Her mom and dad were right behind her.
Lulu wasn't afraid.
Anna barely looked where she was going.
She just followed Lulu.
All she could think about was how to start talking...
And...
Why wasn't Lulu saying anything yet?
At last, Anna lost the battle of patience.
She was the first to speak.
The breeze drifted by gently.
It stirred the two girls' wispy hair.
Anna fumbled with the strands that had poked her in the eye.
Her eyes felt a little sore.
"Lulu."
The mushroom-haired girl spoke a little louder this time.
Lulu still acted as though she hadn't heard.
She just kept walking with her head down.
The mushroom-haired girl took a deep breath.
She was a little angry.
And a little sad.
Lulu...
Was she really ignoring her?
"Honestly, this child..."
Lulu's mom frowned as she watched the two girls from a distance.
She felt awkward looking at Anna's mom beside her.
This child...
Why wasn't she answering?
Anna had called her several times already.
They'd even told Lulu in advance...
to have a good talk with Anna.
And now she was just walking along without saying a word...
How were they supposed to have a proper talk?
"I'm sorry."
Lulu's mom gave Anna and Lulu an awkward smile.
"Lulu..."
"..."
Anna's mom pressed her lips together.
"They're just children."
As an adult, she couldn't hold it against a child.
But...
She felt sorry for her own daughter.
So far, Lulu didn't seem to have been affected at all by the change in her relationship with Anna.
It was only Anna...
Only her silly little Anna...
who was confused...
who didn't know what to do...
who was scared...
and even...
trying to please Lulu.
Lulu's mom