When Hiroshi got off work from the Hokage Building, it was already completely dark outside.
He pushed open the front door. Before he could call out, "I'm home," a small red figure charged straight at him.
"Dad!"
Hiroshi jumped in surprise.
Shin-chan looked up at him, his expression serious. His mouth opened as if he was about to say something.
"Hiroshi, you're back," Miya called from the kitchen. "Perfect, come here for a moment."
Hiroshi answered, then looked down at Shin-chan. "Wait a bit. I'll go see Mom first."
Shin-chan's words caught in his throat. Watching Hiroshi head into the kitchen, he opened his mouth, then closed it again.
In the kitchen, Miya was holding a spatula. When she saw Hiroshi come in, she lowered her voice and said something to him.
Hiroshi leaned closer, and the two began whispering.
Shin-chan stood at the corner of the hallway, secretly poking half his head out.
A few words drifted over faintly.
"...hospital..."
"...tomorrow..."
"...don't let the child hear..."
Shin-chan's heart sank with a thud.
Hospital.
Mom really was going to the hospital.
He slowly pulled his head back, leaned against the wall, and stared at the ceiling. His eyes felt a little hot, but he held it in.
He couldn't cry.
He had to be strong.
Shin-chan took a deep breath and walked into the living room.
At dinner, Hiroshi and Miya noticed something strange.
Shin-chan sat at the dining table, looking at the plate of food in front of him.
There were green peppers in it.
He stared at those green peppers for three seconds.
Then he picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of green pepper, and stuffed it into his mouth.
He chewed.
He swallowed.
Then he picked up another piece.
Stuffed it into his mouth.
And swallowed