After placing Kasugano Sora in the courtyard, Kawashima Toya used the tools available in the house to boil some water.
Soon, the chill brought by the evil spirits gradually dissipated.
Sora slowly opened her large eyes, her delicate face pale and weak as she looked up at the sky.
"Is the sun out?"
Seeing the warm sun in the sky, Sora was stunned.
She hadn't felt such warmth for a long time.
Ever since her parents and brother came back, she hadn't seen the sun.
Every day was either raining or overcast; the sun simply didn't exist to her.
"Here, drink this. It's warm."
Toya, with a gentle smile on his handsome face, handed her a cup of warm water.
Sora stared blankly at this strange big brother, her clear, childish voice full of confusion.
"Why are you in my house?"
Seemingly remembering something, she said anxiously, "Big Brother, leave quickly."
"If you don't leave, Mom and Dad will hurt you!"
Toya gently supported Sora and said softly, "Do you remember the post you made on the forum?"
"I have put your parents and brother to rest. They have gone to the afterlife and won't hurt anyone anymore."
"Big Brother, who are you?"
"Big Brother saved me?" Sora was stunned for a moment, then hugged Toya and burst into tears.
A thirteen-year-old child had endured such a bizarre and terrifying ordeal for so long.
Now that the crisis was finally resolved, she no longer had to face her parents and brother looking at her with those eerie eyes.
Toya held Sora gently, letting her cry.
Even adults would find it hard not to break down when facing evil spirits, let alone a young girl like Sora.
After a long while, Sora, her big eyes red, took the cup from Toya and took small sips.
"Big Brother, my name is Kasugano Sora, and I'm thirteen years old!"
Sora raised her youthful face, her large eyes filled with anticipation.
"Kawashima Toya, just a passing traveler. Age..."
Toya pondered for a moment. "Seventeen, I guess."
"Big Brother Kawashima, you're lying!" Sora laughed happily. "Who hesitates about their own age?"
"I am seventeen!" Toya said confidently.
Since he had returned to his seventeen-year-old state, his age was naturally seventeen.
"Sunbathe for a while; I'll go make lunch." After playing with Sora for a bit, Toya was about to go inside to check for ingredients.
Just then, Sora's small hand grabbed Toya's hand tightly, refusing to let go.
"Big Brother Kawashima, don't leave!"
"It's okay, don't be afraid!" Toya rubbed Sora's head and comforted her, "I'll come out as soon as lunch is ready."
Feeling the small hand still gripping him tightly, Toya compromised. "Alright, come inside with me."
Sora stared at the house fearfully, but her trust in Toya made her follow him into the home filled with terrifying memories.
After entering the house, the cold feeling didn't return.
Sora finally believed that Big Brother Kawashima had truly exorcised her parents and brother.
Toya led the quail-like Sora to the kitchen.
The kitchen was tidy, though covered in a layer of dust; it had evidently been carefully organized before the tragedy.
As soon as the refrigerator opened, a pungent smell of rotting food wafted out.
Toya didn't hesitate and slammed the fridge door shut.
The smell was too overpowering; better to keep it closed.
Sora's youthful face flushed slightly, and she said embarrassedly, "After Mom, Dad, and Big Brother came back, I could only eat some bread and snacks bought before."
"Let's go. We'll buy ingredients at the convenience store."
Toya took Sora's hand and walked toward the nearby convenience store.
Half an hour later, Toya returned to the Kasugano home carrying a large bag of ingredients, while Sora held a bag of potato chips.
"Sora, play by yourself for a bit. I'll go prepare lunch."
Sora looked at the large bag of ingredients in Toya's hand and asked in confusion, "Big Brother Kawashima, can we finish all this?"
"Sora, you can't eat much, but I have a big appetite." Toya said gently, "If I don't eat this much, I'll go hungry."
After becoming stronger, this was the only downside: his food requirements had increased significantly.
Perhaps in the future, he would reach a stage where he didn't need to eat, but for now, he needed food.
Sora nodded her small head as if she understood, then obediently took a stool and sat in the kitchen to watch Toya prepare lunch.
As for why she didn't go to the courtyard, she was still filled with fear of this home.
Soon, a hearty feast was ready.
Toya and Sora sat facing each other, happily enjoying the rich meal.
"Sora, do you plan to stay here, or leave with me?"