Xiao Xiao tied the dog leash around the little girl's waist.
Then he loosely knotted it.
"All set."
Xiao Xiao gently patted the little girl's head.
"Go home."
"Mm!"
The little girl nodded.
She lowered her head and looked at the dog leash, its bright color wrapped around her.
She lifted her face, a big smile spreading across it.
A wave of bittersweet, tearful relief washed over her.
"Go with him, too."
Everything had to be settled.
I suddenly realized...
My steps felt lighter.
Maybe...
"Cough, cough~"
The wages I earned were barely enough to cover my basic living expenses...
Tears welled in her eyes.
"I will!"
Mostly, I think...
"Woof, woof~"
The little girl nodded vigorously.
The old man still couldn't help sighing.
"I ate a long time ago."
"Who knows..."
She was so beautiful she seemed to glow.
But without a definite answer, I didn't want to keep the old man waiting with me.
"You came!?"
"You're fine, too."
The young man had thought that for just a moment.
The girl's feelings mattered most.
"Mm."
I hoped the old man was right, too.
I thought I was such an idiot.
There was no need to say it out loud.
"You don't have anything to do, anyway."
I could decide for myself whether to wait or leave.
"Was he lying to you?"
The girl rubbed her eyes.
Girl: ...
He blinked hard.
"Go home and give it a little extra treat."
The little girl turned and ran off, carrying the puppy.
"You don't have that much money."
Was it possible?
Just as the old man had said, they had already waited this long...
He watched the little girl disappear around the corner.
But the girl had a point, too.
They abruptly