“What’s Wrong with Melissa?”
|| Azusa & Yui’s Family - Scenario ||
Scenario Details: Soft (long) casual scenario based on Azusa's After Story in More Blood, where he is raising four children with Yui in the most lovely way, in their cozy orphanage. But in here, one of them, seems to have some troubles to smile again.
(Excuse me if there's a mistake, and thank you in advance <3)
—Good morning! — Yui cheerfully announced the new day in the children's room. —Time to get up! — She touched along the wall until she found the switch and turned on the lights. Now she could clearly see the little ones' still-sleepy faces. —Breakfast is ready. —
—Good... morning— most of them said in unison as they roused themselves and climbed out of bed… all except for one little girl who remained asleep, still deeply tired.
—Melissa?—Yui walked in to wake her up in directly —Sleepyhead. Hey... it's morning already— she said gently shaking her shoulder.
—Mmm... Good morning,— she stirred in the sheets, grumbling a little. —I'll be down in a bit, Mom.— Her voice sounded very spiritless, unlike her usual self.
Yui didn't want to leave her behind the rest, but it was fine, the little one might just need a few more minutes of sleep to recharge. —Alright, take your time. But not too long. We're waiting for you downstairs. —With that, she left the room with the rest of the kids.
—And Melissa? —Azusa asked. — Where’s she?
Justin, Christina, and little Alfredo were already seated in the dining room, rubbing their sleepy eyes, with disheveled strands of hair. It was easy to notice someone's absence, especially when it was the gentle Melissa, who usually sat right next to her father.
—She told me she’d be down in a moment, but you're right, she is taking a while. I'll go check if she fell back asleep again— the blonde said, starting to get up, but a small hand stopped her.
—I'll go, Mom,— Christina offered. —I'll go faster.—
Yui stopped —Hmm... Alright, go and check on your sister.
But just as Christina was about to jump out of the chair, the person in question appeared. Melissa walked into the room, still looking disheveled and a bit downcast. Details, that went a little unnoticed, as everyone assumed it was only natural to look that way right after waking up.
And so, they all began to eat the delicious, colorful breakfast Yui had prepared: french toast, some eggs and rice. Everyone was eating and chatting, except for Melissa, who simply used her fork to push the food from one side of her plate to the other...
—Hey... You’ve barely …touched your food—Azusa remarked to the little girl beside him. —Don't you have …an appetite?—
—Oh, sorry. I just got distracted thinking— she said by way of excuse, though, prompted by his comment, she began shoveling large mouthfuls of food into her mouth.
That didn't quite convince the Mukami, he grimaced slightly. Still, it was possible she really had just been distracted.
However, on the other side of the table, Yui had noticed it too. Her newly awakened maternal intuition was beginning to tell her that something was up in the little girl’s attitude.
“I don't know if I'm overthinking, but I've noticed something very different about her since this morning.”
“After breakfast, while Azusa and I took care of some repairs around the place, the children were playing in the garden, but Melissa was separated from them, to a solitaire side.”
“She was sitting on the ground, thoughtfully fiddling with a flower in her hand. But then, it unsettled me to see her slowly tearing off the petals, with that empty stare.”
“I couldn't help but think something was wrong…this kind of behavior is new for her.”
“I need to talk about this with Azusa soon”
—We're almost done... Just one more nail and that would make it— said Yui from atop the ladder, eyeing a defect in the ceiling. The old house required constant upkeep, lots of reparations. Although it was habitable, there were still rusty pipes and hollow sections with gaps, like the hole in the ceiling Yui was currently patching up with some tables.
—Here— said Azusa, handing her the final nail while supervising from down and holding the ladder steady.
Yui took it and finished nailing it in place within a minute. —All done! How does it look?—
—It’ll hold… at least until we save up more money... But you did a great job, Yui. —
He looked at her with admiration, admiring the smallest of Yui’s achievements —I wish… I could help you more. —
—But you’ve already done more than enough! — she smiled at her husband. —Thanks to you, I managed to finish on time and without any risks
Yui knew that, every now and then, Azusa could still feel somewhat self-conscious about his disability... in the wrong way. No matter how much she explained things, Azusa always wanted to do more and felt he should have done more. But she didn't want him to overwork himself just to prove his worth. So, Yui had learned that, in situations like these, distracting him was the best approach.
—Hey, let's take a break. Maybe some fresh lemonade?~ — she suggested cheerfully as she climbed down the ladder and let her hair down again. —It’s what we deserve after hours of work, right? —
Azusa didn't question it and agreed with a smile: —Yes, I'll set the table then—
Seeing that reaction, Yui sighed with relief and followed him. With that, the young couple went to the kitchen to prepare a simple snack for themselves and the children. It was a comfortable sunny day; the kids would surely be thirsty after playing so much in the big backyard.
But before calling them, Yui wanted to ask her husband something in private. She discreetly steered him into a corner, away from prying ears, signaling that she needed to discuss something important...
Slightly confused, Azusa followed the gesture and asked —What is it?
—It’s about Melissa. — she revelead
—Yeah, she’s down. And the more I thought about it, I realized she’s been like that in the last two days… but today...
—It’s even more noticeable...— Azusa added, inevitably turning towards the backyard where the children were. —Do you know … why she’s like that?—
—No idea.—She shook her head. —It was sudden. Overnight, she went from smiling to that look of distress.—
—Mmh... Maybe there’s something …we don’t know, but perhaps …the others do?...—
—Christina, Justin, and Alfredo are playing as if nothing’s wrong. It could be that they haven’t noticed yet. Or... have they shut her out? ...Do you think they excluded her? — Yui raised a hand to her mouth, scared of the idea of her children turning against one another.
But Azusa shook his head—Melissa …isn't the type of girl …to hide something like that from us …if she's having a conflict with someone... She’d be the first …to let us know—Azusa observed. He knew his little girl, and the others well enough to know that wasn't the case. —We’d better ask …Melissa directly... but gently...—
—I know!— Yui exclaimed. —What if we go to the park? That might cheer her up. It’s been a while since we all went there together. And if her mood doesn't improve, we could ask her then.—
—Oh…Yui, that’s a good idea...— Azusa agreed, equally enthusiastic.
That’s what the parents agreed upon, hopeful that they would see their little daughter smile again or at least discover the reason for her low spirits and find a way to resolve it.
Once the plans were made, they called the children to tell them about the outing to the park. Naturally, the kids were thrilled, and jumped of joy. Melissa, however, was a different story; even this didn't lift her spirits so much. Yet she wasn't grumpy either, she simply accepted the invitation quietly, offering a fleeting smile, mostly just to be polite.
The park wasn't far from home, so the whole family walked there after some minutes. Yui and Azusa flanked the group, keeping an eye on the children, while the others walked in the middle, chatting and making plans for what they would do once they arrived.
And Azusa couldn't help but keep a closer watch on Melissa, who was walking right beside him, glancing her way every minute. She just walked with her eyes on the wet ground, occasionally looking around, still wearing that peculiar air of distress.
—Melissa…—Azusa called her.
He extended his hand —Can we…hold hands?— and waited for a response.
Melissa didn’t answer verbally, she simply nodded and took her father’s hand. Azusa held her gently, showing tenderness, yet firmly enough to convey protection. And after that:
Just hearing her voice again, brought Azusa a short relief. He turned immediately to look at her, his heart stirring with anticipation, ready to give his full attention to whatever she was about to say. —Y-yes?… Tell me.—
In the end, Melissa said nothing. She simply squeezed her father’s fingers with her small grip.
—Are you sure… there’s anything… you want to say? — Azusa insisted gently, perhaps she just needed a little push to open up about her feelings.
But Melissa gave nothing else. —Thanks for bringing us to the park…— she simply said.
Both of them knew perfectly well, that this wasn't the real message, not the true intention behind starting the conversation. But Azusa understood, he wouldn't get anywhere right then, so he stopped pressing the issue and went along with the impromptu topic.
—You're welcome…It’s been a while since… we went out like this… hasn't it? …Play as much as you want.— Yet, he couldn't help but add: —I’m here for you…for anything at all…including just listening... Got it?—
Once at the park, they headed for a shady spot near the trees and the playground. There, Yui set up a small picnic, taking a tablecloth out of her basket and arranging some plates. Meanwhile, the children scattered: Christina ran toward the slide, Alfredo ran after her intending to do the same, and Justin tried to take Melissa along by the hand, but she declined the offer and headed for the swings instead. Once again, the little girl was separated from the rest by her own choice.
Azusa didn't miss a thing. He wanted to go over to her, but decided to give her a moment alone; perhaps in a few minutes she would feel up to playing with the others…or so he hoped.
That’s how the early afternoon minutes unfolded in the park. Until while playing, one of the kids noticed something peculiar in the sky —What is that? — Alfredo asked in the middle of their game, gazing into the distance.
—What? Oh...— Justin asked next, but the scene itself provided the answer immediately.
Christina stepped up beside them, looking in the direction her brothers were watching. Far, far off, a massive plume of gray smoke, almost charcoal-colored, was visible. — Woah! It’s probably a fire. A building burning down or something like that! Scary... — she said, somewhat taken aback by the sheer scale of the smoke. It was a striking sight, against the backdrop of a clear sky. That curtain of thick smoke marred the peacefulness of the afternoon shades.
Melissa, the little girl on the swings, noticed it too. She turned her face towards the peculiar scene, and her neutral expression creased slightly.
—Kids! — Yui said, walking toward the play area and calling out to them. —Come on over! Time to eat!
—Mom! Look! — Justin pointed. —That cloud!
—I said Is not a cloud. it’s a fire— Christina corrected.
Yui turned to look and was also surprised by the unusual scene. —Wow... It must be something serious— she remarked, bringing a hand to her mouth. —Oh, God help them, it looks serious. But... let's ignore that for now a-and let's go eat, Okay? Your father is waiting for you all —
With that, Justin, Christina, and Alfredo brushed the dirt from their knees and clothes and walked toward the small picnic spot. Meanwhile, Melissa’s eyes remained fixed on the trail of the long distant fire.
—You hardly got to use the swing...— Yui commented, stepping up behind her. —Before we go eat, would you like me to help you swing for a bit? —
—What do you think is happening over there, Mom? — She ignored her mother's suggestion, far more interested in the events surrounding the fire.
—Huh? — The blonde hadn't expected that. —Well, it’s definitely a dangerous fire. But I couldn't say exactly what’s burning. It could be any number of things, not just a house. —
After a deep sigh, Melissa got off the swing and walked over to her mother's side. —I hope that if there are any animals, they're safe from the flames. —
Yui smiled at her, touched by her daughter's compassion —Animals are very smart — she tried to offer her much hope as possible. Melissa needed that spark of a bright possibility— They’ll know how to find shelter if that happens. Or maybe they weren't any animals nearby, so don't worry about that — So, she took the little girl by the hand and led her toward the picnic, joining the others.
But later, Amidst the snatches of conversation, the sounds of birds in the trees, the clatter of plates and glasses here and there, the most persistent sound in Melissa’s ears was the sirens.
As time passed, the clamorous noise of ambulances and fire trucks became unmistakable, all of them rushing towards the source of the flames that the kids watched some moments ago. And the family noticed it, but it didn't bother them much, after all, such loudly sounds were normal in that type of urban neighborhood. Yes, it was unsettling for the first few seconds, even causing a certain amount of casual worry, but their immediate personal concerns caused those external matters to fade into complete indifference. So, they ignored the scandalous distant sounds and simply enjoyed their meal. Talking, eating, drinking and having a happy family time in the cozy picnic.
So why did the girl with the blank gaze remain in a state of mysterious worry? The piercing wail of the sirens offered no comfort... it served only as a reminder of a reality she was trying to ignore. She felt she could not simply tune out that sound. Even though her mother’s voice and her sister’s laughter were closer and louder, the siren’s wail crept into her ears, reminding her of things she did not wish to process. She covered her ears, but that wasn't enough...
—Dad...— Once again, Melissa was sitting beside her father, and she called out to him in a quiet plea for help. —Can we leave? —
Azusa turned while eating to attend the timid voice beside him. After swallowing his food, he spoke, sounding surprised by the sudden request: —You want to... leave already? —
Azusa felt pressured. He didn't want to tell the others they had to leave right in the middle of the meal, but neither did he want to leave the girl in a situation she clearly wasn't enjoying. —Do you think you could... at least wait for the others to finish eating? ...After that... we'll all going to clean up... and go home— he suggested, using the most understanding tone he could use.
She hesitated. Her desire was to leave in that instant, but she gave in. —O-Okay— disappointed she said.
And he noticed that —Come here... you can lean on me— Azusa offered, making a little room for the little girl to rest in his lap. —If you want, you can take a nap... that way, time might pass faster. —
Melissa agreed and leaned down. Perhaps resting against her father lap would quiet the sound of the intrusive siren noises.
“When it was time to close the picnic basket, it was time to leave. Everyone packed up ... and stood ready to head home.”
“I noticed... that Melissa had indeed fallen asleep in my lap ... after minutes of waiting. Not wanting to disturb her peace… I picked her up, carrying her all the way home against my chest.”
“And my mind couldn't stop thinking... about the main issue: The outing to the park hadn't improved her mood ….in fact, she seemed even more tense.”
“What is wrong with Melissa?”
“I wondered with every step...”
“Melissa usually confided her worries and joys with me all the time, but this silence, this lack of words... makes me feel like if a light on my path was flickering out. The distress in Melissa’s eyes is new in her, certainly … but that sadness is nothing new to me. Then a sensed a personal déjà vu in all this...”
“Somehow, I recognize that melancholy she’s wearing, as something I had once lived through myself when I was a Kid”
“It breaks my heart to think … she’s experiencing similar afflictions as I used to do”
End of Azusa’s Monologue.
Melissa woke up, realizing that it was no longer her father’s lap cradling her head, but a pillow. She was in her bed now, at home. The disturbing noises were gone, replaced now by the opposite: a heavy silence. She was alone in her siblings' room. Confused and unsure of the time, she turned towards the window and saw that night had fallen.
And though she was finally within the longed-for shelter of her home, the absence of anyone around her... stirred a desperate need for company.
She felt cold and defenseless. —D-Dad...—she whispered, calling out to the first person who came to mind—Dad...—until the call turned into a cry for help: —Dad! —It was a demand, like a baby crying to be tended to. —Where are you, Dad?! Dad! — Her voice held the raw emotion of weeping, even though there were no tears in her eyes yet, only in the call itself. The little girl kept calling for her father, and she wouldn't stop until she saw him in front of her. —Dad! —
Sound carried easily through the house's hallways, especially if they were that scandalous, so that desperate cry soon reached the young parents, who exchanged worried glances.
Yui was alarmed to hear her daughter like that, but not as much as Azusa, because he was the one being called for in those desperate sobs.
Azusa strode quickly towards her room; it felt as if a rope were binding him and violently pulling him in that direction with every desperate call. That was the kind of bond he felt regarding his children's needs.
—Melissa! — he called out, bursting through the door and fixing his gaze on his daughter, who was sitting on the edge of bed. —I’m here! … I’m here— he repeated, trying to soothe her.
He immediately went to her to make sure she was unhurt or free of any type of physical damage, then he glanced around the room, to confirm there was no danger. But once he saw that everything around seemed in order, he asked directly— What happened!? … Did you… have a nightmare? —
The child’s body was reacting strangely. Even she didn't know the reason for her trembling. She was whimpering, even though everything seemed to be fine.
Azusa sat beside her and rubbed her shoulder as her breathing came in rapid, shallow gasps. —First... breathe in with me... Take a deep breath, okay? —Azusa then demonstrated: he inhaled deeply, held the air for five seconds, and released it in a long, steady exhale. He repeated the process while watching her, until he noticed Melissa was following his lead. After watching her father doing it, the girl found herself breathing in sync with him. Both trying to recover from the rush of nerves.
—There, there... Like that... very good. — He congratulated. Despite the Mukami's natural calm demeanor, even he was still feeling the effects of the recent scare, he needed those breaths too— Could you tell me what's wrong? … Your mother and I... we've noticed something is worrying you. We want to help... but if we don't know what it is... there isn't much we can do. Will you... tell us, please? —
Melissa played with the edges of her dress, thoughtful. But only took to saw his fathers worried but gentle eyes, to gain the enough trust to speak: —I’m worried...—The little one didn't quite know how to put her thoughts into words, but she spoke as best her vacillating mouth allowed —...What if you all disappear one day? You... Mom, my brothers, my sister... What if the house collapses one day… and all is gone? —
Azusa was taken aback; he hadn't expected a worry like that from the little girl’s mind. —Melissa, what are you talking about? .... We aren't going anywhere…not me, Mom, or your sister and brothers... We’re always together… we’re a family, and we are not going anywhere... without you. And yeah, the house is old... but don't worry... it won't collapse—
Melissa was far from at ease with that. Her brow furrowed even more, framing confusion and distress. —I’m talking about death—
Death. A word that, in their harmonious present, no longer had a place in Azusa’s vocabulary. A word he had heard long ago and ceased to be a serious worry for him. He said nothing, quite surprised. So, he simply touched Melissa’s arm, waiting to see if there was anything more to be said.
And indeed, there was more.
—I don't have my real parents anymore... I have no real memories of them, but... How do I know the same thing won't happen with you two? There are constantly reports of accidents in the papers, or around us... like the fire I saw today at the park. What if you get into an accident like that!? or me?!... — her words trembled just by the horrendous idea of losing his father —I don't understand... I can't be at peace when there's deaths and suffering happening everywhere. —Tears soon welled up in Melissa's dark eyes as she turned toward her father's face —Dad, I'm scared— she cried —so scared… that it hurts...—
And Azusa embraced her urgently.
There was no time to elaborate sentences. He felt that if he didn't hold her, the little girl would fall into an abyss of deep sorrow. He had to catch her in time. So, he held her tightly with his only arm, keeping her from sinking further into pain.
Pain. No, he didn't want her to know what pain is. He knew the experience of physical pain, but he also knew how hellish the intangible pain of emotions could be, a pain that bandages could not help. Yet perhaps, an embrace could wrap around the girl's wounded heart? So, he did that.
For a moment, when he saw her daughter, he saw that lost orphan boy that was treated like trash long decades ago. That fragile child with unstitched clothes and arms with wounds. The same child that was confused about the tragedy of the world, praying for the end of the suffering, repeating the words “God, why don’t you just kill me?”. Innocence walking in an unfair world.
But even that lame lamb, was chosen to know what hope is. Even that dirty child was chosen among many mortals, to know what love is.
—Melissa… Do you know …why you’re here?— Azusa spoke, even calmer than usual, fearing he might touch a sensitive nerve of his daughter.
Melissa, still in her father's cuddle, just shook his head, not knowing the answer.
—You were chosen. Chosen to have the chance …to know what it’s like… to have a family again. That was my wish…and your mother’s. You can dismiss it… as impossible if you like… but it was even a blessing from the heavens. — Azusa buried his face deeper into the little girl's dark hair, speaking to her tenderly —As long as you are with us… we will ensure that the evils of the world… do not touch you. I will make sure to protect you. —He held her closer, inviting her to sit on his lap —It is True... I do not possess powers to turn back time… or halt death. But I’ve learned… that a single small action … is all it takes to make a big difference. This old house isn't much… but it was enough to welcome you …and your siblings… right? — Azusa couldn't help but remember all the times he tried to protect Yui from tons of dangers, just with his wounded bare hands. Frustrating times were everything seemed like a reminder of his inferiority. As if nature itself was mocking him. Just a human with borrowed fangs. And yet... He survived — I can't fix the world's big problems … neither its pain, but …I can start somewhere, and this house… this is where. I can at least try to … heal your pain, Melissa.—
Melissa separated a little from his father's chest, to look at him and respond —Dad...— but when she locked eyes with her father, Melissa noticed he was all tears. —You are crying—
—Huh? — Azusa blinked, and teardrops spilled from his gray eyes. —It... It seems like it...
Melissa quickly wiped his cheeks. —No! Don't cry, Dad! I didn't mean to! — But she couldn't help it either, her own tears were falling too. —If it makes you happy, I'll smile more! But please don't cry! Don't be sad because of me! I don't want to see you cry, Dad!
—It's alright… Just smile… when your heart feels like it…Don't do it for me, do it for yourself. — He paused, and with crystalized eyes, continued—Besides, I'm fine... just a bit emotional...
—Should I call Mom!? She makes you smile a lot. She could help you! — Melissa suggested as if it was urgent to make his dad smile again.
Azusa let out a short, soft laugh. Quiet, yet clearly audible. —Heh... In that case, she’d find … the two of us in tears... and she'd need to help us both— and that short laugh appeared again.
That smile amidst the tears, moved Melissa's biggest empathy. Seeing her father, so sensitive and vulnerable, despite being the authority figure she looked up to… stirred a desire in her, to take care of him. And perhaps, for a moment, she understood what it meant to "Protect". Was this the kind of smiles her father says needs to be protected?
With that in mind, Melissa wiped out her own tears and sealed her next promise with another tight hug, wrapping his little arms around Azusa's neck. —Dad... I-I’ll do my best to protect you too—
Unexpected and ironic. He came to cheer her up, but now he was receiving a promised protection from his little daughter. Making Azusa wonder in silence once again:
"What did I do...to deserve this precious end?"
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