when the old lady told him to calm down, she tapped him gently and said "that body of yours is quite strong, and for it to remain in good shape, u'll have to eat and not get so worked up over nothing" the young's man eyes widened as he heard what had just come out of the lady's mouth. She gave him a warm smile while the old man got a smaller table. The old lady places the tray of food on it and said to the boy "have a seat, be our guest". The boy with no option did as he was told. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted up, and the young man's stomach growled in response. He hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit awkward, but the old lady's warm smile put him at ease. He took a seat, and the old man joined him, clapping him on the back.
"Eat up, boy. You've earned it," the old man said, passing him a bowl of steaming hot soup.
The young man dug in, and the flavors exploded on his tongue. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he started eating. The old lady and the old man watched him with warm smiles, and he felt a sense of belonging, like he was among family.
As he ate, he noticed the young lady from earlier watching him from the doorway, a small smile playing on her lips. He felt a flutter in his chest, and quickly looked away, focusing on his food.Then just as he was eating, the old lady said to him "would you mind telling me ur name, I mean us, so that we could have something to call u by". The young man hesitated, his chopsticks pausing mid-air. He hadn't thought about sharing his name, and for a moment, he wasn't sure if he wanted to. But something about the old lady's kind eyes made him feel like he could trust them.
"My name is... Kaito," he said finally, the words feeling a bit rusty on his tongue.
The old lady's face lit up. "Kaito, what a wonderful name! I'm Ama, and this is my husband, Taro. And our granddaughter, Akira, you met her earlier."
Kaito's eyes flickered to Akira, who was still watching him from the doorway. She smiled and waved, and Kaito felt his cheeks heat up. He quickly looked away, focusing on his food.
Ama chuckled, a knowing gloke in her eye. "So, Kaito, what brings you to our little town?". He responded in a low tune feeling sort of embarrassed and shameful "it's nothing, but I assure you I'll be of no trouble, I'm not asking for you to let me stay any longer, you've helped me a lot already, but by tonight I'll be gone, I promise". The old lady looked worried and sad for him, she said to him "you don't have have to tell us if u can't, no need to sound so... Ama's expression softened, and she reached out to gently pat Kaito's hand. "You don't have to go anywhere, Kaito. You're welcome to stay as long as you need. We're not kicking you out, dear."
Taro nodded in agreement. "Ama's right, boy. You're safe here. No one's gonna hurt you."
Kaito's eyes dropped, and he struggled to keep his emotions in check. No one had shown him kindness in quite a long while, he couldn't remember how long. He felt a lump form in his throat, and his voice came out barely above a whisper. "I... I don't want to be a burden."
Ama's voice was firm, but gentle. "You're not a burden, Kaito. You're a guest. And we'd like you to stay." He responded "thanks, I would like to take your offer but I'm afraid I have to turn it down" the old lady in shock responded back "why dear? Are you been haunted for? Kaito's eyes dropped, and he took a deep breath before speaking. "No, it's not that. I... I just don't want to bring trouble to your doorstep. I've got some... issues, and I'd rather deal with them on my own."
Ama's expression was puzzled, but she didn't press further. "Alright, Kaito. We won't pry. But promise me one thing: if you ever need help, you'll come to us. We'll be here."
Kaito nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards these kind strangers. "I promise."
Soon, they were done eating, Akira came over to clear the dishes, Akira smiled at Kaito as she took his plate, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. Kaito quickly looked away, feeling a flutter in his chest. Ama noticed the exchange and smiled to herself, a knowing gloke in her eye.
"Akira, show Kaito around the town, would you?" Ama said, handing Akira a basket. "He might want to get some fresh air, stretch his legs."
Akira nodded, and Kaito hesitated for a moment before standing up. "Thanks, Ama. Thanks, Taro." For some reasons he felt a sense of happiness then sadness rushed in, he didn't know why he felt that way. As Kaito followed Akira out of the hut, the warm sunshine and fresh air enveloped him, and for a moment, he forgot about his troubles. Akira's smile and chatter were infectious, and Kaito found himself smiling, feeling a sense of happiness he hadn't experienced in a long time.
But as they walked, the reality of his situation hit him like a ton of bricks. He was a stranger in a small town, with no money, no job, and no place to call home. The happiness was quickly replaced by a wave of sadness, and Kaito's eyes dropped, his shoulders slaving forward.
Akira noticed the change in his demeanor and slowed down, her expression concerned. "Hey, Kaito, are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice full of genuine concern.