A Promise in the Silence of the Forest

Pino, color returning to his face,

his hands growing warmer,

locks eyes with Hana.

The soft evening light shines through the window,

and the crystal tear still in Hana’s hand

glows like the moon.

Pino gives a faint smile.

– “You saved me… but now you must go.”

Hana hesitates.

– “But you’re still weak… I don’t want to leave you alone.”

Pino gently shakes his head.

– “I’ll be fine. I promise.

You need to go to the castle… the festival is near.

I’ll see you there again.”

Hana bites her lip.

– “Promise?”

Pino raises his hand, holding out his pinky finger.

– “Promise. The smallest promises are the strongest.”

Hana gives a soft smile and hooks her pinky with his.

A moment without words,

only the sound of wind, the distant echoes of witches…

and a heart beginning to believe in true friendship.