“Your mother sent me to find you. It took almost three years, and I’m sorry for every second of those years, because you had to endure many hardships. I know that. But you have to know that I will cherish and protect you, no matter what. Do you understand that? You have my sacred word on it. You do not have to do things to please me as you were taught to do in that place. Do you understand, Kiku-chan? I am here to protect you, no matter what. Your mother wanted that, and so do I.”
The child looked up at Kaze. In the dim light of the barn, illuminated by moonlight filtering in through cracks in the board walls, Kaze saw confusion, uncertainty, and apprehension in the child’s face. But he also saw hope.