Homecoming [5]

If Anya had disappeared like I did and then came back in such a battered condition then I can't even imagine how much my heart would have ached, yet I didn't notice that she would be feeling the same. 

"I'm sorr—" 

Before I could say any further I felt a sudden heat on my left cheek as Anya's hand connected right to it. I had not expected her to slap me. 

"Just how many times are you gonna say sorry!" she sounded irritated. 

I touched my cheek and felt her slap while I tried to make meaning of what she had said. Looking up at her I saw that she was still crying and her face was distorted in a sad expression. 

'Ah…' 

I didn't know why I was so dense when it came to things like this—perhaps because I had never truly cared for anyone till now. 

Realizing what I had to do I stood up—although it proved to be a little hard due to the weakness. Once I was standing I took a step forward and put my arms around her, hugging her.