Fragments of Memory 4

In the library at dusk, Sora stood by the window. Outside, golden ginkgo leaves swayed in the autumn breeze. The scene quietly stirred memories from seven years ago. That day too, the sunset had streamed in just like this.

"Poor child... only ten years old." "To lose both parents at once..." Whispers from relatives gathered at the funeral reached young Sora's ears as she sat in her black clothes. Her parents' memorial portraits on the pure white altar gleamed ephemerally in the sunset light. Sora remained silent in formal seiza position. When adults around her said "You're being so brave" or "What a good girl," she would only nod slightly. No tears, no sobbing. It was a defense mechanism created by a mind not yet able to accept reality.

"She hasn't cried at all." "Perhaps the shock was too great..."

Concerned adult gazes focused on Sora. But to her, even their worry felt like events from a distant world. After the funeral, relatives gathered to discuss Sora's future. A heavy atmosphere hung over the meeting.

"My husband keeps getting transferred, we can't provide a stable home." "I'm too weak to handle raising a child." "With young children at home, taking in Sora might disrupt our family." The relatives each tried to avoid taking her in, citing their family circumstances. Under the implicit understanding that they couldn't shame the family name, a delicate negotiation continued as they tried to shift responsibility. "But putting her in an institution would disgrace the Hojo name!" "That's true, but who will take responsibility..."

As the relatives argued about passing her around, Sora just sat quietly. As if they weren't discussing her at all.

Then, an elderly gentleman who had been silently listening from the corner of the room stood up. "Enough. Stop this arguing." At Seiichirou Hojo's voice, everyone fell silent. No one could oppose the words of this business world giant. "I will take Sora." A brief but powerful statement. Everyone present showed expressions of surprise.

"But Father, are you sure that's alright?" "With your busy work schedule..." When a relative hesitantly spoke up, Seiichirou responded calmly. "I have a duty to protect this child. And you all seem to not understand how important Sora is to the Hojo family."

No one could argue against Seiichirou's determined gaze. And from that day, Sora's new life began.

A mansion like a luxurious Western-style house, 24-hour butler and maid service, education from top-tier private tutors. Despite having everything she could need, Sora's heart remained frozen. After six months, Sora finally spoke up decisively. "Grandfather, I... want to go to England." A wish to place herself in a new environment where her maternal grandparents of British noble descent lived. It was also an expression of her desire to escape, even temporarily, from Japan which held too many memories. Grandfather thought deeply before quietly nodding. "Very well. But there are conditions." They were: to return to Japan during holidays, and to come back for high school.

Life in England gave Sora a new perspective. Days at a strict boarding school, learning aristocratic graces, and above all, a new environment where no one knew her past. There, Sora put on a mask to protect herself. Perfect grades, refined behavior, and a coldness that never opened her heart to others. This became her new identity, earning her the nickname "Ice Queen."

Seven years later, Sora enrolled in a Japanese high school as promised. "A transfer student from England?" "She's beautiful... but has such an unapproachable aura." With classmates' whispers behind her, Sora entered the classroom maintaining a perfect expressionless face. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Sora." A short, concise introduction. It held an iciness like a frozen sculpture, devoid of any unnecessary emotion. Her classmates caught their breath at the sight. Beautiful appearance, outstanding academic ability, perfect etiquette. Everything spoke of her upbringing as a "young lady." However, her attitude of never letting anyone close earned her the nickname "Ice Queen."

Choosing to live alone was also calculated. Living in Grandfather's mansion would draw even more attention. Moreover, that house was saturated with memories of her parents. The library became Sora's sanctuary. In this quiet space where no one approached, she immersed herself in books. In the world of stories, she believed she could forget the pain of reality. But occasionally, unexpected memories would assault her. Mother's gentle voice: "I love you, Sora." Father's warm hand: "You're our family's treasure."

Scenes of memories illuminated by the setting sun would suddenly return. Each time, Sora would don an even colder mask. Showing emotion meant exposing weakness. She kept telling herself this. But she truly understood. This mask wasn't just to protect herself. "If I show my tears... Grandfather will be sad." Grandfather who always doted on her. The only ray of hope in the darkness after losing her parents. She didn't want to worry him any more. So Sora decided. To remain perfect. To continue being an exemplary existence - showing no emotion, letting no one close, yet always excelling. She made herself believe this was her destined fate. "In the end, I don't need warm relationships." Telling herself this, Sora continued gazing at the sunset through the library window. Ginkgo leaves danced in the wind as gentle light illuminated her profile. The scene looked exactly the same as seven years ago. However, change had begun to quietly visit Sora's heart.