Ah, I'm tired.
I've worked so much.
For my family. For myself.
For Hoshiyo, Yoshiko, and Masahiro, I must work.
Until I can make them stand on their own, I'll keep trying.
Phew. Let's take a rest here.
A lot of people came today too.
Emergency patients. Can't be helped.
I'm the only one who can save them.
It's not that I want to look deeply.
I hear the voices of their hearts.
Once I hear the voices, I must help.
This high ground is my secret place.
I can see the entire town from here.
At night, the lights of the town shine, a million-dollar view.
Now that I think about it, since when have I started coming here alone?
Right, it was after MaAchiko passed away.
She was a really good wife.
She always listened to my ramblings.
When I came home tired, she would serve tea.
It wasn't the tea I wanted.
It was her kindness...
Tears.
They won't stop.
That's right. We used to live in that town.
Maybe I had erased it from my memory.
Even though we were so happy.
Machiko, please show yourself.
Lights of the town, thank you.
For bringing back my happiest memories...
"Machiko, wait for me. I'm also getting old. I'll be there soon."
"I want to drink your tea again."
"There's still a lot left, you know. My ramblings..."
"I just want them to be happy. Even if they don't come to see me."
"You would understand, right? Surely."
"You must be listening, as always."
Date: September 17, 2023.