Sanuki no Suke’s Diary (6)

 

     When the Emperor woke up, his eyes looked weaker with each passing day.  Even when he seemed to be sleeping, I would keep a watchful eye on him.  It must be terrifying for him to wake up and realize everyone is asleep.  I thought, "I hope he can at least see that I'm still here, just like before."  I looked at his face, and he looked into my eyes with a feeble gaze.  He asked, "Why don't you sleep?"  I wondered if he saw through my heart, but I couldn't help but feel sad.  "My elder sister told me, 'When the Emperor was previously ill, it worked that someone was continuously by his side to look after him, so please take good care of him.  Unfortunately, I'm not feeling well and can't come,'" I said, but tears choked me down.