One morning, Dahlia stood on the field. She looked at the empty field, with no one else but herself.
After several days of being confined to her room, Dahlia was finally allowed outside, provided she remained under supervision.
Dahlia stretched and warmed up for a few minutes before starting her morning run.
As Dahlia ran, she didn't feel the morning sun or the breeze; all she felt was freedom.
Dahlia started training earlier than the other children not because her endurance was slightly weaker than average and she had plenty of time to rest, but because she wanted to see Isabella.
Dahlia had been with Isabella for most of the day yesterday, and they had also met for breakfast. However, that still wasn't enough for Dahlia.
About two hours later, Dahlia managed to finish half of her training session an hour early.
It wasn't just because she started early, but also because she was more energetic than usual.
Half-prostrated on the sidelines, Dahlia was panting and exhausted. Her face looked a little pale, but despite that, there was a sense of satisfaction on her face.
"I told you not to push yourself."
Hearing a familiar voice, Dahlia immediately looked at Isabella, who was suddenly in front of her.
In a casual dress, Isabella crouched down and held out a small towel to her.
"Sis Isabella."
Dahlia slowly stood up and walked over, but before she could stand, she fell and was quickly caught by Isabella.
"I was just a little too excited."
Isabella smiled and quickly patted Dahlia's head. After helping Dahlia up, they went to the rest area.
The two of them chatted for a while, before Dahlia finally went to take a shower.
"Okay. What are we going to do today?"
Isabella knew almost nothing about it, so she asked Dahlia. But after she asked, Dahlia just remained silent, staring at her.
"Dahlia?"
"Ah, yes. Actually, there's a playground at this orphanage, but there are a lot of other children, so... Maybe you could get some toys from there?"
"Are you scared?"
"No, I just feel uncomfortable being watched by so many people."
"It's okay. I won't let them bother you."
Dahlia still felt hesitant, but she agreed anyway. "Okay."
The two of them then went to the playground and looked for a toy or game that not many other children were playing.
"Are you sure you want to play this? I can ask another child to share the playground with you."
They were currently playing with blocks and seemed to be trying to build something.
Blocks are an old game, even ancient. However, some children still play them, but only when they are toddlers. As they get older, not as many play them anymore.
"It's okay. I like this game."
For a few minutes, Isabella played along while watching Dahlia.
At first, Dahlia seemed unamused, but as time went on, she grew more enthusiastic, and a small smile appeared on her face.
Isabella didn't understand why Dahlia seemed so happy about such a game, when there were so many more fun games around them.
"Do you play this often?"
"No."
"Then why do you want to play this?"
"Because I haven't played it in a long time."
"Hmm?"
"My friends and I used to love this game. But as time went on, we played it less and less. And when we started school... we stopped playing it."
"Well... As you get older, you find more fun things to do."
"That's not what I meant. Back then... we were having fun without thinking about anything."
Isabella sat closer to Dahlia and put her arm around Dahlia's shoulder.
Isabella knew Dahlia missed her past. But she couldn't do anything.
After a major disaster that struck the world, it's hard for anyone to stay the same.
Isabella hugged Dahlia tightly and kissed her forehead.
For a while, they continued stacking blocks alternately until they created a tower nearly 1 meter tall.
"Let's take a break and take a nap."
"But it's still 10 o'clock."
"Then that means we have enough time."
Dahlia was a little confused, but she didn't resist when Isabella led her to her room.
"I wish we could play longer."
Isabela ignored Dahlia's words and immediately pulled Dahlia onto her lap.
"Sis Isabella..."
Isabella pulled out both of her breasts and positioned Dahlia properly.
Since morning, Isabella had noticed Dahlia frequently staring at her breasts and knew that Dahlia wanted to breastfeed.
The first feeding time was after breakfast, but Dahlia didn't ask for it. The second time was after Dahlia's practice, but again, Dahlia didn't ask for it.
Realizing Dahlia was still shy about asking, Isabella ultimately decided to be the one to offer.
Dahlia appeared hesitant and casual, but Isabella could tell she was actually very enthusiastic, judging by the way Dahlia pressed her breasts and the intensity with which she suckled.
Isabella herself was still a bit awkward, but she pushed herself to keep going.
She watched Dahlia, who seemed happy and comfortable nursing her.
Isabella, who had seemed so serious just a few days ago, had transformed into a caring person, as if they were two different people.
After Isabella breastfed Dahlia, she played with Dahlia for a while, and then quickly put her to bed.
By now, Dahlia was already at the edge of her doubts. She thought hard about what had happened, wondering if this wasn't all a dream, a reflection of her long-held longing.
Dahlia enjoyed it all, but the more she enjoyed it, the more she feared that it would suddenly disappear or that she would wake up from what was happening.
Nearing noon, Dahlia woke up and found herself alone.
Remembering her thoughts before bed, she hurriedly checked the stack of drawing papers in her drawer and found a beautiful picture of a fish.
After finding one of the drawings she had drawn with Isabella, Dahlia felt relieved that what she had imagined hadn't happened.
She opened the door and walked out.
The guard guarding her room didn't stop her; just as before, she was free to come and go.
"Dahlia. I was just about to come to your room."
Not long after, Dahlia tried to find Isabella, but she soon found herself bringing lunch.
"Want to have lunch together?" Isabella asked with a smile.
"Yes," Dahlia replied with a happy smile.
That day, they once again spent time together. They chatted, told stories, played, and did various things together.
The next day, they did much the same thing. However, that day they seemed closer and happier.
Furthermore, Dahlia had also begun to ask Isabella to breastfeed, although she was still a bit awkward and only dared to do so when they were alone or in a closed room where it was just the two of them.