I still couldn't believe it.
My grandfather… in that condition.
Just two weeks ago, we had spoken on the phone. He told me he was feeling better, that he'd come visit me soon, and that we'd go together to Kanda Myojin Shrine to pray for a prosperous and healthy year.
And now...?
Hospital. A stretcher. A life hanging by a thread.
I rushed through the corridors, trying to ignore the sense that this was all just a nightmare I'd wake up from at any moment. When I finally found my aunt, her face said it all. Swollen eyes, tear-streaked cheeks, trembling lips.
I froze.
I never really knew how to comfort others… not even myself.
The moment she saw me, she ran over and clung to my coat like hugging me might somehow stop time itself.
"Dad..." Her voice broke into a sob. "He's about to die, and I can't do anything. Why? Why does someone so kind have to go like this…?"
I didn't answer.
I just held her.
It was all I could offer.
A doctor approached, his expression heavy.
"Mr. Hiroshi Kiryuu wishes to see you. As soon as possible," he said with a solemn tone.
My aunt wiped her tears clumsily and gave a shaky nod.
"We shouldn't keep him waiting."
"You're right," I replied, taking a deep breath. "After all, if there's one thing Hiroshi Kiryuu hates… it's being kept waiting."
We entered the room.
The lighting was dim. The machines barely made a sound.
And there he was. Thinner, paler… but still wearing that same warm smile that had always brought comfort.
"I'm glad you came," he said weakly. "For a moment, I thought I'd die alone… That would've been depressing."
"Don't say that, Dad," my aunt whispered, her voice trembling. "There still has to be something we can do."
"It's too late now, my dear… I traveled the world looking for answers, for treatments… but this illness always stayed one step ahead. I knew. And it's okay. I lived with dignity."
My aunt gripped his hand tightly, as if trying to keep him from slipping away.
"But… I still need you. What am I supposed to do without you? Without your advice, your scolding, your voice…"
He looked at her with so much tenderness.
"What I can leave you… is Haruki.
Take care of her for me, will you? I know you seem cold and reserved… but I know your heart. I know what lies behind those walls."
I looked at him, puzzled.
"I'm right here, Grandpa. You could just say it to me directly."
He smiled—tired, but with the same spark in his eyes.
"I know, Haruki.
I just wanted to remind you of who you really are."