Chapter 76: A Little Girl's Family Circumstances

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For a moment, I decided to stay silent and just listen.

Kumi-san started talking on her own; perhaps she needed to share.

“Yuki’s mother is our daughter, but she isn’t biologically related to my husband or me. We adopted her due to some circumstances. We raised her with all the love and care as if she were our own, but we never told her the truth.”

I nodded slightly.

“Everything changed when she started middle school. She found out she was adopted, and it crushed her. She became rebellious, lashing out in ways we never expected.”

The story was getting heavy.

“After a lot of ups and downs, we managed to understand each other. But by then, she was already pregnant with Yuki. It happened during her rebellious phase.”

Wait, so Yuki's mother got pregnant in middle school?

“There was a lot of internal conflict. But my husband and I couldn't have children of our own. We couldn't bear to terminate the new life growing inside her. So, we moved quietly, away from prying eyes, and raised Yuki after she was born.”

This situation was beyond complicated.

“That must have been really tough,” I said, not knowing what else to say.

So, Yuki’s mother is an unwed teenage mom. I wondered how Yuki’s birth certificate looked, but it was too sensitive to ask.

“Yeah, Yuki’s growing up well, but… her mom's starting to resent her.”

“…”

“She worked her to get a good job and take care of Yuki. She pushed through high school and college, determined to make it. But deep down, part of her thinks that without Yuki, she could've had a normal life.”

“…”

“We try to do right by her, support her as much as we can. But… was it a mistake?”

Mistake? Guilt? What exactly? Was it hiding the adoption or not going through with the abortion?

It wasn't my place to comfort Kumi-san, and I was struggling to find the right words when Yuki came running back to us, smiling.

“That was fun! Thank you, Onii-chan and grandma!”

“Glad you enjoyed it,” I said, feeling warm inside. Yuki-chan was such an angel.

“At least, it wasn’t a complete mistake. Yuki-chan is so pure and adorable.”

I smiled, patting Yuki’s head and speaking to Kumi-san.

If they had chosen to terminate, I wouldn’t have met this beautiful smile.

Maybe it was irresponsible of me to say it, but I genuinely believed it.

“Grandma? Why are you crying?”

Kumi-san was shedding tears.

“Is it because of me? Because I was selfish?”

“No, no, Yuki…”

“I’m sorry, grandma. I won’t be selfish again.”

“No, Yuki, that’s not it.”

Yuki’s face, which had been all smiles, clouded over.

A child her age should be carefree, but she seemed overly considerate. Was it because her mother resented her?

“Yuki-chan, grandma is happy because you were having fun. These are happy tears, okay? So—”

Keep smiling, Yuki.

—

After Kumi-san calmed down, we resumed walking.

Once we reached our destination, I bid farewell to Yuki and Kumi-san.

“Bye, Onii-chan! Play with me again!”

“Sorry for showing you such an embarrassing side of us,” Kumi-san said, looking formal.

“No, it’s important to let things out sometimes.”

“Thank you…”

Back home, my mom often vented to me, so I understood. Sometimes, it's easier to open up to someone less involved, and while I couldn't fully grasp Kumi-san’s struggle, I recognized it.

Feeling that Kumi-san still seemed somewhat embarrassed, I had an idea for ‘another chance to play with Yuki.’

“Oh, by the way, my university is having a Spring Festival soon. Would you like to bring Yuki and come visit?”

“…Oh? You’re a university student, Uemura-san?”

What did she think I was? Do I look that old?

“Yes, the university is near Nishi-Manyo Station. If you're interested.”

Kumi-san's expression changed again. I decided to ignore it, thinking it wasn't my fault.

“Alright, I’ll think about it.”

“Of course.”

“I wish you were Yuki’s father, Uemura-san.”

Whoa, that came out of nowhere. Sorry, but I’m still a virgin, so that's not possible. Besides, from what I've heard, Yuki’s mom sounds like bad news.

It’s time to make a graceful exit.

“Anyway, see you, Yuki-chan.”

“Bye! See you again!”

Yuki waved her hand energetically, lifting my spirits.

I guess I didn't need to visit the electronics store after all.