We’re having a meeting with Rushi at the café.
Seeing her troubled, I offer some advice.
“I’ve got readers who look forward to your work. It’s not good to just abandon them.” ”……I know.” Rushi bites her lip tightly.
It’s something she knows better than anyone else.
She’s the type who values her readers, and above all, the works she writes.
She must be fully aware that what she’s trying to do—quitting this and starting a new work—isn’t good for her readers, or for herself, come to that.
It’s like explaining Buddhism to Buddha… sort of thing, but as her editor, I have to say it.
“I think it’s best if you don’t quit here.” ”……I suppose so.” “But…”
The fact that she’s developed a desire to move up as a writer. I think that’s a good thing.
Until now, she didn’t have that kind of drive at all.
But for the first time, she has a goal as a writer. That’s a good thing, I think.
“If you’re going to work on a new piece, keep the current one going too.” ”! Is it… okay to?” Rushi’s eyes widen.
It must have sounded like I was telling her not to write a new work.
Trying to encourage the anxious-looking girl, I smiled and said.
“Ah. Provided, of course, that you continue with your current work.”
“Mm! Got it! I’ll do my best!”
Lushia spoke while puffing up, her breath coming in heavy huffs as she tried to compose herself.
“I’ll do my best! To let more people read our works!”
As if she had shaken off her doubts entirely, Lushia wore a truly lovely smile.
Her smile seemed to shimmer with brilliance. There she was, trying to move forward.
…From where I stood, unable to move forward myself, the light of her determination was too dazzling, making it impossible to meet her eyes directly.