Prologue
A memory from my childhood lingers vividly in my mind.
“I’m sorry, Akihito-kun. I have to go back to England now,” she said abruptly.
The kind older sister I adored, my constant companion at the park, delivered those words with a weight I couldn’t fully grasp. I knew, deep down, that our time together wouldn’t last forever, but the reality struck my young heart like a thunderbolt.
“We… won’t see each other anymore…?” My voice trembled, barely a whisper.
“Akihito-kun…” Her face twisted with pain, reflecting whatever raw emotion must have been etched across my own. But just as quickly, her familiar gentle smile returned, soft and reassuring. “No, we’ll meet again. It might not be soon, but when you’ve grown into a fine man, Akihito-kun, I’ll come back for you.”
Her hand rested on my head, patting gently. Those words, likely meant to soothe my distress, ignited a spark of hope in me. I believed her completely, clinging to the promise of her return.
“A promise…?” I asked, eyes wide with trust.
“Yes, it’s a promise,” she replied warmly. “The next time we meet, we’ll live together as a family, okay?”
“Then I’ll become a splendid man by the time I see you again, Onee-chan!” I declared, my heart swelling with determination. She was my idol, the person I admired above all others, and I wanted nothing more than to be worthy of her.
“Hehe, I’m sure you will, Akihito-kun.” Her laughter was soft, like a melody. “Shall we pinky swear on it?”
And so, we linked our pinkies, sealing the vow with innocent certainty. But that promise, sworn in the warmth of that moment, was never fulfilled.
