TPMITWON Chapter 54: Makima's House

Like other houses in the village of Sunagakure, Makima's house is made of compacted sand, but hers is better maintained, with two elegantly designed floors and a small yard adorned with several flowering plants in soft colors that decorate the outer walls.

The fence surrounding it is made of solidified sand shaped to resemble stone, giving it a sturdy and slightly luxurious appearance. The house looks larger than the neighboring ones, suggesting that Makima comes from a fairly prosperous middle-class family, though not excessively so.

They passed through the gate, which is made of wood that looks somewhat weathered but still functions well. Souta glanced back for a moment, feeling that this house was a bit warmer compared to the others in the village.

They walked toward the front door, where Makima took a small key from her pocket and carefully used it to unlock the door.

"Hmm... It's very quiet? Where are your parents?" Souta asked curiously. He noticed that the house seemed empty, as if there was no life inside it besides the three of them.

Inside, the atmosphere felt quiet and somewhat different from what he had imagined. In the corners of the room, things were organized, but there was a sense of loneliness that enveloped the air within.

"Oh! About that, my dad is working at the hospital, while my mom is... kind of writing seals? I don't really understand it. Mom just said that..." Makima paused for a moment, her words seeming to stumble as if she were searching for the right term. She gazed toward the empty living room with a hint of anxiety that she couldn't hide.

"Fuinjutsu," Souta interjected, mumbling softly, recognizing the term that is quite known in their world.

"Yes! That! Fuinjutsu!" Makima nodded quickly, her expression brightening for a moment. She felt relieved to find the right word, even though her heart still felt empty remembering how her mother often got lost in her writings.

"Hmm... So this house is always this quiet?" Pakura asked gently, her eyes scanning the house that seemed filled with unexplainable memories.

"That's right... Dad and Mom often come home late, so by seven in the evening, I'm usually alone at home," Makima replied with a somber smile lingering on her face. That smile was not one of happiness, but rather one that tried to cover a deep wound.

Souta and Pakura exchanged glances, feeling sympathy for Makima. They both could sense how deeply loneliness permeated Makima's life. As orphans, they understood the feeling of solitude that often arose in their lives.

"So the reason you always invite us over is that you want friends, so you’re not alone until your parents come home?" Souta asked frankly, not intending to offend.

However, Pakura immediately shot a glare at Souta, looking surprised and a bit worried. Pakura's reaction left Souta taken aback, realizing that his question might have been a bit too honest.

"That... is true, I'm sorry..." Makima lowered her head, her voice filled with regret. Her previously bright expression suddenly turned gloomy again, like a shadow of loneliness lurking in the corners of her heart.

"... It's okay," Pakura said gently, approaching Makima and hugging her affectionately. "Don't worry, we will play with you often. If you feel lonely, you can come to our house anytime."

"Really?" Makima's eyes lit up immediately, the smile that had previously faded now blossoming again. For the first time, relief was clearly visible on Makima's face.

"Of course!" Pakura nodded firmly, assuring her with her words.