Hope

The soft clink of silverware on porcelain echoed through the quiet dining room, as though each small sound fought against the weight of the silence. Evening light bathed the space in a golden glow, the warmth doing little to lift the mood of those seated around the table. Four people sat, eating in shared silence, their minds far away, tangled in memories that weighed heavy on their hearts.

Ayumu's hand trembled as she brought her fork to her mouth, her gaze fixed on the hamburger steak in front of her. It was Satoshi's favorite. Her heart ached as she took a bite, her mind conjuring up the image of her son's face, grinning as he used to devour this very meal. Her chest tightened, and she could no longer hold back the tears that had threatened to spill all evening.