As The Wind Blows Your Scent To Me

It was an old neighborhood eatery that was located down the street from Yuina's family home. A single father operated the small eatery in an attempt to raise his son and daughter after his wife passed away. 

Yuina's parents often bought breakfast there whenever her mother didn't feel like cooking. It was also to show support to the single father.

From what Yuina heard, his children had all grown up splendidly. They were successful in their respective careers.

The uncle's children often persuaded him to close the store to avoid him wearing down his currently old body. But, the uncle refused because opening the eatery gave him things to do when he was bored.

Years ago, the eatery was operated as the means to get money to raise his children.

Now, the eatery was still opened to allow him to pass his time..

The uncle was still so energetic and dedicated. He opened the eatery so early in the morning even though most people hadn't wake up. The comforting smell of Yuina's childhood lingered in the small store right after she took a step inside.

"Uncle, please give me two sets of your special breakfast," Yuina made an order.

"...aren't you Yuina?"

Yuina was all smiles as the uncle still remembered who she was.

To her who limited her association with other people, it felt nice.

"Hehe, yes, long time no see you. How have you been, Uncle?"

His hair had turned completely white and more wrinkles appeared on his face.

At this moment, Yuina couldn't help but wonder if this was what her father would look if he was still alive.

"Haha, my bones and body are getting older but I'm still healthy," The uncle's face beamed in delight. He swung the soup ladle in his hand twice, "Just wait! I'll make the sets even more special for you!"

"Thank you~"

Yuina waited while sitting on a chair. Ryuu was inside the car. She forbade him from going out to avoid people prying.

Although the neighborhood streets were still deserted from people, it was better to be safe. Moreover, some of the people who knew her parents were still here. 

Every time Yuina returned to the family house, the old neighbors often inquired about her life. She vaguely admitted that she had already married someone to avoid the madams trying to matchmake her with any young man they wanted.

But, another problem arose because they had never seen Yuina coming back with her husband.

"Why are you so secretive ah? Don't forget to bring your husband here and let us meet him."

"Why is he so busy? Are you happy marrying someone who's always away from you?"

"Your husband must be a rich man oh. From what we knew, the retired couple's pockets are deep yet your husband managed to buy the house back from them. Is he a businessman?"

Those were what the aunties always asked whenever they caught hold of Yuina.

That was why, even though Yuina wanted to agree to Ryuu's suggestion of spending a few days here, she had to reject it with a heavy hard.

The longer they stayed here, the higher the chance of them getting exposed.

"Here you go, Yuina," The uncle had carefully packed two sets of breakfasts and put them inside a big paper bag. He placed it in front of Yuina.

"Wow! They smell so delicious!"

Yuina took a quick whiff of the scent. Her smile broadened.

She didn't know if her childhood memory was true or not but, the smell of the uncle's breakfast was still the same.

The uncle returned her smile. His old eyes softened.

"It's good to see you happy and healthy. Your parents would be relieved and proud of you."

Those were his heartfelt words, directed to a girl who had grown up even without her beloved parents by her side.

Yuina's eyes turned prickly.

"I'm happy," She answered honestly, "Really happy."

She was indeed happy now.

Yuina left the store with the promise to come and visit the uncle again. The old man waved at her back, saying he would wait for her next visit.

Life was too unexpected.

Yuina only hoped this won't be the last time she could see this kind uncle.

As she took in the deep wrinkles on his face, the strands of white hair on her head and how slow his movements were compared to when he was younger, Yuina had to admit that a lot of time had passed. 

"I'm done. Let's go now."

Right after Yuina got inside the car, she spoke to her husband yet her eyes remained on the store. The uncle sat down on a stool. One of his skinny hands was massaging his legs.

He looked so old and vulnerable in her eyes.

"Wife, are you okay?" Ryuu looked at her.

Although it wasn't too noticeable, Ryuu thought Yuina's voice sounded a bit nasally.

Eyes still staring at the uncle, Yuina asked in a very quiet voice, "Ryuu, would we grow old together?"

Unlike how her parents didn't get a chance to, and how the old uncle had to bury his wife first...

Would both of them be able to walk down to the end of the path of life together?

Ryuu couldn't exactly point out why did Yuina suddenly talk about this kind of matter. It might be related to them coming back to her family home.

Even though most of her parents' traces had been erased throughout the years the house was occupied by other people, the memories still remained inside her mind and heart.

"I don't know what life has in store for us but, from the moment I put on the wedding ring for you, I want to grow old with you."

If not because of his desire, Ryuu won't be in a panic when he realized their marriage was in turbulence. 

The corners of Yuina's lips raised up. Without saying anything, she took one of her husband's hands then placed the back of his hand on her face.

His hand was big, his knuckles were well-defined. 

Before, the sense of security that she had with him almost disappeared yet, he managed to turn everything over again.

Ryuu smiled yet it didn't reach his eyes.

He let Yuina keep holding his hand while he slowly drove the car away from the store. At this time, sunlight started to brighten the sky, spreading the amber and ruby colors on the horizon.

At the end of the street was her family home.

The two-story house had a decent yard. Summer hydrangeas and morning glories began to bloom in the early morning. 

Ryuu parked the car inside the covered garage. Yuina got out of the car first. She unlocked the front door then waited for Ryuu to come with their breakfast. She stood in the entryway, silently gazing inside the house.

"Wife, what's wrong?"

Ryuu asked softly. He was a bit worried when he saw how quiet Yuina was.

Even after years had passed, Yuina was still affected by the loss of her parents. Moreover, it was because hell awaited her when she was brought under her aunt's wings.

Ryuu had often thought that if Yuina received better treatment and that incident didn't fall on her, her self-confidence regarding her happiness won't be so low. 

Of course, Ryuu also admitted that he also had a part in his wife's unhappiness. 

"Nothing," Shaking her head, Yuina smiled wryly. She paused for a moment before her voice that was so quiet akin to a whisper echoed, "It's just that, even though it's summer, this house feels so cold."

That was Yuina's impression every time she returned here.

Inside her mind, Yuina retraced her memories that blossomed here yet, some of them were fuzzy.

It was regrettable that no matter how much she wanted to preserve all of her childhood memories, some of them tended to be lost due to the flow of time.