My tears were still falling even after the voice stopped. Even though it should have been a party, a celebration, my guests surrounded me with worry. Even though I was clearly laughing in joy! Perhaps because I couldn't stop crying for a long time, and so suddenly too.
"I'm fine, really..." I chuckled in delight; not just for hearing Shwa's voice again after a long time, but also for how much they cared about me. "I just...I'm just really, really happy."
"Then maybe you should stop crying?" Zia took out a handkerchief and dabbed my face with it. "Gosh--you make me want to cry too!"
Among all of them, the one who was most confused was, of course, Jade. The boy saw my tears, but also felt how happy I was from our connection. He made this really confused, really adorable face; looking at me with a frown and a tilted head.
"Papa?" the little boy held my hand, asking carefully. "Why is Papa crying when Papa is happy?"
