The Pigeon Center, built next to the pigeon cafe recommended by my mom friend.
Hinato is volunteering there as a reception clerk.
She is already 14 years old, and you can really see her caring side coming out.
Meanwhile, the second-generation Popporo has also fallen in love with another male and keeps giving birth to chicks, so I thought she might need a break and brought her to the Pigeon Center. I used my company holiday to do this.
Of course, working from home is not mandatory either.
I approached the reception area called the “Pigeon Division,” holding Popporo forward so Hinato could see us.
Then, I greeted the section manager.
“Well, if it isn’t Harui-san!”
Ah—yes. Is Hinato doing a good job?
“Yes, absolutely. Middle schoolers are so bold! She is working hard for us~”
Phew, what a relief.
It was a surprisingly sensible answer—thank you goodness.
My hands holding Popporo are soaked in sweat.
“That girl really likes pigeons, doesn’t she?”
Well, she can talk with pigeons, so it must be fun.
Compared to me, she has a caring and responsible attitude, and she looks prettier and cuter than other kids.
Yet Hinato does not look troubled at all, skillfully handling everything from organizing documents to handing them over. Being young is so nice.
“Shall I call her over?”
No, that’s fine.
I want to watch her grow, so could you just let her take care of Popporo for a change? If she gets about an hour with her, Popporo will probably feel energized too.
And the thrill of secretly watching Hinato is just irresistible.
“Ah, Section Manager Tamaki.”
Please, just ignore me and keep doing your work so I can watch.
“Thanks for bringing Popporo♪”
Ah, yes. The smile on your face the moment you accept Popporo soaks right into my heart.
And feeling like, “Please, won’t you give me a photo opportunity too,” I instinctively pull out my smartphone camera. This welfare center is a hardcore facility that lets you photograph favored staff members and pigeons.
There is a resting room right next to the reception, so you can peek in closely.
“Popporo, let’s play with a toy, okay?”
Coo-coo-coo—
Hinato places the pigeon on a T-shaped piece of wood and brings a small ping-pong ball close to Popporo’s eyes, then moves it away. By doing this, she encourages the pigeon’s stretching movements, even making it spread its wings and flap. It is the best exercise for Popporo, who lives in an apartment. Since she would get stiff and unable to move otherwise, this is just right.
Still, Hinato’s plump cheeks… Ah, so cute, I could just eat her up…!
“Now, Popporo. How about this?”
Next, Hinato moved a round sponge to Popporo’s beak. Popporo quickly opened and closed her beak 50 times. Then Hinato said, “Good job,” and stroked her small head.
To train the weakening orbicularis oris muscles, she makes her bite down on and release a thick wooden mouthpiece, helping her eat food better. Without swallowing it, of course.
Poppo-looo—
“Good job.”
—I want to be told that too. No, I want to tell her that.
She was cute in elementary school, but now in middle school, she has become remarkably cuter.
Plus, there is a clear rise and fall in her tone of voice, giving her breathing a nice rhythm.
She grows while exercising and volunteering every day.
Her caring nature is probably also because she takes care of me and Kanade.
Her role at the Pigeon Center is definitely a passing grade.
“Ah, an hour has already passed…”
Popporo’s care is finished.
I was hiding and cheering for Hinato, but it just made me like her even more.
Other kids work here too. But the only one shining among them was Hinato.
I start thinking about what kind of reward to prepare when we get home.
My reward for myself will be a collection of photos of Hinato and Popporo.
“Coo-coo-coo-roo—”
“Harui-san, we’re all done here.”
“Oh? Was Karen Mom taking care of you today?”
Yeah. Thanks.
I was the one taking care of her.
Kanade is the hospital director, so she’s busy… so I came instead.
Is shrimp gratin okay for dinner since it’s Hinato’s favorite?
“No… I want you to treat me like an adult here.”
That habit of fidgeting with her hair while looking embarrassed is so cute.
She is acting a bit mature; I guess this is what a girl in love is like.
Hmm? And when did I become an auntie, anyway?
Oh well…
Let’s make it eel gratin, which is even fancier than shrimp.
After all, it’s only once a week.
—4:00 PM
“Well then, Section Manager Tamaki. I’ll be leaving early today.”
“Good work, Harui-san.”
In the end, I lingered until evening. I think the resting room offered the ultimate hospitality with free tea. I managed to handle some remote work on my smartphone from time to time as well. Besides, I wanted to go shopping with Hinato while carrying the pigeon cage today.
“Karen Mom?”
What?
“Can I hug you tonight?”
Are you lonely?
“No, just… somehow…”
Whether she is nervous or still not used to our life, I catch glimpses of Hinato acting like this from time to time.
14 years old…
If my little sister were still alive, would she have been like this too…?
However—
“Mom, my forehead is good.”
Fufu, you little spoiled brat. We’re in public, you know? Even though you’re growing up, you haven’t changed a bit.
“Chu”