Tomoya drew himself from his throughts and looked to Ushio. "I'll tell you about Mommy, if you'd like that." Ushio nodded in excitment. "Okay, now sit here beside me, and listen." Ushio hopped down from her seat and sat next to her father.

By the time I was your age, I'd give anything to fall in love truly

was all I could think. That's when I met your mother, the girl of

my dreams; the most beautiful woman that I'd ever seen

"Back in highschool Mommy was having a tough time, so she cried alot." Tomoya looked up, not sure what to really say, thinking maybe he should stop, but rattled on anyway. "That was back when we first met. She didn't believe in herself very much. I remember she was standing at the bottom of the hill of our highschool."

She said, "Boy can I tell you a wonderful thing? I can't help but

notice you staring at me. I know I shouldn't say this, but I really believe,

I can tell by your eyes that you're in love with me."

Tomoya looked down at Ushio, and into her big eyes, almost identical to Nagisa's.

Now son, I'm only telling you this because life can do terrible things

Ushio smiled and giggled, and Tomoya did the same. "We did some crazy things, me and Mommy. We moved in together, her hand in mine, and mine in hers. We never kept anything from each other, not even our darkest secrets." Ushio's smile never faded. "At night she would sing that song you like so much, you know, the dango song!"

Now most of the time we'd have to much to drink, and we'd laugh at the

stars, and we'd share everything. Too young to notice, and too dumb to

care. Love was a story that couldn't compare

"Mommy was sick alot, and that made highschool was very hard on her. Even though she had good grades, better than mine, she had to stay behind a couple grades." Ushio's eyes fell down to her hands. "But it wasn't long till I discovered that I was in love with Mommy, and that's when I proposed."

I said, "Girl, can I tell you a wonderful thing? I made your a present

with paper and string. Open with care now. I'm asking you please,

you know that I love you, will you marry me?"

Tomoya looked down at Ushio again, her face as bright as the shining sun, and his face grew a little sadder.

Now son, I'm only telling you this because life can do terrible things

"Mommy got pregnant with you, and let me tell you, that was the greatest thing that could have happened to us." Tomoya gave a weak attempt at a smile. "But, soon.. Mommy got sick again, and it was putting a real strain on her. Mommy's fever grew too high and-" Ushio looked up and saw her father crying, and tears began to fill in her own eyes.

She said, "Boy can I tell you a terrible thing? It seems that I'm sick

and I've only got weeks. Please don't be sad now I really believe you

were the greatest thing that ever happened to me."

Tomoya looked over, tears cascading down his face, and saw the same picture on his daughter's face. "Silly." He started to wipe away Ushio's tears. "Why are you crying too? Sorry, it's nothing bad. I was just thinking of Mommy."

Slow, so slow. I fell to the ground on my knees.

Nagaisa. I've found it. I've finally found it. Somthing only I can protect. A precious tresure that only I can protect.. was right here; right in front of me.. all along.