"How did it go?"
"It went well. If I keep this up they said I won't even need the wheelchair by the end of the month."
"That's good."
Signum is wheeling me out of the hospital, heading home after the checkup. Can I be honest with you? It feels odd, really. In only a few months I'll be given a clean bill of health, then these visits won't be needed. I've been coming to this hospital since as long as I could remember; it's almost been like a second home. To never see these familiar halls or these smiling faces again, it makes me a little sad.
"Signum…"
"Yes?"
"Could you help me stand? I want to walk for a bit."
"You shouldn't push yourself, you're still not – "
"Please? Only for a few steps. I just need to feel it."
I hope you'll forgive me for being so selfish, but I really need to do this. I can push myself out of the wheelchair now, and Signum is right here to support me. It really is a wonderful feeling, standing. I still need help, but it's like I'm finally moving somewhere. Especially now, when there were places I have to reach.
"Thank you."
"Mmm."
Just those few steps made me happy. It's funny, isn't it?
"Vita and Shamal will be surprised, won't they? I've made so much progress in a week."
"They probably will."
My children are busy right now, trying to make up for the mistakes they've made. I have to hurry too, so I can start atoning for mine.
"What should I cook for dinner? It's been so long since we've eaten together."
"Anything you make will be fine."
Don't worry about me too much, okay? I can walk forward now. It may be tough, but I can pull through. I'll stay strong, because I know it's not my legs that are carrying me.
Thank you for watching over me.
Holding onto my dear ones so they won't slip away. Looking ahead without any regrets. This is my life. This is her gift. My name is Hayate Yagami.