Chapter 81: Evening Chore

As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden light across the landscape, Sakura and Aiko were drawn to the clothes they had hung outside to dry earlier that day. The fading sunlight, now imbued with a soft, golden hue, lent a radiant glow to the fabric, creating an inviting sight. The fresh, clean scent of the laundry, carried by the gentle breeze, was a welcome change from the stale air of their confined existence.

Sakura, sensing the passing of time, turned to Ryo, who was engrossed in a map of the nearby area. "Ryo, the sun is setting, and we still need to bring in the dry clothes. Can we go out to collect them?" she asked, her voice laced with anticipation. "We don't want to leave them out there in the dark."

Aiko, standing beside Sakura, nodded in agreement. "We'll be quick," she assured, her eyes holding a silent plea. "We just want to get the clothes and come right back inside."