The streets of Kasukabe were covered in a sheet of snow. Winter had arrived and because of it, the sidewalks were not as crowded as they usually were. Regardless, Yui was glad to have the change of weather. She loved the summer heat like anyone else, but when it became overbearing, she preferred the cold season. That, and it made patrolling much more easier without being harassed by people.
Ever since the robbery incident, Yui became recognized by citizens as some sort of hero and to colleagues, a role model to the rookies in the force. For once in her life, she knew what it was like to be a star...and it was not her style. The only good thing that came out of it was that her husband returned from his business trip. But not because he was finished with his job. He came back because he had been worried about her when he received a message from one of his friends in the city that told him what happened.
During their time together, the fire that bonded them together in marriage burned stronger than ever. Kiyotaka would always be on long business trips, leaving her alone. Yui often worried about him, wondering if he ever thought about her as much as she did. She had also been a little scared that he might have been...cheating on her for another woman.
It turns out, Kiyotaka had also been thinking the same things she was thinking. He worried that one day, he would find her in bed with another man or even file a divorce paper on him. It made her heart flutter like a young school girl falling in love knowing that they were on the same wavelength. Now she was more sure than ever their marriage would last, knowing they would never do anything unfaithful to the other.
I hope Nanako finds her special somebody one day too... She thought about her blond haired friend, looking up at the sky. I already know I have.
Good for you.
Yui's body tensed as she looked around.
That voice!
She looked down at the pendant around her neck. Yui could never forget that mysterious little angel...and what he did for her.
There's just one last thing you have to do.
Yui shield her eyes from the bright light in front of her. When it disappeared, she saw the child with wings standing before her, only he was transparent, like a ghost.
"You..."
The boy hid his hands behind his back and gave her that lovely smile like once before. Then he turned around and ran.
"H-hey! Wait!"
She followed after the boy. Though they had only met for a brief time, now that she was no longer in a crisis, she wondered who this mysterious kid was.
Yui found herself at the train station, where it was surprisingly empty.
"Attention. The train will be arriving at the station shortly. Please stay away from the edge until the train comes to a complete stop. Thank you." The intercom announced.
Your final task will arrive in that train.
The child reappeared in front of her again.
This will be the last time we see each other again.
"Last...time?" A heavy sadness washed over her.
He nodded his head. The pendant around her neck began to glow. Suddenly, it shattered, but instead of being hit by the shards of the jewelry, nothing happened.
Farewell.
Just like that, he was gone...for good. Yui shook her head. Even though she didn't have a chance to really know who the kid was, she was glad to have met him for the second chance he gave her. She would never forget until the day she died.
Goodbye, stranger...and thank you.
She watched as the train came in to dock. Whatever this task was, Yui would complete it. She owed the mysterious boy that much. When the train finally came to a complete stop, the doors slid open. Two men stepped out of the train.
"Man, that was a long trip, but we're here!" One of them said, stretching out his arms.
"Kasukabe, Saitama..." The other spoke quietly, looking around, and then finally noticing her.
"I'm here...I'm finally here. I can't believe it."
Yui's eyes widened at the last voice.
No way! It couldn't be!
"Right where you belong."
Standing between the two men was a person she expected to see after her life's end and yet here she was, back after so many years. And looking the same as she did in the photographs.
"Y-Yui!"
Yui was tackled into an embrace by the woman.
"It's been too long!"
"Yes...yes it has..."
She hugged the person tightly in her arms, tears flowing down her cheeks.
"Welcome home...Kanata."
Shortest. Chapter. Ever.
The last one? It will definitely not be.
I'll see you next time.