The subway station was closer than expected, only about a five-minute walk.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay without me?” 

Standing at the top of the stairs leading underground, Midsummer looked down at us with a worried expression. She looked like she was ready to drop everything and come along.

“We’ll be fine. The kids should learn to do things on their own, don’t you think?”

“…Yes. In that case, please take care of them.”

“Of course.”

After seeing us off, Midsummer waved and walked away into the distance. We watched until she disappeared from sight, then turned to face …