Jane stepped away for a bit to select some clothes from deep inside the store, leaving Kana to stay at the counter with her mother. The soft hum of the store's music filled the air as Sarah stood by, organizing some items. After a while, Sarah cleared her throat and spoke, her voice calm but serious.
Sarah: So, Kana, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you.
Kana turned her head, startled, her hands instinctively fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. She nodded nervously, unsure of what to expect.
Kana: Sure… you can talk to me.
Sarah took a deep breath, as if gathering her thoughts, before she continued, her gaze softening.
Sarah: Jane already told me about what happened to you and your current situation. And I just want to say... I'm really sorry that you had to experience something so traumatic at such a young age.
Kana's eyes dropped to the counter, her smile faint and sad. She couldn't help but think about her past, the memories still raw, even though she didn't want to face them.
Kana: It's fine, ma'am. It really is… She hesitated for a moment, then added in a small voice, If you don't mind, I'd rather not talk about it…
Sarah nodded gently, her eyes understanding. She could see the hesitation in Kana's expression, the guardedness that surrounded her. It wasn't an easy subject to talk about, and Sarah wasn't going to push her.
Sarah: Oh, of course. I completely understand, dear. I'm sorry. I know it's not something you want to be reminded of.
Kana smiled, her posture relaxing just a little.
Kana: (smiling softly) It's okay. You're forgiven.
Sarah smiled back warmly, grateful for Kana's kindness, before her expression shifted to something more reflective.
Sarah: You know, I've been meaning to thank you for something... She looked at Kana with a soft sincerity. For letting Jane into your life and being so close to her. You may not realize it, but you really helped her more than you know.
Kana froze, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
Kana: Me?
Sarah gave a small nod, her voice calm but full of emotion.
Sarah: Yes, you.
She paused for a moment, collecting her words, before continuing, her gaze thoughtful as she looked back at Kana.
Sarah: You see, after my husband passed away, Jane became a very lonely person. She was always so close to him, even more than to me. And when he died, it was like a part of her was lost. She had a hard time opening up to people, and... I'm sure you know how difficult it can be to talk to someone who's hurting so much, right?
Kana listened intently, her heart aching for Jane as Sarah continued. It was strange, hearing such personal details about her friend, but there was also a part of her that felt... honored to be trusted with this information.
Sarah: Since I never remarried, Jane never had siblings to lean on. And that's when you came into her life. You two really became close, didn't you?
Kana's nerves were now tinged with surprise. She never realized the impact she had on Jane, especially when Sarah spoke of their bond.
Kana: (nervously) Uh… yes, ma'am. We're really close now.
Sarah smiled, nodding knowingly, before she rummaged through her drawers for a moment. Kana watched curiously, wondering what Sarah was up to. When Sarah pulled out a small, handmade bracelet, Kana's eyes widened. Sarah gestured for Kana to bring her right hand.
Sarah: Here, I'd like you to have this.
Kana blinked, confused and taken aback.
Kana: W…what is this?
Sarah smiled gently, her hands skillfully fastening the bracelet around Kana's wrist, a soft and intricate piece of work that shimmered in the light.
Sarah: It's a bracelet I made myself. Do you think it's pretty?
Kana looked at the bracelet, its delicate craftsmanship almost hypnotizing. A part of her couldn't believe what was happening, but the warmth of Sarah's gesture made her heart swell.
Kana: (softly) Yes, ma'am. It's really beautiful...
Sarah's smile grew.
Sarah: (smiling warmly) I'm glad you like it. It's yours now. You can keep it.
Kana felt a wave of shock wash over her. She immediately shook her head, not feeling worthy of such a gift.
Kana: Oh no, I couldn't! It's too much…
Sarah, however, insisted.
Sarah: Please, I insist. It's important to me that you have it.
She paused, looking Kana in the eyes.
Sarah: When Jane was younger, I gave her something similar—a small reminder of me, something she could look at and think of me when she needed it most. Now, since you and Jane are sisters in a way, I'd like you to have this, too. Consider it a part of me, as well. By proxy, you're my daughter now, and I want you to know that.
Kana felt a rush of emotions flood through her—gratitude, love, and an overwhelming sense of belonging. As Sarah spoke, Kana could feel the weight of the words, the bond between them strengthening, even though she'd only known Sarah for such a short time. The gesture felt so real, so genuine, it almost brought tears to Kana's eyes.
Kana was moved, so moved that she didn't even notice the tears beginning to fall down her cheeks. Her chest tightened, but this time, it wasn't out of sadness—it was because of the kindness she had received from someone who had no reason to give her anything at all.
In the midst of these overwhelming feelings, Kana's mind briefly wandered back to something Dr. Kennedy had told her on her birthday...
"If you're scared of being forgotten… then leave a mark. A good one. Here, or online. Give people a reason to remember you when your time comes."
Kana's heart skipped a beat, and she realized, as the tears continued to fall, that maybe, just maybe, she was beginning to leave a mark after all.
With a trembling voice, Kana finally spoke, the words coming out as a whisper, but with so much weight behind them.
Kana: Thank you... Thank you so much... MOTHER.
Sarah's eyes softened, a smile touching her lips as she gently placed a hand on Kana's shoulder.
Sarah: You're welcome, my dear.
Unknown to both of them, just around the corner, Jane had been quietly listening. She stood hidden behind a shelf, her eyes wide as she overheard every word. The sight of Kana's tears and the warmth of Sarah's affection for her struck a chord deep within Jane. She hadn't realized how much this moment meant, how far her mother's love had extended to Kana, but seeing it unfold now, she couldn't help but smile through her own tears.
Jane remained hidden, but her heart swelled with emotion as she silently witnessed the bond between her mother and her sister, knowing that this moment would stay with them forever.
*****
A few moments later, they were all set to leave, and Sarah watched as both of them prepared to head off into the town. The sky had already begun to darken, casting a gentle twilight over the streets. The lights from nearby stores flickered, and many of the businesses had started to close for the evening, signaling the end of another bustling day.
Sarah stood in place for a moment, her gaze fixed on the retreating figures of Kana and Jane. The soft rustle of evening winds filled the air as the town settled into its usual calm. As she continued to watch them disappear into the distance, Kana suddenly stopped in her tracks, turning around with a bright smile. Her face lit up with happiness, and without hesitation, she waved energetically at Sarah.
Sarah, a smile of her own creeping onto her face, lifted her hand in return, waving back at Kana. The two of them exchanged waves for a few moments, the simple gesture carrying a sense of warmth and unspoken understanding. Sarah's heart felt lighter as she watched Kana's joy in that brief, fleeting moment.
After a few minutes, Kana gave one last enthusiastic wave before she turned back around and resumed walking beside Jane. With a final glance over her shoulder to make sure Sarah was still watching, Kana and Jane slowly disappeared from view, their figures growing smaller and smaller until they were out of sight, swallowed up by the fading light of the evening.
Sarah stood there for a while longer, the cool breeze brushing against her skin as she let the peacefulness of the moment sink in. The town now felt quieter, almost like a reflection of the stillness within her as she turned to leave, her thoughts lingering on the brief but meaningful farewell.
******
John sat down on the worn-out couch in his lonely living room, the soft hum of the TV filling the quiet space around him. He absentmindedly picked at a slice of pizza he had ordered earlier, the cheese stretching as he lifted it to his mouth. He wasn't particularly hungry, but the act of eating was a distraction, something to keep him occupied in the silence. He couldn't help but feel like everything around him — the empty walls, the cold glow of the television screen, the half-empty pizza box — reminded him that he was alone. And, for some reason, that feeling gnawed at him tonight more than usual.
He sighed and leaned back into the couch, trying to push away the creeping sensation of loneliness. But it lingered, refusing to be ignored.
Just as he was about to grab another slice, his phone buzzed on the coffee table, the vibration startling him slightly. His heart skipped a beat as he saw the screen light up with the name he had been waiting for: Kana.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he immediately grabbed the phone, hoping for some sign of connection. It was a message from her.
"Just got some new clothes!! I can't wait to see you tomorrow... I just hope it works out this time."
John read the message, his fingers hovering over the screen. He felt an odd warmth spreading through him, the simple words making him feel less isolated. The fact that Kana was thinking about him, preparing for their meeting, made everything feel just a little more real, a little more meaningful. Tomorrow wasn't just any day; it was his birthday. The thought of spending it with her, the one person who had truly connected with him over these past few months, made him feel like things could finally be different.
He let out a small, contented sigh. He was looking forward to tomorrow.
Taking a moment, he quickly typed his response:
"Yeah, me too. I really hope it works out."
He sent the message and set the phone down, his eyes lingering on it for a moment longer than usual. He had no idea what tomorrow would bring, but the fact that Kana was in his life now made the uncertain future seem a little less intimidating. Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't feel so alone anymore.