Ch. 10: Determination and a Promise (MOON)
That day, sleep eluded me.
I sat on the bed, gazing out the window at the moon, the light of which seemed so sad.
I wonder what Foia’s doing?
He had been trying so hard for so long, I’m sure he’s feeling depressed…
I remembered how his eyes had always sparkled as he spoke of his dreams.
Foia: "I want to develop this country’s magic, spiritual power, and science even more, together. That way, I can create a world where no family will be worse off, and everyone can laugh together…"
As I remembered his radiant smile, I couldn’t stop my chest from aching.
Foia…
At that time…
There was a sound, and the door to the room opened.
OO: "…!"
Foia: "…"
Foia stood there, his forehead creased in earnestness.
OO: "Foia, I…"
I clenched my fist in front of my chest and…
In the next instant, Foia had embraced me with his large arms.
OO: "Foia…?"
I called his name, and his grip on me tightened.
Foia: "Don’t make that face…"
OO: "But…I was thinking of how you’ve been trying so hard until now."
Foia: "So like I said, there’s no need for your heart to be hurting like that."
While the embrace tightened, I could feel his throat move as he breathed.
His stiff hair tickled the nape of my neck…
My heart started to beat louder.
OO: "Foia…"
Foia: "…"
I gingerly wrapped my hands around his broad back as he remained silent.
We were like that for a little while, then I heard a small voice near my ear.
Foia: "I’m a little…out of it. To be honest, I was so surprised…I was so overwhelmed…"
His voice lacked any strength, and I gently rubbed his back.
Foia, who was always shining so brilliantly and looking forward with such determination, now looked very small.
OO: "…it’ll be alright. I’m sure you can start over again Foia."
Foia: "Will people come with me again…? Can I still start over…?"
OO: "Yes…"
I gave a deep nod and squeezed him tightly.
Foia returned the embrace.
Foia: "I wasn’t wrong…about this. I’ll get through it, and turn it into a positive…!"
His blunt words, and the strong volition to overcome any obstacle…
All of it made my chest ache so much it became hot.
Then I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes…
Foia: "Actually…there’s something I wanted to say to you once the facility was finished but…"
OO: "What is it?"
Foia: "Mm…I’ll hold onto that until it’s finished after all."
OO: "Ah…"
His fingers gently wiped away the tears beneath my eyes.
Foia: "So when that happens…will you be beside me, and show me that smile?"
He took my hand and placed a small kiss on it.
It was like a symbol of that promise…
Foia: "I’ll definitely start over…and then I can tell you. Definitely…"
His softly spoken words were so kind that they echoed in my ears and my heart.
END