Here's your tea.

Ah, thank you.

I'm always grateful for your hospitality.

...

So, how have you been lately?

I hope you're feeling well.

Yes, I've been fine...

Okay, that's good to hear.

Oh, that reminds me.

I bought some shortcake from that bakery by the station.

You like these quite a lot if I recall.

Please have some with Ms. Yoisaki later.

Oh...

Hm?

Nothing. Thank you...

It's okay for you to tell me whatever it is that's on your mind, Mafuyu...

Huh...?

But you also don't have to if you don't want to tell me.

However, I'm here because I want to know how you're feeling. I'm here to listen.

...

So...

Hm? Yes?

I don't actually like this cake.

I see...

I'm sorry for misunderstanding.

Then, can you tell me what you do like?

I don't know...

What?

I haven't been able to taste anything for a while now...

Everything I eat... It's all the same to me...

You can't taste anything...?!

I see...

Since when exactly?

If possible, could you tell me?

Since...

(Mafuyu seems more comfortable talking compared to before...)

(And her dad's making an effort to understand what's going on with her. Thank goodness...)

(I hope things start moving in a positive direction...)

Then, I'll be back again next week.

See you then, Mafuyu.

*Nod*

See you then...

Are you okay, Mafuyu...?

I'm fine...

But I'm a little tired...

I'm going to rest for a bit.

Okay.

Then, I'll be working in my room.

Okay...

Huh? A call? Who could it be...?

Hello? This is Yoisaki.

<Kanade?

It's your grandmother. Are you free to talk now?>

Oh, Grandma...?

Yes, now's okay.

Is there a reason you called?

<I was wondering how you've been doing, Kanade. Is everything okay?>

Yes, I'm okay.

Mafuyu... My friend's also doing well.

And thanks to Ms. Mochizuki, I've been eating much more regularly. Also, my room's much cleaner now.

<Oh, that's wonderful to hear...!

I'll need to thank Honami again the next chance I get.>

<By the way, Kanade, I heard that you went to your school's opening ceremony...>

Oh, um... Yes, I did.

<So, how was it?

Were there changes or anything bothering you?>

No, there's nothing in particular...

I've been keeping up with my studies as usual.

Dad also seems fine.

Not much has changed...

<I see...>

<By the way, Kanade, have you been thinking about your future at all?>

Huh?

<I know that's difficult to do considering your father's condition...>

<But I believe it's about time for you to start thinking more seriously about your own future.>

My future...?

<Yes. For starters, what are you going to do after you graduate? You need to begin planning for that.>

<That's why I'd like to hear what you think, Kanade. What would you like to do...?>

What would I like to do...?

...

<I'm sorry. I know I'm throwing a tough question at you...>

<But I hope you'll give it some thought when you get a chance... This is your future we're talking about.>

<And I'll support you on whatever endeavors you decide to embark on...>

Okay...

I'll think about it.

<Thank you. Then, take care...>

Okay. Bye Grandma.

...

My future...