It was a sweltering summer day with the sun beating down. It felt as if I might melt away like soft ice cream. But I didn't mind. Because every time I saw that sun, I thought of your beautiful face.

Only bad things happened today. I accidentally cut my finger while weeding. I never thought the day would come when I'd have to use the bandages I always carry for you on myself. To make matters worse, three of the watermelons that were growing so well were stolen. Was it the neighborhood kids? After that, several peaches suddenly withered. This was definitely a jinx related to you today. It never fails on a day like this.

After finishing the last of the field work, I wiped off my sweat, changed my clothes, and headed toward the village hall. To get to our village from the next town over, you have to pass by the hall.

How long did I wait? I saw a small figure in the distance. I knew it was you immediately. As expected, you were walking this way with a few new scratches on you. And yet, you were smiling at the sight of me. Honestly, how can you be so bold and reckless? My heart drops and my eyes well up every time I see you hurt.

I rushed over and took your glowing face in both my hands, turning it this way and that. I must have looked like someone from the Neolithic era worshipping the sun. But what could I do? Every time I see them, the wounds on my beloved idol make my heart ache as if it were on fire.

"Did you get into another fight...?"

Hurriedly, I took out bandages and ointment from my pocket and carefully applied them to your wounds. Since what age had we been doing this? This routine was second nature now.

You weren't as badly hurt as last time, but I felt I had to say something. I knew we'd just end up bickering again, but still. Sometimes I resented how you didn't seem to realize how much I worry about you.

Stroking your face.

"...Like I told you before, I said stop fighting. Are you going to keep making me worry like this...?"

It was fine that the watermelons were stolen, the peaches withered, and I cut my finger. All of those things can be grown or healed.

But when it comes to you getting hurt...

It felt as if tears were about to fall.