As A Memory

"Wait!" he called, reaching into his pocket. "You didn't take your money."

She paused, confused. "What?"

"I remember promising," Abuchi said, pulling out a gleaming new money stamped with a Lionaran crest. "Whoever helped me pay, I would reward them with Lionaran currency. It's only fair."

The girl held up her hands quickly, shaking her head. "No, no. I don't want the money. Really, don't worry about it. I have a good job, and I'm not going to go broke from this. I've been saving up for a while."

"But I still feel guilty," Abuchi insisted, pressing the money toward her. "You didn't have to do this. You helped us."

The number of things they had bought was quite a lot, which meant the girl had spent a considerable amount of money. She must have a pretty good job to afford all of it. But Abuchi didn't want to take advantage of anyone's kindness.

"You really don't have to do this," he told her again.