Makoto hadn't even thought about romance since Chigusa had passed. He had loved her more than he knew he was capable of. When she gave birth to their daughter, he loved their baby even more than he thought he could. They named her Aiko, so that their powerful love would live on through their precious child.
Chigusa had passed away when Aiko was only a year old. Makoto was devastated. The one person that he loved more than anything was gone from his life. He would never hear her hearty laugh again, nor would he get to see the mischievous sparkle in her pale green eyes. He would never be able to brush her beautiful brown hair out of her face, or watch as her warm smile would light up a room.
As Aiko grew, Makoto was blessed to see that she was a spitting image of her mother. She shared the same bubbly personality, bright smile, and pale green eyes. He felt as if he had a mini Chigusa with him at all times. The love that he felt for his sweet daughter only grew as each day passed.
Aiko loved nature, much to Makoto's pleasure. She would make her father get up early every morning and go for long walks through the park with her. When she turned three years old, Aiko begged Makoto to teach her how to swim. She yearned to swim backstroke, just like her father had years ago. Her love and excitement for life gave Makoto absolute joy.
The idea of love and a relationship has never occurred to Makoto in the two years since his wife died. Why now, as his daughter plays with a familiar stranger's dog, is his heart suddenly beating faster? Is he finally ready to move on?
