Earthside: Winter's Prayer

"You think life's going to go easy on you just because it's Christmas, Kyotaro? If anything, you owe me and yourself ten extra laps as a gift." Kurogane-sensei's voice cut through the cold morning air.

"Oh my god…" Kyotaro staggered, sweat dripping down his forehead.

"Don't worry," Kurogane-sensei added with a grin. "You'll be visiting him in a week."

Kael - Entry 15

Today is December 24. On this day, people celebrate a holy figure I read about on the internet. Some say he's the son of God, some say he is God, and others say, "He's not real, move on, bro." Whatever the truth, it's become a big tradition.

It's snowing. In Numeria, especially the capital, you hardly ever see snow. If you want snow there, you go to the mountains. So, seeing the city dusted in white, the streets and roofs all covered and bright, is a new and exciting feeling for me.

On days like this couples usually hang out and do romantic things. But today I want to spend it with mom. Kazuki, I read your diary and you mentioned how much this day matters to your family, so I asked Hana about it. She said it's the day your father went missing at sea and you and your mom visit his grave every year, on this day.

Hana wanted to go out with me later, but I told her I wanted to give the whole day to mom. Taking this one day for my mother feels right.

My relationship with Hana is going well. We hang out a lot — just the two of us or with Kyotaro and Aoi — going to karaoke and the arcade. Taking some time off from seeing each other is a good refresher. Although, we're supposed to visit a shrine together, in 6 or 7 days.

I'm really enjoying this life. The peacefulness, the normal stuff: waking up, having breakfast with Mom, going to school with Hana, sitting at class, seeing Kyotaro, working at the store and doing homework. I'm grateful for this chance. I don't know how long I'll be here, so… yeah. Enjoying every moment, as always.

After finishing his entry, Kael stepped out of his room.

Every morning, Kazuki's mom would be in the kitchen with the radio on, humming along, maybe even swaying to the music as she cooked. But today was different. She sat at the table in silence, her forehead resting against the back of her hands.

Kael walked over, lowered himself to her level, and asked gently,

"Mom… you okay?"

She looked up at him and forced a small smile.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Yes, I'm fine… just a little cloudy, that's all."

Kael pulled out a chair and sat across from her.

"Do you need anything from me?" he asked.

She shook her head. "No. Let's have breakfast, then we'll go visit your father afterwards."

"Okay, mom," Kael replied softly.

She smiled again, though the sadness in her eyes was unmistakable.

After breakfast, they dressed warmly for the day. Kael wore a navy peacoat over a thick gray sweater, with gloves; mom had knitted for him last month. She wore a long, dark overcoat. She carried a small bouquet of fresh white lilies.

They stepped outside into the quiet hush of falling snow. The streets were blanketed in white. Every step crunched faintly beneath their boots. 

The walk to the cemetery was slow and steady. Trees along the path stood bare, their branches outlined in frost. Finally, they reached a quiet corner where older graves rested. There, beneath a tall pine dusted with snow, lay a stone marked with Kazuki's father's name, Takao Hasunuma. The snowfall had softened its edges, covering it in a delicate white blanket.

Kael stood beside her as she brushed the snow away with her gloved hand and gently placed the lilies before the grave.

For a moment they both stayed silent. Then she began to speak.

"Takao was a good man, a caring man. He was not just my husband, but my best friend—someone I could share all my secrets with. No matter what he was going through, he was always there for me, helping me through rough times.

When you were born, you became the center of his world. He worked and worked, just so he could buy you anything you wanted. When you got sick, I remember seeing him cry in the shower for your health. I can't count the nights he stayed awake to make sure you were fine.

He went without new clothes for the new year, but he always made sure you and I had them. His teeth gave him problems, but he never fixed them—yet if ours so much as ached, he took us straight to the doctor.

When he left us, I worried about how I was going to provide for us. But then I discovered the money he had saved, and the life insurance he left behind. It enough to move us forward. Even in death, he was still supporting us.

He was truly a good husband and father."

Kael, imagining what his father must have been like, said quietly, "He was the best father one could ask for."

His mother looked at the grave. "When he passed away, the role of both father and mother fell to me. Takao… forgive me if I wasn't able to fulfill your role. Kazuki, forgive me for my shortcomings."

Kael hugged her tightly. "Don't say that, mom. You did all you could for me. You and Hana are what I truly value in this world. I promise, one day I'll be just like dad—someone you can rely on."

Tears welled in her eyes and slipped down her cheeks. She turned and wiped them away, forcing a smile. "You're trying to act manly in front of your father now, aren't you?"

Kael smiled. "Come on, Mom. Let's go spend the day together."

She nodded. "Don't forget to buy fried chicken for dinner."

Together they rose, bowed their heads, and said their farewell before leaving the grave behind.

On the day of the shrine visit, she helped him dress in his finest, saying, "You need to look great for the New Year shrine visit, sweetie. Hana will be dressed well, and you should do the same."

When he arrived at the shrine, Kael saw Hana waiting in a captivating dress. She was wearing a soft, cream-colored dress with delicate lace at the sleeves and hem. Her hair was tied loosely with a ribbon that fluttered in the gentle winter breeze.

"Hi, Hana," Kael said, smiling. "You look… amazing."

She blushed slightly and returned his smile. "Hey, Kael. You look great too. I missed you… I've gotten used to seeing you every day, and this week apart felt so long."

Kael's lips curved into a gentle smile. For a moment, they just held each other's gaze.

"What should we do now?" Kael asked after a heartbeat.

Hana reached out and took his hand. "First, we wash our hands and rinse our mouths at the water basin. It's to purify ourselves before praying."

They moved together to the basin, splashing cold, clear water over their hands and rinsing their mouths.

"Then we go to the shrine," she explained, leading him to the main hall. "Toss a coin, bow twice, clap twice, then pray silently. Finish with one more bow."

Following her lead, Kael tossed a coin into the offering box and they performed the ritual together.

When they finished, Hana squeezed his hand. "Now it's time for the fortune slip," she said, smiling. They each drew their slip, and Kael read his quietly, while Hana's brightened with a wide grin. Hana's read Great Luck, while Kael's read Divided Path. She looked at him, wondering what he pulled. "If it's bad, we usually tie it to a tree branch in here to leave behind the bad luck."

"Maybe I should." Kael said, scratching his head.

As they began to leave, Hana stopped abruptly. "Wait," she said, disappearing into a small stand nearby. Moments later, she returned holding a tiny charm. "Here," she said, placing it in Kael's hand. "It's a good luck charm. For you."

Kael looked at the small, delicately carved charm and then back at her, eyes softening. "Thank you, Hana. I'll treasure it."

Kael asked softly, "What did you pray for?"

Hana grinned. "A full score on the final exams." Then she tilted her head. "What about you, Kael?"

He hesitated, then said, "I wished I could spend another year with you and mom."

Her cheeks flushed. She leaned close, hugged him, and whispered, "I lied. I prayed I could visit the shrine again with you for the next year."

Kael's chest tightened. He gently took her hand. With a faint smile, he whispered, "If I'd known you wished for my stay, I would've wished for the final exams instead."

Hana laughed as they walked away from the shrine, hoping for good fortune in whatever awaited them.