Yuta's Anthology

THE OLD MAIDEN

As usual, I'm in one of Europe’s famous restaurants, not to eat but to peep at Eirian Mei, who habitually comes here every weekend morning. Well, I'm actually up for dating someone, but I thought that Eirian Mei would be jealous and regret that she refused my offer to woo her. I wonder why Eirian is not here yet, as she usually is; it is almost an hour late.

I roamed my eyes from one corner to another in this place, but I couldn't see any of her. I got on standby when an old lady was walking behind me. And I saw something that she’d accidentally dropped. Out of confusion, I picked it up and found out that it was a picture of a beautiful young lady. I took the seat closer to the old lady because I wanted to ask if her daughter or granddaughter was still single, since my heart beat so fast upon seeing that picture.

“Excuse me?" "I think this is yours.” I handed the picture to her, and she thankfully got it.

“I hope you won't mind, but can I ask you something?” I told the old lady, and she nodded.

“Sure, what is it, dear?” She said in a very soft tone.

“Is that your daughter?" "I mean that girl in the picture," she said. I nervously asked her.

“No!” She sounded really surprised.

With curiosity, I asked, "Then who?”

“It was my picture during my teenage days,” she told me.

“Oh, I see! Then why are you alone here? I mean, don't you have any of your children or husbands to eat with?” I asked her, and she again gave me a smile.

“I’m an old maiden, so I'm dating myself,” she told me without hesitation.

“What?! Are you kidding me? With that beautiful face, you haven't been able to let your ex stay? Is he not content with your beauty?”

“I don't have any exes. For short, I'm NBSB!” Her voice seemed very lonely.

“Seriously? But how? Honestly, you're so beautiful.” I complimented.

“Have you rejected all your suitors?” I asked her, and she sighed heavily and gave it a quick glance.

“I don't think so," she said. She stuttered, and I noticed those tears began to surround her eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“I also dream of marrying someone. But I was so crazy! As a teenager, I was very scared of falling in love. I am afraid that I might end up just like my friends, crying so much because of heartaches. There are guys who have asked me if they can court me, but I have rejected them all except for one guy. This guy is Athan. I remember him asking me to allow him to woo me. I didn't give him any responses because I was nervous, but that doesn't mean that I'm not interested in him. I also like him, and I have no reason to reject his offer. I look forward to his next move to coerce me. It made me stubborn. I waited for him, but that was useless. He already has someone else. Now, tell me. Why are you guys so numb? Girls don't want any suitors. We want someone who will seriously love us. WHO WILL ASK US TO BE HIS WIFE, NOT TO BE HIS GIRLFRIEND? Is that hard for you guys to understand? Is there a need for court approval? Because if you love someone, you will wow her no matter what. You love her, so you'll do everything to get her and make her yours. But we're already in a society where most people think there's only one hope, which is wrong! There are always chances. If you fail now, there's always next time. Therefore, all we have to do is continue until we achieve what we desired.”

I don't know what to say. I was awakened by her speech. She's absolutely right. Some people nowadays would rather give up than do something.

She took a tissue for her to wipe her own tears with.

“Effort is very important.”

That voice is familiar.

So I turned back, and my grandfather's appearance surprised me.

“A-ATHAN?” the old maiden startled.

My grandfather stared at her with eyes filled with atonement. As I look at them both, my mouth is agape with incredulity.

Tensions were getting higher, especially when I heard Eirian Mei refer to that old maiden as "her auntie," which made my fur stand out.

I can't believe this is happening. Anyway, thanks to Eirian’s aunt for giving me hope to court her niece, not to be my girlfriend, but to be my wife someday.