Few after the divorce, she couldn’t stay by her daughter’s side only because she was working for her daughter’s sake. But to expect a elementary schooler to understand that was wrong. Aya did understand that inside her head but her feelings simply couldn’t agree.
Rather than her mother who was away, it was obvious that she’d be more open to the Amagi couple who were by her side always.
There was no discord, but their conversations lessened and the time they spent together further lessened and the time she spent at her job increased.
By the time Aya reached middle school, her mother was practically living at her workplace. She stopped coming much to her apartment.
Aya stopped being in her own room and spent more in time next door. Since Yayoi was also there, there was no problem even if she stayed the night.
On reaching middle school she began recognising Souichi as a boy of same age. He might have been her first love even. Or maybe she was simply embarrassed during puberty. Aya wasn’t sure of that even now.
After becoming aware of Souichi, her eyes followed him and her heart beat faster when she talked to him. Due to embarrassment the gap between them grew a bit. Souichi who didn’t really care about that still went close to Aya and often got scolded by her.
When he asked his parents for advice, it was declared that he was at fault instead at which he could only tilt his head in confusion.
The boy Amagi was unable to understand that elementary school and middle school was different. Aya was his childhood friend. A close freind. One with whom he did not want to worsen his relationship with.
In fact, Aya would only increase his distance with Souichi due to that but in the end, well, they lived next to each other. The distance was not more than the distance between souichi’s room and Yayoi’s room. It was truly a charming thing.
Yayoi would look at those happily and somewhat enviously. She didn’t like that her beloved brother only paid attention to Aya but she loved Aya as well. Yayoi who more perceptive in that aspect even more than Aya who was an year older, would often tease Aya.
Aya’s relationship with her mother was somewhat complicated but still, she lived a fulfilling life. Her everyday life was peaceful and calm.
That ended in the 3rd year of middle school. At the end of spring but just before summer truly began. While going to school, she was suddenly struck by a floating feeling. Suddenly, out of nowhere, her everyday life ended.