The search for Umoya led them to an old house. Miers searched for a space to peek inside, finding a small hole in one of the walls. Slowly, he peered inside, the dim light just enough for him to see shadows within.
"Looks like there's a kid in there. Probably that troublemaker," whispered Miers.
Releasing Melino's hand, Miers gestured for her to wait. While Miers tried to find the entrance to Umoya's house, he moved cautiously, avoiding making any noise.
He successfully entered through the front door. Miers inched closer to where Umoya was. His hand reached behind his waist, pulling out a hidden knife. As he got close to Umoya, Miers positioned the knife behind her, intending to intimidate Umoya to prevent any sudden movements.
"...forgive me, Mother..."
Miers steps froze.
"Forgive me, mother. I couldn't bring back any food today," Umoya's voice, choked with sobs, reached Miers.
As Miers adapted to the dim light inside the house, he could finally see the room surroundings. To his surprise, a figure Umoya referred to as mother was lying down. Miers was shocked; the body he assumed was lifeless looked terribly thin and frail, with blind eyes as if gouged out!
Miers stepped back in astonishment at the sight he thought was a corpse. His resentment towards Umoya transformed into pity. Umoya, still kneeling beside her mother, remained unaware of Miers' presence.
"U...Umoya," called Umoya's mother with labored breaths, seemingly enduring immense pain.
"Forgive me... for not being able to protect you... both of you, for not being able to see you grow. Forgive me... for making your lives difficult... all this time."
Umoya cried harder, tears streaming down her face, washing away the dirt on her cheeks. Her hands tightly grasped her mother's hand against her chest.
"I... have one last request."
"Mother! Don't say that. I will find medicine for you. I will find food for you. Please don't leave me alone!" Umoya shouted in distress.
Umoya's mother raised her hand, reaching towards Miers. Umoya was surprised by Miers' presence behind her. Miers, confused by Umoya's mother's actions, he stood still, unsure of how to react. Umoya's mother, seemingly sensing Miers, spoke.
"Young man. You have a strong heart. I could feel it. Please... take care of my little girl."
Miers didn't respond. He simply reached for her hand, gripping it tightly. He then pulled Umoya's hand and placed it in her mother's hand. Umoya understood Miers' intention. Her mother wouldn't last much longer. She could only cry silently.
Miers walked away, leaving Umoya and her mother for a moment. He went to where Melino was waiting, looking at her face. Her round, blue eyes sparkled like gemstones, filled with tears. Miers sighed heavily, gazing up at the sky.
After a while, Umoya appeared at the door. Her face, once tear-streaked, brought sorrow to anyone who saw her. However, she was no longer crying. It seemed her mother had passed away. Melino approached Umoya and hugged her. Umoya remained silent, not saying a word. She then pushed Melino away. Startled by Umoya's action, Miers drew his knife and got into a defensive position, anticipating her to attack them.
"I'm Sorry!" Umoya apologized, kneeling in front of them.
"I want to apologize for causing trouble for both of you. Because of my actions, both of you had to... had to..." Umoya couldn't finish her sentence due to shame for relying on two people she had just met.
Miers and Melino exchanged glances, then smiled. They extended their hands to her..
"Umoya, don't worry. From today onwards, we're family," Melino said with a smile.
Once again, tears flowed down Umoya's cheeks, not tears of sadness but tears of joy. Joy that Miers and Melino were willing to accept and forgive her for what she had done to them. Perhaps her wrongdoing wasn't significant, but their forgiveness meant everything to Umoya because now, they were her family.
The day grew darker. After burying Umoya's mother, the three of them moved to find a place to spend the night. During the journey, Umoya walked silently behind Miers and Melino. Clearly, she was still grieving her mother's death. Miers glanced at Melino, gesturing with his eyes towards Umoya. As if understanding her brother's intention, Melino reached for Umoya's hand, pulling her close to walk side by side. Umoya's sorrowful expression gradually eased.