At the convenience store register late at night, Nana rubbed her tired eyes. She had been standing for hours, and earlier in the day, she had worked as a cleaner. Every effort was for one reason—to pay for her daughter Misaki’s medical treatment.
“See you tomorrow.”
She called out to her replacement as she stepped out of the store. The winter wind stung her cheeks, and she pulled up the collar of her coat. Just as she was about to head home, a familiar voice stopped her.
“Nana.”
She turned around. Standing there was Sho—the man she had once loved. Misaki’s father.
“…Why are you here?”
“I heard about you. About our daughter’s illness… Let me help.”
Nana’s chest tightened with shock and confusion. They had parted ways five years ago. When she told him she was pregnant, he hadn’t been ready to take responsibility—and he left. And now, after all this time, he wanted to help?
“What are you saying? This has nothing to do with you.”
“No. I ran away before. But this time, I want to face it properly.”
She wanted to reject him. She had every right to. But the truth was, she couldn’t afford to refuse his help. Misaki’s treatment costs were overwhelming.
“…Fine. But this is for Misaki, not for me.”
“Thank you.”
From that day on, Sho worked tirelessly for Nana and Misaki. He took on a delivery job during the day and worked in a bar’s kitchen at night. Even with little sleep, he never complained. Seeing his dedication, Nana slowly began to trust him again.
Misaki, too, was happy to have her father around. When Sho read her a picture book in her hospital bed, she beamed with joy.
“Papa, read it again!”
“You really like this one, huh?”
As they spent more time together, old feelings stirred in Nana’s heart. Sho’s warmth, his kindness—being near him made her feel lighter.
“I’m scared… scared that I might fall for him again.”
She whispered to herself. But Sho never wavered. He stayed by their side.
Then, the day of Misaki’s surgery arrived. Nana stood frozen outside the operating room, hands clasped in silent prayer. Sho gently took her hand.
“She’ll be okay. She’s strong.”
“…Yeah.”
The hours felt endless. Then, at last, the doctor emerged with the news—Misaki’s surgery was a success. Nana nearly collapsed with relief, but Sho caught her in his arms.
“She’s okay… she’s really okay…”
“Nana, thank you. It’s because of you that she made it this far.”
His words filled her heart with warmth.
A few weeks later, Misaki was discharged from the hospital. Nana and Sho stood together, waiting to take her home.
“I get to go home with Mama and Papa!” Misaki cheered.
As she smiled up at them, Nana and Sho exchanged a glance. And in that moment, Nana made up her mind.
“Sho… will you stay with us? From now on?”
“Of course. I’ll never leave again.”
Hand in hand, the three of them walked forward—toward a new future, together.
