The siblings exchanged a glance. The tension between them eased slightly. At least it wasn't what Haruto had feared.
"Well," Haruka said, her tone lighter, "I understand. Hospitals can feel scary sometimes."
Minami shook her head, her voice trembling as she clarified, "It's not the hospital. It's my mother..."
Haruto blinked with confusion. "Your mother?"
But Haruka's expression shifted, her features hardening. She stood abruptly, brushing the dust from her skirt.
"We're going to the hospital," she said firmly.
"You need to meet your mother, Minami."
"But... but I don't want to go! Can't I just stay with you?" Minami clung tightly to Haruto's arm, her small voice trembling.
Haruto frowned, unsure of how to handle her fear.
Haruka, however, seemed to understand more than she let on. Her voice rose sharply.
"No! You can't! You need to see your mom!"