Ch. 5: A Warm Guy
After that…-.
The two of us worked on what to do for Ritz's grandmother's birthday celebration.
Ritz: "For now, I think a party's the best option…"
OO: "I think that's a good idea."
Ritz: "Right, I'll invite some people I know, and people my grandma knows, and get some energy going in there. Grandma's been holed up in the castle, so I think she's probably pretty lonely…"
Ritz spoke cheerfully as his pen flew across a piece of paper.
Ritz: "But she's old, and she might get tired. Hey, you got any ideas?"
Ritz asked me…
[CHOICE]
-
What about things your grandmother likes? (SUN)
-
What does your grandmother like to do? (MOON)
Ritz: "If it's that, she likes flowers. She can't get out of the castle now, but when she's feeling up to it she's always looking out at the flowers in the courtyard."
OO: "Flowers…"
I listened to what Ritz said, and then told him about the idea that came to mind.
OO: "Ritz, um…-."
…
……
Ritz listened to my idea, and took a moment to think it over…
Ritz: "Yeah, let's do that! I think that…that'll make Grandma happy!"
OO: "I'm sure it'll make her smile."
Ritz: "You're amazing! Thanks!"
Ritz's face came closer and…
He gently pushed my bangs aside and softly kissed my forehead.
OO: "…!"
It was a much kinder, warmer kiss than the one from before…
OO: "R…Ritz."
Ritz: "Ah…I…"
Ritz blinked, as if he'd even surprised himself…
Ritz: "…"
At last, he seemed embarrassed, but still smiled in delight.
I've never seen that expression…
I felt something stirring inside me as I saw that smile.
The gentle light of the sun shone in through the window…
Ritz: "So, let's go get things ready!"
Afterwards, we finalized everything and started preparing.
As we worked on things together, Ritz never lost that delighted smile.
OO: "What about things your grandmother likes?"
Ritz: "You mean like food and stuff?"
OO: "No, I mean that's fine but…like something she treasures, or something she enjoys."
Ritz nodded a couple times…
OO: "What does your grandmother like to do?"
Ritz: "Hmmm…she always stays in her room these days. But she used to go to the flower field with Grandpa…"
I listened closely, then Ritz raised his head as he seemed to remember something.