When Deya and Kira were in the room and sat down on the bed, the girl spoke:
"I have a friend named Rocky. Recently he confessed his feelings to me. At first I thought it was just a childhood crush, so I turned him down. Besides, our mutual friend also loves him."
"But he stuck to me like a burr. At first it annoyed me, but recently I've started finding it kind of cute. Now I'm thinking maybe he really is serious. Brother said I should ask you about this. I'm curious: how did you know you were in love, and why did you choose my brother?"
Kira smiled and replied:
"You're only twelve, there's no need to rush. But on the other hand, it's good that you're already thinking about it. As for how I fell in love with your brother... When we first met, he seemed like a nice guy to me, but I didn't see him in a romantic light."
"He was sweet and hardworking, but honestly, not my type back then: he was small and pudgy. Besides, he was my best friend Lily's boyfriend. Although Lily was already open to sharing back then, I didn't have the courage to cross that line — I was afraid it would ruin our friendship."
"When I learned that your brother had fallen into a coma and Lily had gone missing, I dropped everything and came. Six months of agonizing waiting nearly broke me, and I ran away, throwing myself into all sorts of excesses. Alcohol and even drugs helped dull the fear and pain of loss. That's how I met my future husband."
"I had a good time with him, it seemed like he could chase away all my sorrows and fears. We took drugs together and did all kinds of crazy things. Back then, he seemed like a prince who had led me out of the darkness."
"When I found out I was pregnant, for the first time in a long while I remembered Lily — how tenderly she smiled, resting her hand on her belly. That image made me quit drugs and dedicate myself to my unborn child."
"I was very glad that my beloved shared this path with me. It was hard for us, but we supported each other. For several years, I was truly happy."
"But then I found out my husband had started gambling, one drug replacing another. He abandoned me and Sam in a very difficult situation. Life became hell."
"It was your brother who put an end to that nightmare. I didn't recognize him at first, but we had a lot in common. We both loved Lily. Honestly, our first time was an attempt to heal each other's wounds a little, but we didn't even notice how it became something more."
"I'm telling you all this so you understand: love is often blind. I was so blinded by it that I didn't see my husband's flaws."
"Sometimes the person who seems perfect to you really isn't. You still have time to figure out if that's the case, but still, be careful."
"You said you and my brother didn't even notice how it happened, but I'd still like to know: how did you realize he was the one you needed?"
"He was the person my best friend truly loved. I wanted to help him."
"Lily's death changed us both, but it was much harder for him to cope. Every time I was in his arms, I felt completely safe."
"It seemed like even if the sky fell, he would be there to protect me. Years passed, and that feeling never went away."
Deya said thoughtfully:
"With some stretching, I can understand why you're all willing to share. But I don't think there's anyone in this world for whom I could do that."
"There will never be a girl in your brother's life whom he loves as much as Lily. But I know he will do everything he can to make me and my sisters happy."
"Even a drop of his love is worth more than all the love of many others."
"I know he's afraid that what happened to Lily could happen again, and he won't be able to protect us. That fear grew stronger after he lost the ability to walk, so we have to train to smother that fear."
"I know this might be too heavy for you. You're very smart, but I don't think you'll ever be able to understand your brother... No, that's not it. I will hope that you won't have to understand him."
"Even though the intensity of your training has decreased in recent years, I still hope you won't hate him. Maybe he's forgotten how to show it, but right now you're the most important person in his life, so please, take care of yourself."