Afterwards,
Kumo walked me back home.
Or rather,
he almost walked me back home.

When we made it to a crossroad near my house,

I had insisted on finishing the rest of the trip by myself.
I didn't feel a need to burden him any longer,
and he too respected my decision.

So

we parted ways.

Just like a flash of wind on a sunny day,

Kumo disappeared down the path and out of sight.

                      Like he was never there in the first place.