Token of Gratitude

I look at myself in the mirror, how much brighter I am compared to just a few months ago, despite I am not taking care of myself in the slightest. Hopes are shining through my body, it feels like I am invincible.

"My book is releasing soon! Can we meet somewhere? I want to give a copy!" Sent to Otsuka and the musician I met at the station back then. I genuinely forgot I had his contact, even though he took part in getting me inspired.

I meet Otsuka at a family restaurant near the high school. Even though I just said that I look brighter, she's so much brighter seeing me.

"This is my thanks, for letting me know that there are people who like my works." As I hand it to her, I can't contain my smile still thinking that this would ever happen.

She starts shining even brighter, with sparkles in her eyes like fireworks at a summer festival. "I'm so happy for you, thank you so much!"

It fills me with so much joy that I can see the enjoyment someone got from my work, in person. Being appreciated is something that I almost never experienced in my adult life. I found my place.

The tunnel is getting brighter.

"I will keep drawing."

"And I will keep writing."

Next up, Iwakura Chiaki, which I just remembered because I asked his name when I said that I want to give him a copy. I am such a terrible person.

A week later, I stepped again into this city, and this is the first time that someone is waiting for me.

"Sorry that I never contacted you after I got home."

"I never contacted you either, haha."

We then eat at a restaurant nearby.

I hand him the book, "Thank you for helping me keep going."

"Thank you. So you got your dream, yeah?"

"Mm-hmm, what about you?"

"I think so. People are listening to my music, not many but enough to make me happy."

I pull out my pinky, "Promise me that you'll keep going."

He accepts my pinky promise, "I will."

"I want you to write songs for my works if they ever be adapted into a film."

"I can't wait."

What a coincidence that I met these people when I was at my lowest, I could've been jumping in front of a train out of depression. But it keeps me going, the two lights that help me see in the tunnel, and now I become one of their lights as well.

I will keep writing, to become a light in everyone's tunnel.