seemed to drain the air from the room.
He explained that Aiko had become seriously ill after a period of declining health. The illness had progressed faster than the family expected, leaving them struggling to adjust to a future they had never imagined.
Hana had tried to remain strong for her father. She attended school, helped with household responsibilities, and spent long evenings beside her mother’s bed.
After Aiko died, their small family changed in ways Kenji had not known how to repair.
He threw himself into work. Hana tried to continue her life, but grief followed her everywhere.
They loved each other deeply, yet they often failed to communicate what they needed. Kenji believed that providing stability was the best way to help his daughter. Hana needed him to talk about what had happened.
Neither understood the other well enough.
Then, several years later, Hana died in an accident.
