The Promise Not to Be Turned Away

Airnote  ·  Lysa  ·  Jun 19, 2026

At the back threshold, Yu said quietly:
I won't get thrown out, will I?

Something in my chest stung before the harbor lights even had time to.

I thought of my father's face — just the two of us in this house —
and could already hear the words he'd say:
...I see. Will there be enough food?
He's the kind of person who counts the bowls before he thinks to turn anyone away.

I'm the one who called you here. I won't let anyone throw you out.

The words swayed between us like a candle flame.
The hallway back to the storage room
was no longer just a hallway —
it had become a thin thread of light
leading to tonight's shelter.