"Rumi-chan" and "Grandma" - Grandma side 2

Grandma side 1⇐　

Young people these days go abroad for their honeymoon when they get married, don't they? I know that because they show it on TV all the time. But Rumi-chan can't go on a honeymoon because she has me. I want Rumi-chan to have a wonderful time, though. What should I do?

Then, one day, Rumi-chan and the young man said they would take me on a trip with them. Of course, it wasn't abroad, but Rumi-chan was overjoyed, saying, "I'm so glad we found a place where Grandma can come along too."

The young man rented a car so it wouldn't be too hard on me. We all went on a trip in that car. It wasn't very far from home, but it was a Japanese-style inn with a large, lovely garden that felt like a foreign country. The air was clear, and when I took a deep breath, I felt like my whole body had come back to life.

Rumi-chan and the others said the hot spring felt good, but I don't like baths. However, the footbath felt nice. While slowly soaking my feet in the footbath, I gazed at the garden and savored the delicious air.

I suppose this feeling is what they call happiness. I felt so truly happy that I thought I had no regrets left.

After a while, Rumi-chan had a baby.He was a healthy, cute boy who looked just like Rumi-chan.I thought that once the baby was born, she wouldn't be able to pay any attention to me, but Rumi-chan wasn't like that at all. She took care of me just as she always had. Rumi-chan had no intention of sending me back to the facility.Crying is a baby's job, so he would cry regardless of whether it was the middle of the night or not. The young man would tell Rumi-chan they should take turns looking after the baby, but since the young man had a hard job during the day, Rumi-chan would look after the baby all night long so as not to wake him.And then, she had to take care of me during the day, right? Rumi-chan was exhausted. I was worried sick, wondering what would happen if Rumi-chan got sick again.One day, Rumi-chan must have been very tired; she fell asleep leaning against the chest of drawers while the washing machine was running. The baby was also sleeping soundly on Rumi-chan's lap.I decided to leave the house while I had the chance. I couldn't be a burden to Rumi-chan any longer. If Rumi-chan wouldn't do it, I would just go to the facility myself. The staff at the facility had told me I could come back anytime, after all.The front door was locked tight so I couldn't open it. I had gone out for a walk by myself once before, and even though I had only gone around the neighborhood, it seemed like Rumi-chan and the young man had searched for me in a panic. There was no need for them to worry that much. Since then, they had put a complicated lock on the door so I wouldn't go out for walks alone.But you know, this day was warm and sunny, just like the day Rumi-chan and I met, and the window facing the garden was open. In my heart, I said "thank you" and "goodbye" to Rumi-chan and went outside.Then I headed toward the facility. The facility was only a short drive from Rumi-chan's house. No matter how old I was or how slowly I walked, I figured I would arrive by sunset.I thought I had walked quite a long way, but I wasn't reaching the facility. The sun began to set, and although it had been warm during the day, it was gradually getting cold. Finally, I couldn't move anymore on the side of the road. But you know, it's enough now. I've been treated more than well enough. If it means not being a burden to Rumi-chan anymore, I'm content to die right here.

At that moment, I heard a familiar voice. It was the young man. I tried to make myself small and hide in the grass so I wouldn't be found, but he found me right away. The young man wrapped me in the blanket he had brought, carried me, and took me home.

When we entered the entryway, Rumi-chan was standing there with a scary look on her face. Just as I was about to say I was sorry, Rumi-chan hugged me and started crying loudly, saying, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Because Rumi-chan was crying so much, she made the baby cry too.
Why is Rumi-chan apologizing? It's all my fault. I wanted to make things easier for Rumi-chan, but instead, I caused her trouble. On top of that, I made her worry and cry. It's a waste for someone like me. I understand. I understand, Rumi-chan. I won't leave on my own ever again. I'm truly sorry.

From then on, as a way to repay her, I decided to look after the baby. I couldn't hold the baby, but I would lie down next to him while he slept, and when he cried, I would pat his tummy to soothe him or amuse him with toys. I might have been a little bit of help to Rumi-chan, but every day she would tell me, "It helps so much that Grandma watches the baby. Thank you." Even though I've caused her so much more trouble than that. She really is a kind, good girl.

By the time the baby was three and had become a little boy, I lost the sight in my other eye as well. And finally, I couldn't even get up anymore. I thought I should be sent back to the facility, but Rumi-chan still took care of me just as she always had.
That day was a crisp, warm, and sunny morning, just like the day I met Rumi-chan. I felt much better than usual.
I can't see, but I know that Rumi-chan, the young man, and the three-year-old boy are all looking at me. Rumi-chan seems to be crying for some reason. Even though I feel fine.Don't cry, Rumi-chan. You have the young man and the little boy, don't you? An old woman like me is no longer needed. Once I'm gone, Rumi-chan, you can take it easy. I hate being a burden to people. Well, I've caused quite a lot of trouble, though.Thanks to you, Rumi-chan, I was truly happy.I wanted to say thank you to Rumi-chan, so I let out a breath, felt sleepy, and my body felt light as a feather. Ah, what a relief.Rumi-chan, don't be sad.Now I can go wherever I want, whenever I want.I'll keep watching over you from afar forever.

　　⇒Rumi-chan side

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