I am Kanade Harui.
A month ago, my wife, Karen, brought home a young girl.
She was very enthusiastic about adopting her, so I decided that I would look after her until she becomes an adult.
The girl’s name is Hinato Nanatsuno.
It is not just that I feel I have to, but I truly want to welcome her as my own child.
She seems confused about whether she likes or dislikes pigeons, but based on my experience at the animal hospital, I realized she doesn’t actually dislike them; rather, she is a kind child who can connect with their hearts.
It seems she can communicate with them; she lets me know when Popporo’s condition worsens, and she seems to have grown attached to me.
I am her parent without a blood connection… I suppose?
She is precious, and she has the special ability to connect with animals other than just pigeons.
Her parents passed away in a fire, though…
Hey, Popporo. Can you talk to her?
“Po, po-po-po-poo.”
I can understand his physical condition, his mood, and his emotions, but I cannot understand the actual words.
Lately, however, Hinato has not been feeling well, and even feeding her liquid nutrients has had no effect.
As the only child of Popporo, I want her to grow up healthy, but Popporo is already raising twenty other chicks and is showing signs of aging. There are some things that medicine alone cannot fix.
“Mommy Kanade.”
Oh, Hinato… what should I do?
I cannot even heal her with my own strength alone.
“She is saying she wants to go to the park.”
Oh, is that so?
I can understand how to monitor her using physical examinations, medical instruments, and medicine, but the park??
“Karen, can I leave Popporo to you while we go?”
Oh, yes… I understand…
Karen, can I count on you? It does not seem to be a case of malnutrition, so…
“Sure. I hope the chick gets well soon. I will stay here and work from home with Popporo.”
Phew, that is a relief. I will give you a big reward later.
–A park near the apartment
There are parents in the park with their small children.
There are moms, daughters, and sons… the sons look a little bit girlish.
I am also with a 10-year-old child, and as a woman in her 30s, I could barely manage to make some “mom friends.” There is small playground equipment and lush trees. It is a very suitable place for resting.
So, Hinato. About the chick—why was it better to bring her to the park?
“Because lots of pigeons come here, you see?”
This child not only communicates with pigeons but also learns about biology in school; she is a reliable little person. She is very different from the way I used to be.
On the other hand, Karen only plays with girls, so while I can’t exactly call her unreliable, she is a troublesome one whom I worry about—
I am surprised Popporo has stuck with her all this time.
After we sat for about 30 minutes, approaching 4:00 PM, one, two, three pigeons arrived.
What could be the meaning behind their appearance?
“Mommy Kanade, these pigeons are all female.”
“Popporo—po-po.”
“They said they will take care of the chick for me.”
Oh, is that what it meant?
I had Hinato say, “Thank you, please do.”
The chick, who came out of the small basket, looked very happy being surrounded by the three pigeons.
They touched beaks and poked at each other…
Come to think of it, I have never taken the chick outside before.
Thanks to Hinato, the family is doing better, and I must reward this child, too…
–8:00 PM
Dinner was omurice. It was homemade by Karen, and Hinato helped out.
Also, Popporo seems to be in a good mood. He even brushed his teeth.
Well then, since the chick is feeling better, shall I give the two of them their rewards?
“Kanade, just be direct.”
Kiss.
“Mommy Kanade, please kiss my forehead or my cheek!”
Kiss, kiss.
Like this, the three of us took a bath and slept in the same bed.
I wore matching underwear with them. I held them close, skin to skin.
Besides, to be able to resuscitate the chick like that—what exactly is this child?