Chapter 2, Kenichi Kitagawa

Only now does he wish for time to slow down, to slow down even more, to move even more slowly, and to allow him to say a few more words

This was the food that Kenichi Kitagawa once loved the most

After a long silence, Beichuan Temple finally spoke, his expression remaining calm.

The middle-aged man sitting at the table is the father of Kitagawa Temple, Kenichi Kitagawa

Sister Sini

The oden is placed beside the altar, still emitting a hint of steam, which makes one's fingers itch with desire.

Unbeknownst to her, at some point, Kitagawa Eri, who had come and gone, was hiding by the living room door with a complex expression, secretly observing Kitagawa Temple.

After a wave of Buddhist chanting, Beichuan Temple inserted the lit incense stick into the incense burner, closing his eyes and concentrating

In the future, this family will be entrusted to you

Eri, are you free tomorrow morning? If you have time, we can go to the New Year shrine visit tomorrow

"Temple... Temple nun." The young girl timidly stood at the door, raising her head to look, but she did not dare to gaze at Beichuan Temple, so she could only softly call out in a voice that was both thin and gentle.

After gazing at the photograph of Kitagawa Kenichi for several minutes, Kitagawa Temple took out the ritual bell that he often polished and lightly tapped it with a small hammer

The young girl deeply bowed to Beichuan Temple, and after completing the act, she fled upstairs like a frightened little mouse

Kawaguchi Kenichi spoke and suddenly tears began to flow, uncontrollably streaming down his face

In such circumstances, Kitagawa Eri dared not provoke the misfortune of Kitagawa Temple; upon seeing him, she would retreat three steps, displaying remarkable obedience

A child, wishing to nurture, finds that the parents are no longer present

The other party's words were mostly the kind of clichéd advice that parents often give when parting—such as remembering to cover yourself with a quilt, maintaining a regular diet, and adding clothes when the temperature drops suddenly

Beichuan Temple sat quietly on the cushion, not making a sound at all

I... I have time tomorrow! Looking at the upright figure of Kitagawa Temple sitting in front of the altar, Kitagawa Eri felt as if something in her heart had been touched. She clenched her fist tightly and for the first time took the initiative to extend an invitation

Do you want to eat

Beichuan Temple listened attentively

I sincerely apologize to you all for these past few years, and I appreciate your hard work.

While Kitagawa Eri was contemplating these matters, the previously meditative Kitagawa Temple suddenly opened its eyes and turned its head to look.

It gives the impression that the person has suddenly changed; the other party appears to have lost some of their gloominess and gained a unique sense of youthful toughness.

Suddenly, Kenichi Kitagawa's voice came to a halt

I, I ... ... love you ... ... all ... ...

Yet they are always siblings connected by blood; when Beichuan Temple feels sad, she will also worry because of it

In fact, there is much more I want to say... but time is insufficient

One who is solely immersed in the sorrow of the past cannot take another step forward, just as in a previous life.

Safe travels

No, no need. I just heard some noise at the door, so I came downstairs to take a look. Good night, Sini-san

In that case, let us begin with the New Year visit.

Kawaguchi Kenichi smiled

The voice of Kitagawa Kenichi gradually elongated, spiraled, tore apart, and disappeared behind.

Watching the other party hurriedly ascend the stairs, Beichuan Temple merely maintained a calm expression, quietly closing the door before proceeding to the living room

My father passed away several years ago due to a traffic accident, and even the greatest sorrow should have subsided by now

Eh? Beichuan Eri widened her eyes, completely not expecting Beichuan Temple to say such a thing

temple

This is the truth; although there have been moments of confusion and sadness in the past, I have never felt that I have suffered.

She sighed deeply

Well

Beichuan Temple agreed to take on the responsibility of the Beichuan family as requested by Beichuan Kenichi, and therefore he must fulfill this obligation

Beichuan Temple took a deep breath and raised his hand to open the small shrine.

This change continued until high school, and Beichuan Temple's situation worsened. She would spend her days with a sullen face, remaining silent and seemingly lost in thought, to the extent that even her younger sister could hardly exchange a few words with Beichuan Temple

Ah... oden, this is my favorite dish

Recently, it seems that Beichuan Temple has changed somehow, as it now takes the initiative to greet her and offers to help with household chores

Hmm? Bei Chuan Temple paused in the act of opening the spirit shrine upon hearing the call from behind.

... ...

The Beichuan family still has you, still has me, still has mother. The Beichuan family has not yet collapsed

Hmm. Beichuan nodded, raising the oden in his hand, "I was a bit hungry just now, Eri, would you like to have some?"

Some individuals often complain about their parents, feeling that their parents control everything and that they have no freedom at all

Hmm. Beichuan Temple responded softly, putting down the oden.

Several years ago, Kitagawa Kenichi passed away due to a traffic accident. The Kitagawa family received a substantial compensation amount, but they also lost the pillar of their home. Perhaps from that day on, Kitagawa Kenichi has been quietly watching over the family by the altar, silently protecting them.

I understand now, and I will not do this again in the future. Beichuan Temple wiped the table with a cloth and then took out the hot oden.

Sister Ni, shall we go to the New Year shrine visit together tomorrow

Alright. These are merely trivial matters, and of course, Beichuan Temple must agree.

Beichuan Temple is not clear

Since the passing of Kitagawa Kenichi, Kitagawa Temple, which was already not very talkative, has become even more silent. Moreover, with his mother being extremely busy with her designer work abroad, she has not noticed the changes at Kitagawa Temple

... ...

Recently, although it is winter break, you must not let your guard down. All the assignments that need to be completed must be finished, and remember to take Eri to the New Year shrine visit when you have time

In the living room, a middle-aged man with a gentle and pale face is watching Beichuan Temple striding forward with great strides

"Temple, how many times have I told you not to go out so late? Look at how scared Eri is! You are the older brother, and you must protect Eri." The middle-aged man tapped the table in front of him and spoke in a tone that was partly reproachful.

But time truly passes too quickly. Often, when you are not paying attention, the sounds that were once常在耳边 have quietly disappeared.

Ignoring the dazed and blank stare of Kitagawa Eri, Bai Fan simply turned around silently and lit another long incense stick

"I'm sorry... Dad... I'm so useless." The voice of Kitagawa Kenichi gradually faded away

In life, there are always one or two commitments that cannot be broken

After Beichuan Temple heard Beichuan Huili's response, he nodded and looked up at the slowly rising smoke, which was entwined with the fragrance of incense

Zheng——

I have never felt it to be difficult

Where does a person go after death

Kawashita Kenichi was like a little girl, needing to chatter about every little thing with Kawashita Temple. After responding a few times, Kawashita Temple stopped replying, turning away and quietly listening to the other person speak

The tone of Beichuan Temple remains steady

The upside-down woman on the ceiling, the ghostly shadow by the sink mirror, and the writhing mass of flesh by the dining table have not harmed Kitagawa Eri and Kitagawa Temple, which should also be attributed to his efforts

Above the altar is a black and white photograph. In the photo, Kenichi Kitagawa is smiling gently, just as he did a moment ago