Several years later.
Haruki sat in the backyard, a cup of coffee resting beside him, the late afternoon sun painting the sea in shades of gold. From up here, the ocean breeze always felt softer, calmer, as if time itself slowed down just for him.
Behind him, voices filled the house.
"Father, I'm going!" Itsuki's voice came first, full of youthful energy.
Haruki turned his head slightly. "Okay, be careful."
"Papa! I'm going to Grandpa's house!" his younger daughter chimed, tugging at her shoes as Kyouko gently fixed her hair.
Their second girl peeked around the corner, her small hands clutching a toy. "Dad? You're not coming?"
Haruki smiled, shaking his head. "Ah, no… you all go ahead." His eyes moved to his eldest. "Itsuki?"
"Yes, Father?"
"Don't be rude to Grandpa and Grandma. And… look after both of your sisters."
"Yes, Father." Itsuki's tone carried a sense of pride, as though the responsibility was something he already embraced.
