A Story About a Girl Who Took Life for Granted and Fell in Love With a Kind and Introverted Boy

[Thursday, July 11, 2024, Sunny]

Starting today, when my daughter was born, I’ll keep a diary!

It hurt so much I almost passed out, but I’m so glad I managed to give birth safely!

Kenji held my hand the entire time, giving me so much courage. Thank you, Kenji.

Kenji and I decided to name our daughter “Kaoru”! Looking forward to being with you, Kaoru!

[Friday, September 6, 2024, Cloudy]

Kaoru is still so tiny! When I hold her, she feels so soft, like tofu!

Kenji and I both tremble while holding her!

It’s impossible to imagine that this little one will grow up someday.

[Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Sunny]

Happy New Year! Akemashite omedetou!

It’s our first New Year as a family of three! We took Kaoru to a shrine, but she got startled by the crowd and cried. Sorry about that, Kaoru!

By the way, my fortune was “great luck”! It said something about marriage going well, which made me laugh so much! It’s already going great, God!

I hope we can continue being a happy family.

[Friday, July 11, 2025, Sunny]

Happy first birthday, Kaoru!

You can’t eat cake yet, but you managed to eat half a strawberry!

When you grow up, let’s enjoy cake together!

[Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Rainy]

Guess what! Kaoru said “Mama”!

Kenji was at work, but I couldn’t help myself and called him, sending a video too!

Kenji got so emotional he cried, saying, “It’s true!” I couldn’t help but cry too.

Let’s keep raising Kaoru together, Kenji!

[Saturday, August 15, 2026, Sunny]

We went to the beach as a family today!

As soon as Kaoru saw the ocean, she ran toward it, grabbed some sand, and threw it into the water!

When Kenji asked, “What are you doing?” Kaoru said, “I want to fill up the ocean!” Kenji and I couldn’t stop laughing!

Kids really do have amazing imaginations!

[Friday, August 16, 2026, Weather unspecified]

I lost my wedding ring… It must have been at the beach yesterday.

There’s no way it’s still there, even if I look now. Ugh, I feel so ◯◯ (the writing is too messy to read).

[Saturday, September 9, 2028, Cloudy]

Our second child, Tadashi, was born today!

When Kaoru saw her baby brother for the first time, she said, “Babies are so small!” You were small too, you know?

Now we’re a family of four! I hope we stay a happy family.

[Saturday, March 31, 2029, Sunny]

We had a barbecue today! I saw Miyuki, Yanagihara-san, and Fujiyama-kun for the first time in ages!

Kaoru had fun playing with everyone, and it was a great day!

But Miyuki seemed a little off. There was a bit of distance between us. I wonder if she still resents me for ending up with Kenji…

Maybe she holds a grudge against me.

Still, I love Miyuki.

She always cares about my family and, despite everything, she’s kind. Even if she secretly hates me, my feelings for her won’t change.

I wonder if there’s anything I can do for her. I hope Miyuki finds happiness.

[Monday, November 9, 2029, Snowy]

Kenji and I had a rare argument today.

We were both stressed from being so busy, and we ended up fighting over something silly—whether or not to cook rice for tomorrow.

But we apologized right away. Kenji and I both deeply value the time we get to spend together, so we’re quick to make up.

I want to cherish these feelings forever.

Kenji, I’m sorry for today. I love you.

[Thursday, March 3, 2033, Sunny]

Miyuki came over today! She brought her partner, Ninomiya-san!

Since same-sex marriage isn’t allowed in Japan yet, they’re planning to move to Sweden to live together.

Ninomiya-san has a boyish appearance but is very polite and cheerful inside.

Miyuki, congratulations again! Wishing you both happiness!

[Monday, April 7, 2037, Sunny]

Kaoru started junior high today!

The little baby who used to babble is now old enough to wear a school uniform. It’s so emotional!

When we tried to take a family photo, Kaoru said, “I want to be alone,” and Kenji and I were both shocked, saying, “Is this the rebellious phase?!”

Kaoru is growing up so quickly.

[Wednesday, July 18, 2040, Rainy]

Tadashi got into a fistfight with a classmate at school today!

Apparently, the classmate was bullying one of Tadashi’s friends in the art club.

Hitting someone isn’t the right thing to do, but I think it’s kind of sweet that Tadashi stood up for his friend.

He’s growing into a kind person in his own way, different from Kenji. It’s clear he’s becoming his own person.

[Sunday, June 30, 2041, Cloudy]

Kaoru brought her boyfriend home today!

His name is Ryunosuke Chagawa, a soft-spoken guy with curly hair and glasses. He seems really kind, which is a relief for me as her mom!

He loves novels and reads a lot, which reminds me of Kenji. I couldn’t stop grinning!

But the funniest part was Kenji’s reaction! He muttered, “Kaoru has a boyfriend… I’m so lonely…” and sulked all by himself!

Kenji, you’re as adorable as ever!

Don’t worry, Kenji! I’ll always be by your side!

[December 4, 2043 (Friday) Snowy]

Guess what! Miyuki came back from Sweden after such a long time! We’ve kept in touch over the phone, but it’s been ages since we’ve met in person!

She and Ninomiya-san looked so happy together! They weren’t shy about showing their affection in front of everyone.

When I told Kenji, “Let’s make sure we stay just as lovey-dovey as them!” his face turned bright red! Kenji is still so adorable!

[May 10, 2046 (Thursday) Rainy]

Masashi said he wants to go to art school. He dreams of becoming an illustrator.

Kenji and I told him it might be tough to make a living as an illustrator, especially in this age where AI is so advanced, but he still insisted.

Well, this is Masashi’s life. It wouldn’t be right for us to interfere too much. I remember how much I hated being compared to Miyuki and being scolded to “study harder” by my mom.

Thinking about it now, though, Mom must have been worried about me in her own way. Now that I’m a mother myself, I finally understand.

I think I’ll visit her grave soon.

[March 26, 2047 (Tuesday) Sunny]

Kaoru got a job, and Masashi got accepted into an art university outside the prefecture! Today, both of them finally moved out.

Ah, it’s so lonely. The house was always noisy with the two of them, but it was so much fun.

Well, no use dwelling on it! I’m thinking of enjoying the quiet and spending more loving time with Kenji. As a couple, we can make the most of this time together!

[September 3, 2055 (Friday) Cloudy]

There was a high school reunion today! Yanagihara-san, Fujiyama-kun, Naito-san, and Nagasaki were all there, and it was so much fun! Everyone’s gotten older, with wrinkles and all. You can really feel the passage of time.

I was hoping to see Mayu and Arisa too, but they didn’t come. What a shame.

Still, Kenji had a good time, and it was great catching up with familiar faces.

[November 10, 2059 (Monday) Light Rain]

Kenji and I went to the museum today! We hadn’t been to a planetarium in ages, and it was so much fun!

It brought back memories of when we were students, wandering around museums together.

Kenji, thank you for being with me today. Let’s go to the planetarium together again!

[November 11, 2059 (Tuesday) Weather Unrecorded]

No entry.

[November 12, 2059 (Wednesday) Weather Unrecorded]

No entry.

[November 13, 2059 (Tuesday) Weather Unrecorded]

Kenji passed away. It was a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

[November 30, 2059 (Sunday) Weather Unrecorded]

The funeral and sorting through Kenji’s belongings are done for now.

I always thought I was prepared for the day Kenji would leave. Ever since that time in our student days when he was in a coma, I’ve known this day would come. I lived trying to talk to him as much as possible.

But still, his absence is so painful. I miss you, Kenji.

[December 3, 2059 (Wednesday) Weather Unrecorded]

Kenji left so much for me.

He loved me so deeply, so wholeheartedly.

And I loved him just as much. I told him I loved him every day, and he did the same for me.

Thank you, Kenji, from the bottom of my heart.

I’ve cried so much since you’ve been gone. I’ll probably keep crying whenever I think of you.

Kenji, I’m sorry for worrying you.

[August 15, 2060 (Sunday) Sunny]

Today was such a clear, bright day, and at night the stars were dazzling.

Among them, I spotted the constellation Scorpio. Seeing Scorpio reminded me of Night on the Galactic Railroad.

Hey, Kenji, are you riding that train now?