"I can't believe it, Kaede! Our parents work together!" Emiko exclaimed excitedly.
"That's amazing!" Kaede replied with a wide smile. "It means we're not just best friends, but also connected through our parents' jobs."
The two girls imagined what it would be like to have their parents sharing the same office, playing and working together. They marveled at the idea of their families meeting daily at work and sharing special moments and experiences.
"We should ask them more about how they get along at work and what they do together," Emiko suggested, thrilled.
"That's a great idea!" Kaede agreed. "Just imagine all the interesting stories they could tell us. It would be like discovering another side of our parents."
With all her innocence and enthusiasm, Kaede took advantage of a quiet moment with Emiko's mom to ask a rather peculiar question.
"Emiko's mom, do you have a husband?" Kaede asked curiously.
Emiko's mom, a bit surprised by the direct question, kindly replied, "No, I'm single, sweetheart."
Kaede's eyes lit up instantly and she exclaimed excitedly, "Then you should marry my dad! He's single too!"
Emiko's mom and Kaede's dad were startled by the unexpected proposal. Both blushed, looked at each other in surprise, unsure of how to react.
Emiko's eyes sparkled at her friend's brilliant idea. She ran up to her mother, overjoyed.
"Yes, mom, marry Kaede's dad so we can all be together!"
Blushing, Emiko's mom laughed shyly and said to Kaede's dad, "Haha, kids, they don't know what they're saying. Oh my, look at the time. We should get going, Emiko," she said as she picked Emiko up in her arms.
Kaede's dad, also blushing, added, "Yes, it's getting late. We should leave. It was a pleasure meeting you all. See you soon."
The parents said goodbye with a smile as they slowly walked away. Emiko and Kaede, insistent, shouted, "Get married! Get married! Get married!" Their parents, still blushing, quickened their pace and gradually disappeared into the distance.
When they got home, Emiko was extremely excited to learn that her mom and Kaede's dad were friends.
"Mom, I didn't know Kaede's dad is your friend!" she exclaimed.
Emiko's mom smiled and calmly replied:
"Yes, sweetheart. Ryosuke and I have been friends and coworkers for a long time. I never mentioned it because I didn't think it was relevant to you."
Emiko was even more surprised and quickly responded:
"Oh, mom! Can I ask you more about your friendship? How long have you been friends? Do you get along well at work?"
Emiko's mom chuckled warmly and said:
"Of course, I can tell you more if it excites you. Ryosuke and I started working together about four years ago, and we've supported each other ever since. We get along very well and enjoy working as a team."
Emiko was fascinated and added enthusiastically:
"That's great, mom! I love knowing that you and Kaede's dad have a good friendship."
Emiko's mom hugged her lovingly and said gently:
"I'm sure you and Kaede will also have a wonderful friendship."
Emiko continued, excited:
"Mom, why didn't Kaede's dad ever mention he had a daughter?" little Emiko asked.
Her mom sighed softly and replied:
"Ryosuke just doesn't like talking much about his private life. He's quite reserved in that area. Even though we're close friends, he tends to keep his personal life separate from work."
Emiko frowned slightly, trying to understand.
"So… do you never mention me at work?"
Her mom smiled and stroked Emiko's hair.
"Oh no, sweetheart. Ryosuke and I talk a lot about our families at work. But he prefers to keep personal matters more private."
Emiko nodded in understanding and said:
"I get it, mom. People have different ways of handling their personal and work lives. I'm glad you and Kaede's dad are friends, and that Kaede and I are friends too."
Emiko's mom smiled and gave her a loving kiss on the forehead.
"I'm happy that you're happy, sweetheart. Friendship is something wonderful, and I hope you enjoy Kaede's company."
Suddenly, the phone on the living room table began to ring. Emiko's mom quickly got up to answer it, and Emiko, curious, eagerly followed her.
Emiko walked into the living room with excitement and saw her mom on the phone. It was Kaede's dad. His trembling voice came through the receiver.
"Hi Misaki, sorry for calling this late. I wanted to know if you and Emiko would like to go to the amusement park tomorrow. Kaede will be coming too."
Emiko got even more excited when she heard this and anxiously waited for her mom's response. Blushing, her mom answered:
"Of course, it would be great to go to the amusement park! We're excited to go with you and Kaede. Thank you for the invitation, Ryosuke."
Kaede's dad replied with excitement:
"I'm really glad you're coming! It'll be a fun day. I'll pick you up in the car to go to the amusement park."
Emiko turned to her mom with a huge smile.
"Mom, this is amazing! We're going to the amusement park with Kaede and her dad! I'm so excited!"
Her mom nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, sweetheart, it's going to be a wonderful day. I'm looking forward to spending time together and getting to know Kaede better."
Emiko woke up early, full of energy and excitement. She quickly went to find her mom, who had already prepared everything for their day at the amusement park.
"Good morning, mom," Emiko said enthusiastically. "I'm so excited to go to the amusement park! How long until Kaede's dad gets here?"
Her mom smiled and checked the clock. "We still have a few minutes, sweetheart. We have time for breakfast before they arrive."
Emiko nodded, and they sat down to eat breakfast together, chatting excitedly about the rides they wanted to enjoy. Afterwards, they showered quickly. Emiko put on something comfortable, and her mom wore her prettiest dress.
Finally, the moment arrived, and Kaede's dad knocked on the door. Emiko ran to open it and found Kaede and her dad, both eager to start their fun-filled day.
"Hi, Emi! Hi, Emi's mom!" Kaede exclaimed excitedly. "Are you ready for an amazing day at the amusement park?"
Emiko nodded enthusiastically and replied, "Yes, we're ready! We're going to have so much fun!"
Kaede's dad looked at Emiko's mom, clearly impressed by how beautiful she looked in her dress. Emiko's mom noticed his gaze and asked:
"Ryosuke, is something wrong?"
Kaede's dad, without meaning to, blurted out, "Ah, no, nothing. It's just that… you look beautiful in that dress." He blushed and quickly covered his mouth.
Emiko's mom smiled shyly and thanked him for the compliment. "Thank you, Ryosuke. You look very nice too," she replied, blushing. The two parents exchanged knowing glances while Emiko and Kaede watched them in confusion.
"Ahh, I see what's going on here. Didn't you say you were just friends and nothing more?" Kaede exclaimed, giving her dad a disapproving look.
"Yeah, Mom, you also said you were just friends," added Emiko with a wide smile.
The adults looked at each other and began to laugh nervously.
"Well, I think we'd better head to the park," said Emiko's mom, blushing.
"Yes, everyone in the car," added Kaede's dad with a nervous smile.
Everyone got into the car and headed excitedly to the amusement park. During the drive, Emiko and Kaede couldn't help but whisper to each other and make funny comments about their parents, while the adults tried to hide their nerves.
Finally, they arrived at the amusement park, surrounded by bright lights, cheerful music, and a wide variety of thrilling attractions. Emiko and Kaede couldn't contain their excitement and ran from one spot to another, deciding which ride to try first.
The parents looked at each other and smiled, knowing this would be an unforgettable experience—not only for their daughters, but also for themselves. They decided to set aside their nerves and enjoy the day together.
They spent hours riding roller coasters, spinning in teacups, and speeding through mechanical rides. Emiko and Kaede couldn't stop laughing and screaming with joy. The parents joined in the fun and forgot all their worries.
Later, Kaede's dad and Emiko's mom decided to go into the Haunted House for a spooky experience. Inside, flickering lights and unexpected scares made Emiko's mom wrap her arms around herself, laughing nervously. In the middle of the darkness, a figure suddenly jumped out, scaring her—and impulsively, she clung to Kaede's dad's arm for comfort.
In that moment, their eyes met, and for an instant, time seemed to stand still. Both blushed, feeling each other's warmth and closeness. Emiko's mom quickly let go and apologized, feeling a bit embarrassed about her spontaneous reaction.
Kaede's dad, however, simply smiled and assured her it was fine. Together, they continued through the Haunted House, laughing and scaring each other along the way.
When they came out, the group reunited, sharing laughs and stories. Emiko and Kaede spotted a carousel in the distance and, fascinated, decided to ride it together. Emiko chose a white horse, while Kaede picked a bright red one.
With cheerful music in the background, the carousel began to spin gently. The two friends smiled as they held tightly to their horses' reins. Emiko looked up at the sky and let herself be carried away by the warm breeze.
As the carousel picked up speed, Emiko and Kaede's laughter filled the air. They felt like they were flying on magical horses—free and joyful.
Sunlight lit up their faces, revealing wide, glowing smiles. As the carousel turned, Emiko and Kaede looked at each other, sharing a moment of pure happiness and friendship.
Time seemed to pause as the carousel spun slowly. Emiko and Kaede savored every second, completely immersed in the magic of the moment.
When the ride finally ended, they stepped off their horses with faces glowing from happiness. They hugged each other, grateful for the beautiful experience they had just shared.
By the end of the day, everyone was tired but happy. On the way home, Emiko and Kaede fell asleep in the car with peaceful smiles on their faces.
As the parents looked at their sleeping daughters, they exchanged looks filled with love and gratitude for having shared such a special day. They realized how much not only the children had enjoyed themselves—but they had too.
When they got home, Emiko's mom thanked Kaede's dad deeply for the wonderful day they had spent together. With great tenderness, she carried her daughter in her arms to her bedroom, making sure she could rest. Emiko sank into her bed, now filled with happy memories, and fell asleep with a smile adorning her face. She knew that day would forever be one of the most special moments of her life.
As Emiko slept soundly, her dreams were filled with laughter, excitement, and joy from the amusement park. When she woke up, she felt a deep sense of gratitude and happiness resonating within her. She knew without a doubt that she would always treasure the beautiful memories created that day.
After that unforgettable outing, Emiko, Kaede, and their parents became inseparable. Bound by the ties of their growing friendship, they shared more adventures together that only strengthened their family bonds. Every time they visited the amusement park, they fondly remembered the magical day on the carousel and made the most of every moment spent together.
One day, Emiko and Kaede were at Emiko's spacious house, enjoying their time together. Excitement and joy filled every corner as they ran from one side to the other, laughing loudly and creating an atmosphere of pure fun.
"This is so much fun!" Emiko shouted as she ran after Kaede.
"Yeah! It's great to laugh and play together," Kaede replied.
Sunlight gently filtered through the windows, lighting up every playful movement as Emiko and Kaede played. Their laughter echoed joyfully throughout the house, filling the space with vibrant, contagious energy.
"Catch me if you can!" Kaede shouted as she dodged Emiko.
"You won't get away that easily!" Emiko called, chasing her.
The two friends kept running endlessly, darting back and forth with boundless energy. Their tiny feet barely made a sound as laughter and playful shouts filled the air like a cheerful melody.
With a mischievous grin, Emiko tapped Kaede's shoulder and exclaimed excitedly, "Gotcha!"
Laughing, Kaede replied, "Oops! Looks like you caught me!"
The special connection between Emiko and Kaede was clear in every game. They knew each other's thoughts and moves, anticipating every play and glance with ease. This made their games even more exciting and fun—there was always a surprise waiting.
"I knew you were hiding there!" Kaede shouted as she found Emiko behind the couch.
Emiko laughed and answered, "You've got a sharp eye."
The house was full of joy and warmth. Their laughter and games created a cozy atmosphere in every room. There was no space for boredom or sadness—only fun and delight between these two inseparable friends.
After a while, Emiko and Kaede decided to take a well-earned break after playing so much. They both sat on the floor, catching their breath, and began chatting with laughter, sharing funny stories from their past mischief.
"Remember that time at the park when you fell into the pond?" Emiko asked, giggling.
"That was so embarrassing. Luckily, I didn't get hurt," Kaede replied, laughing too.
In the middle of their laughter, Emiko suddenly jumped with excitement and exclaimed, "Oh, Kaede! I have a present for you!"
Full of excitement, Emiko stood up and quickly ran to her room, leaving Kaede waiting in anticipation.
After a few minutes, Emiko came back with a small box wrapped in shiny, colorful paper. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she approached Kaede and handed her the gift.
"Here you go," she said excitedly.
Kaede accepted the box, her curiosity growing. She began to carefully unwrap the delicate paper, finally revealing two cat-shaped keychains. One was white and the other was black.
"They're beautiful!" Kaede exclaimed, her eyes glowing.
Emiko explained with excitement, "I saw these keychains and immediately thought of you, Kaede. I wanted to give you something you'd love because of your love for cats."
Kaede hugged Emiko, touched and grateful. It was such a meaningful and personal gift that showed how well they knew each other and how much their friendship meant.
Together, they attached the keychains to their backpacks as a symbol of their lasting friendship, sharing a moment of pure joy and gratitude. They knew these little keychains were more than just objects—they represented their special bond.
"It's a shame we don't go to the same school," Emiko said.
"Yeah, that's true. What if we ask your mom to transfer you to my school?" Kaede replied, excited.
Emiko was surprised by Kaede's suggestion and looked at her with sparkling eyes.
"That would be amazing!" she replied excitedly.
The two friends ran excitedly to where Emiko's mom was. Unable to contain her excitement, Emiko said,
"Mom, can you transfer me to Kaede's school, please?"
Emiko's mom, with a warm smile, lovingly replied,
"Sweetheart, I can't change your school right now since we're in the middle of the school year. If it weren't for that, I'd definitely transfer you so you could be with Kaede."
Emiko felt disheartened upon realizing she couldn't transfer schools yet. Her mother, noticing her sadness, gently comforted her:
"But don't worry. When the year ends, I'll gladly transfer you so you can be with Kaede."
Emiko's eyes lit up with joy and gratitude.
"Thank you, Mom!" she exclaimed. "That would be wonderful!"
Kaede, overjoyed, joined the hug and thanked Emiko's mom. She assured them both that she would do everything possible to make sure they could be together at the same school next year, further strengthening the inseparable friendship between Emiko and Kaede.
One day, after classes had ended, Kaede was walking home, filled with excitement and happiness at the idea of having Emiko at her school the next year. It was such a wonderful feeling that it made her smile from pure joy.
As she crossed the street, distracted by her thoughts, the cat keychain on her backpack fell without her noticing. Once she reached the other side, Kaede realized her keychain was missing, and a wave of panic washed over her. She searched frantically with her eyes and saw the keychain lying in the middle of the street.
Without thinking twice, she ran toward it—unaware that a car was speeding toward her. Bystanders noticed the danger and started shouting at her. Confused by the sudden yelling, Kaede looked up and saw the car just meters away. Fortunately, the driver also noticed in time and swerved to avoid hitting her—but ended up crashing into a pole, destroying the vehicle.
People rushed to help Kaede, who stood frozen in shock, trembling and unable to speak. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized how close she had come to a terrible accident. Strangers comforted her and assured her everything would be alright.
Another group rushed to the car to help the driver. They managed to pry the door open with effort, and upon seeing the man's condition, they expressed deep concern.
Meanwhile, Kaede, overwhelmed with anxiety, made her way through the crowd toward the car. With each step, her heart pounded harder, anticipating the heartbreaking sight that awaited her. A shiver ran down her spine as she whispered,
"Dad?"
In that instant, the world seemed to stop. Kaede realized the bloodied man behind the wheel was her own father. A wave of horror and grief flooded her eyes, threatening to spill over. Her legs gave way under the weight of her anguish, and she collapsed to the ground.
Lost in thought, Kaede hadn't realized her father had been driving toward her at that very moment. Now, he lay injured, in desperate need of help. People around them began calling for an ambulance. Others tried to calm Kaede, making sure she was okay—but she could barely process what was happening, her mind spinning with terrifying images and confused thoughts.
Time dragged on painfully. Every second was an eternity. Finally, the distant sound of sirens broke through the desperate silence. Paramedics quickly took control of the scene, providing care to both her father and Kaede, who remained in shock.
The ride to the hospital was a blur for Kaede. Her thoughts swung between unbearable guilt and the dread of waiting for news. At the hospital, she was taken to a waiting room while doctors treated her father. Time slowed—each minute a new torment. Kaede clung to hope, but her heart was weighed down by fear and uncertainty.
Back at home, Emiko's mother received an unexpected call. It was from the hospital where Kaede's father had been taken. Filled with anxiety, she listened as the doctor on the other end spoke. Without wasting a second, she grabbed her things and rushed out, too worried to explain anything to Emiko.
She arrived at the hospital in haste. After being directed to the waiting area, she found Kaede there. Kaede's tear-filled eyes met Emiko's mother's, who rushed over and embraced her tightly.
Between broken sobs, Kaede muttered,
"It's my fault. My dad had the accident… it was all because of me." Tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.
Emiko's mom tried to comfort her,
"It's okay. Everything's going to be fine. You'll see, your dad will recover."
They held on to each other, waiting anxiously for news about Kaede's father's condition.
Eventually, the doctor exited the room and slowly approached them. His face was serious as he asked to speak privately with Emiko's mother. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy, thick with dread.
"Are you Mr. Ryosuke's wife?" the doctor asked gravely.
The woman nodded, her voice barely a whisper.
"Yes, I'm his wife. Please, tell me what happened to Ryosuke."
The doctor let out a sorrowful sigh before delivering the devastating news.
"I'm very sorry. Due to the severity of his injuries, Mr. Ryosuke has passed away. We did everything we could to save him. I'm truly sorry."
Emiko's mom was frozen, completely in shock. The doctor's words echoed endlessly in her mind, a haunting refrain. Tears began streaming uncontrollably down her face. Pain engulfed her, leaving her devastated. Each breath felt like a struggle; the weight of sorrow crushed her. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. The news of Kaede's father's death hit her like a collapsing world.
Time stood still. Her heart was consumed by profound grief. Reality faded away, leaving her in a desolate void. Tears flowed endlessly, a river of sorrow as she tried to grasp the magnitude of her loss.
Yet in the midst of her own anguish, Emiko's mother couldn't stop thinking about Kaede. How would a little girl handle the death of her father? Her thoughts swirled with uncertainty and worry as she wondered how to help Kaede through such a crushing emotional blow.
She approached Kaede slowly, feeling the crushing weight of grief. Gently, she took Kaede's hands, trying to offer calm and strength amidst the storm. Her eyes were full of compassion as she softly said,
"Kaede, your father has passed away. I know this moment is unbearably painful, but please know you're not alone. I'm here for you, ready to give you all the support you need. Together, we'll find a way to get through this tragedy."
Barely able to speak, Kaede looked up into her eyes, seeking reassurance, some confirmation of those words. But her voice caught in her throat before escaping in a faint whisper:
"No… my dad… my dad is alive. I know it." she said, desperately, pulling away from Emiko's mom's hands and running off without looking back.
Emiko's mom felt her heart twist at Kaede's words. A knot formed in her stomach as the little girl fled from her. The anguish intensified, and her tears poured freely—a mix of sadness, confusion, and fear.
She began to run after Kaede, her heart in her throat, eyes wide with desperation. She couldn't let her go, not in that emotional state. She sprinted as fast as she could, calling out her name in a desperate attempt to stop her.
"Kaede, wait!" Emiko's mom cried out, feeling her legs nearly give way under the weight of grief. But Kaede didn't stop—she kept running, not even glancing back.
Clutching her chest as anxiety gripped her, Emiko's mother feared for Kaede's safety. She was terrified the girl might get hurt—or disappear completely.
Despite her exhaustion, she kept running, tears flying behind her as she struggled to catch up.
"Please, Kaede, stop!" she pleaded, her voice trembling from sobbing.
From a distance, she saw Kaede disappear into a crowd of strangers. A wave of despair overwhelmed her. Her vision blurred from tears, but she kept going—pushing and weaving through the crowd, shouting Kaede's name again and again through the chaos.
Kaede kept running, eventually losing Emiko's mom in the crowd. Emiko's mother was overcome with hopelessness when she realized she had lost sight of her. Tears streamed uncontrollably as she searched desperately, terrified for Kaede's safety, fearing the worst. Her heart pounded wildly while the crowd's voices became a deafening blur. She called her name again and again, praying she would find her safe and sound.
Kaede ran all the way home, locking herself in the room where she used to sleep beside her father. Sobbing, she hugged her father's pillow tightly, clinging to it like her last comfort. Pain and sadness engulfed her as she remembered all the happy moments they had shared. Her tears soaked the pillow, and her labored breathing was a testament to her despair.
At that moment, Emiko's mom arrived at her house and began frantically searching for Kaede. She finally stopped in front of Kaede's bedroom door and, with a trembling voice, softly whispered her name.