Rentaro followed the old man into the underground passage. Looking around the empty sewers, he could not help feeling disappointed. It seemed the old man had not lied to him. Enju really was not here.
Watching the old man search the sewers for something, Rentaro could not help asking curiously.
"Sir, what are you looking for?"
The old man smiled. "The treasures the children hid away. These are their most important possessions." With that, he walked to a spot in a corner of the sewers covered by a rag.
The old man gently lifted the rag, revealing a pitch-black opening. He reached inside and pulled out a battered box.
Through a hole in the box, Rentaro could see a collection of somewhat worn notebooks.
The old man gazed at the box, an affectionate smile spreading across his face.
"Is this what you were looking for?" Rentaro asked quietly.
"Yes! The children wrote down their happiest moments in these. I have to take them over to them."
"Well, young man, I've found what I was looking for. What about you? Aren't you going to keep looking?" The old man picked up the box and looked at Rentaro.
Rentaro's pupils contracted. "I understand! Sir, I'll make sure I find her. Thank you for reminding me!" Rentaro bowed.
"Wait a moment, young man."
"What is it, sir?" Rentaro stopped and turned around.
"Take this box over for me while you're at it! I'm old now. At my age, walking is getting a little difficult," the old man said softly.
"Yes! Don't worry, sir. I'll make sure this box gets there!" Rentaro nodded earnestly.
Watching Rentaro's retreating figure, the old man found a spot where the girls had often liked to sit and quietly sat down.
When he was younger, he had hated these