"Where did this question come from?" Raito replied, surprised.
"I just wanted to ask," Aiko said quietly. "I always think about Mom. I remember the exact day she died. And I… I said… no woman—no mother—should ever have to go through what she faced. She suffered so much… right in front of me… and she was pierced and killed by a monster."
"Yeah… I remember it so well too," Raito said.
I was weak. I couldn't do anything. Even now… even as I am, I wouldn't be able to stop that kind of monster if it came again. The pain… it never really goes away," Aiko.
Raito's voice softened. "Well… everyone feels pain. Me, you… even Dad. And don't say you can't see her again. You can… anytime. Just go outside at night, look at the stars. She's up there, listening to all our prayers."
Aiko's throat tightened, and tears threatened to fall. "I… I actually cleaned it up. I'm supposed to protect you, but sometimes… I feel like the younger one here."
