“I’m sorry, I have to return to England.”

 

While playing at the park like we normally did, the Onee-san who had always looked after me suddenly told me this. 

 

I knew we would have to part ways someday, but even so, I can still remember how shocked I was.

 

“We can’t meet anymore…?”

 

“Akihito-kun…”

 

I can’t say what expression I had at that moment, but I remember her face suddenly contorting, as if she was in pain.

 

However, she quickly returned to her usual, gentle smile. 

 

“Hmm, we’ll meet again. Not now, but when you’re all grown up Akihito-kun, I’ll come for you,” she said while gently patting my head. 

 

Now that I think about it, I think she was just trying to comfort me. But at the time, I had genuinely believed that she would come for me. 

 

“You promise…?”

 

“Yes, I promise. Next time we meet, let’s live together as a family.”

 

"Then, I'll grow into a fine man by the next time I see you."

 

She was someone I had looked up to. That was why I wanted to become a man worthy of her. 

 

“Hehe, I’m sure you will, Akihito-kun. Now, shall we pinky promise?”

 

And so, I made a pinky promise to Onee-san. 

 

But… that promise was never kept.  







TL Note: Onee-San technically means "big/older sister", but is also a general term used for older female figures as a sign of respect.